Summary
The October 2020 false Spamhaus listing, caused by a new feature generating false positives, highlights the critical importance of robust Quality Assurance (QA) within blocklist operations. These lists, like Spamhaus, aim to combat spam and cyber threats using verifiable criteria. However, even temporary listings can significantly impact email deliverability and sender reputation. Therefore, continuous monitoring of IP and domain reputation, maintaining open communication with blocklist providers, and actively participating in feedback loops are essential. Addressing issues, demonstrating compliance, and understanding delisting procedures are also crucial. Blocklist operators should enhance QA by incorporating real-world data and sender feedback, emphasizing transparency and accountability as standard practice.
Key findings
- Cause of Incident: The Spamhaus incident was triggered by a new feature producing false positives.
- Impact on Deliverability: Even brief blocklist listings can negatively impact email deliverability and sender reputation.
- Importance of Robust QA: Robust QA processes are crucial for blocklist providers to minimize false positives.
- Proactive Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of IP and domain reputation is vital for early detection.
- Communication is Key: Open communication with blocklist providers facilitates swift resolution of listing issues.
- Feedback Loops: Participating in feedback loops enhances the accuracy of blocklist assessments.
- Transparency Matters: Transparency and accountability are essential in blocklist operations.
Key considerations
- Enhance QA Processes: Blocklist providers should enhance QA by incorporating real-world data and sender feedback.
- Monitor Reputation: Regularly monitor IP and domain reputation to identify potential blocklist issues.
- Establish Communication Channels: Establish open communication channels with blocklist providers.
- Address Issues Promptly: Promptly address any identified issues to facilitate swift delisting.
- Participate in Feedback Loops: Actively participate in feedback loops to improve blocklist accuracy.
- Understand Delisting Procedures: Fully understand delisting procedures to navigate the process effectively.
- Good QA Exists: Well managed blocklists have QA processes.
What email marketers say
8 marketer opinions
The brief false Spamhaus listing in October 2020, and similar incidents, highlight the critical need for robust Quality Assurance (QA) processes within blocklist operations. False positives can significantly damage legitimate businesses by impacting email deliverability, leading to bounces, hindered communication, and damaged sender reputation. Continuous monitoring, feedback loops, and open communication channels with blocklist providers are essential for identifying, addressing, and quickly resolving listing issues. Even temporary listings can have lasting effects, necessitating proactive measures to rebuild trust with mailbox providers. Incorporating real-world data and feedback from email senders into blocklist QA processes can help minimize false positives.
Key opinions
- Impact of False Positives: False positives on blocklists can severely impact email deliverability and sender reputation.
- Need for Robust QA: Blocklists require robust Quality Assurance processes to minimize false positives.
- Importance of Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of IP and domain reputation is crucial for early detection of blocklist listings.
- Communication is Key: Maintaining open communication channels with blocklist providers facilitates quick resolution of issues.
- Lasting Impact: Even brief listings can have a lasting impact, requiring proactive measures to rebuild trust.
Key considerations
- QA Enhancement: Blocklist providers should enhance their QA processes with real-world data and sender feedback.
- Proactive Approach: Senders should take proactive steps to address temporary listings, including identifying the cause and implementing corrective actions.
- Feedback Loops: Implementing and leveraging feedback loops can improve deliverability and reduce false positives.
- Reputation Monitoring: Regularly monitor IP and domain reputation to identify and address potential blocklist issues promptly.
- Communication Strategy: Establish a clear communication strategy with blocklist providers to resolve listings efficiently.
Marketer view
Email marketer from EmailVendorSelection user notes that even brief listings on blocklists can have a lasting impact on sender reputation and require proactive measures to rebuild trust with mailbox providers.
18 Jul 2022 - EmailVendorSelection
Marketer view
Email marketer from MXToolbox shares that being listed on a major blocklist like Spamhaus can severely impact email deliverability, leading to bounces and hindering communication with customers, and prompt action is needed to investigate and resolve the listing.
27 Jan 2025 - MXToolbox
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
The brief false Spamhaus listing in October 2020 was attributed to a new feature that generated false positives in a production environment and was quickly removed. This incident underscores the importance of robust Quality Assurance (QA) processes at blocklist providers. Continuous monitoring of blocklists is crucial for swiftly identifying false positives and minimizing their impact on deliverability. Furthermore, establishing good relationships with blocklist operators and participating in feedback loops are key for the prompt resolution of any listing issues, including false positives. The event also highlights that well-managed blocklists do employ QA processes.
Key opinions
- Cause of Listing: The false Spamhaus listing was caused by a new feature producing false positives.
- Importance of QA: The incident underscores the need for robust QA processes at blocklist providers.
- Monitoring Essential: Continuous monitoring of major blocklists is vital for identifying false positives quickly.
- Relationship Matters: Good relationships with blocklist operators facilitate prompt resolution of issues.
- Feedback Loops Important: Participation in feedback loops aids in resolving listing issues effectively.
- QA in place: Better run blocklists do have QA processes.
Key considerations
- Monitor Blocklists: Implement continuous monitoring of major blocklists to detect issues promptly.
- Build Relationships: Cultivate positive relationships with blocklist operators to expedite resolutions.
- Participate in Feedback: Actively engage in feedback loops to improve the accuracy of blocklist assessments.
- Review QA Processes: Regularly review and improve QA processes to minimize false positives.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks mentions it’s beneficial for people to recognize that well-managed blocklists have a QA process in place.
24 Feb 2025 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares that the issue was on Spamhaus’ side, with listings active for less than 20-30 minutes due to a new feature showing false positives in production and being quickly pulled.
22 Nov 2023 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Spamhaus aims to provide real-time threat intelligence data for anti-spam technology by tracking spam and related cyber threats. Their blocklists use criteria based on evidence of spam activity, malware distribution, or botnet operations, emphasizing verifiable and ongoing abuse. Standard practices, as described by the IETF, stress transparency and accountability in blocklist operations, including clear delisting procedures and feedback mechanisms. To request delisting from Spamhaus, identified issues must be addressed, compliance demonstrated, and a formal request submitted.
Key findings
- Spamhaus Purpose: Spamhaus tracks spam and cyber threats for real-time threat intelligence.
- Listing Criteria: Listings are based on verifiable evidence of spam, malware, or botnet activity.
- Transparency Needed: Transparency and accountability are crucial in blocklist operations.
- Delisting Process: Delisting requires addressing issues, demonstrating compliance, and submitting a request.
Key considerations
- Understand Spamhaus: Understand Spamhaus's goals to better understand how they operate.
- Review Criteria: Review and understand Spamhaus's listing criteria to avoid being listed.
- Implement Transparency: Implement transparency and clear delisting procedures in blocklist operations.
- Prepare for Delisting: Understand and prepare for the delisting process if listed by Spamhaus.
Technical article
Documentation from Spamhaus describes the criteria used for listing IPs, domains, and networks in their blocklists, including evidence of spam activity, malware distribution, or botnet operations, emphasizing the need for verifiable and ongoing abuse.
18 Dec 2023 - Spamhaus
Technical article
Documentation from Spamhaus explains the Spamhaus project's purpose, focusing on tracking spam and related cyber threats such as phishing, malware, and botnets, to provide reliable and real-time threat intelligence data used in anti-spam technology.
3 Oct 2023 - Spamhaus
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