Summary
Spamhaus IP blacklisting can occur due to a multitude of reasons ranging from Spamhaus internal technical 'blips' to issues like spam, malware, spam traps, high bounce rates, being part of a botnet, subscriber complaints, sending to invalid addresses, poor sending practices, sudden spikes in volume, spam-like content, low engagement, and poor infrastructure. Resolution commonly involves cleaning lists, improving practices, IP warming, authentication, monitoring reputation, contacting blacklist providers, securing systems, and adhering to best practices. Monitoring blacklists and identifying cause and adhering to specific delisting policies are key.
Key findings
- Multifaceted Causes: Blacklisting can arise from both technical issues at Spamhaus and a wide array of poor sending practices.
- Comprehensive Resolution: Addressing the issue requires a multi-pronged approach including fixing technical issues, improving email practices, and engaging with blacklist providers.
- Proactive Monitoring Crucial: Regular monitoring of blacklists, sender reputation, and adherence to best practices are essential.
Key considerations
- Address all factors: Acknowledge that many factors can cause blacklisting, from email content to security.
- List Hygiene Matters: Invest heavily in regular email list cleaning and engagement monitoring.
- Ensure Proper Authentication: Prioritize email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and adhere to sender guidelines.
- Understand Specific Policies: Always review the specific delisting policies for the specific blacklist.
What email marketers say
11 marketer opinions
Spamhaus IP blacklisting can occur due to various reasons, including technical glitches at Spamhaus, spam traps, high bounce rates, being part of a botnet, subscriber complaints, sending to old or invalid email addresses, poor sending practices, sudden spikes in email volume, spam-like content, low engagement, and poor sending infrastructure. Resolutions involve technical fixes by Spamhaus, cleaning email lists, improving sending practices, warming up new IPs, authenticating email, monitoring sender reputation, contacting the blacklist provider, improving email validation practices, implementing double opt-in, ensuring recipient opt-in, setting up feedback loops, thoroughly investigating the cause, implementing corrective measures, and actively engaging with blacklist providers for delisting. Communications about incidents may be found on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn.
Key opinions
- Multiple Causes: Blacklisting stems from diverse issues: technical errors to poor email practices.
- Proactive Monitoring: It's essential to monitor sender reputation and blacklist status regularly.
- Communication Channels: Information about blacklisting events can be found on various platforms.
- Delisting Process: Resolving blacklisting involves fixing the cause and requesting delisting.
Key considerations
- List Hygiene: Maintaining a clean and engaged email list is crucial.
- Authentication: Proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is vital.
- Sending Practices: Adhering to best practices for email sending volume and content is necessary.
- Incident Response: Have a plan to quickly identify, address, and communicate about blacklisting incidents.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks mentions communications about the Spamhaus incident are available on Twitter and LinkedIn.
11 Dec 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from Mailjet explains that being blacklisted may be caused by multiple issues, which can be anything from subscriber complaints to sending to old email addresses or using poor sending practices. They can be resolved by improving list hygiene, warming up new IP addresses, authenticating email, and monitoring sending reputation. You should be able to delist yourself when the issue is resolved.
28 Nov 2024 - Mailjet
What the experts say
3 expert opinions
A Spamhaus IP blacklisting issue can stem from technical glitches resolved by Spamhaus or from typical DNSBL reasons like sending spam or malware. Resolutions involve either Spamhaus's own fixes, or identifying, correcting, and requesting delisting. Monitoring blacklists proactively is essential to address issues and reviewing/contacting blocklist policies.
Key opinions
- Cause Variety: Blacklisting can arise from both internal system errors within Spamhaus and external actions related to spam and malware.
- Resolution Steps: Resolving a blacklisting issue involves identifying the cause, fixing it, and requesting delisting.
- Proactive Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blacklists is essential for early detection and quick resolution of IP issues.
Key considerations
- Technical Issues: Recognize that blacklisting can sometimes be due to technical issues outside of your control.
- Investigate Listings: Take immediate steps to find out exactly why you are on a blocklist and fix any issues.
- Policy Review: Always review the specific delisting policies for the specific blacklist you are listed on.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains there was a blip on Spamhaus listings. Spamhaus is aware and they are on it, and it's been resolved. If a ticket was opened, a response may not be received due to the high volumes of tickets Spamhaus received.
3 Dec 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Spamresource.com explains that IP addresses get listed on DNSBLs (DNS Blacklists) for various reasons including sending spam, malware, or exhibiting suspicious activity. Resolution typically involves identifying the cause of the listing, correcting the issue, and then requesting delisting from the specific DNSBL.
31 Jul 2021 - Spamresource.com
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
Spamhaus IP blacklisting, as indicated by documentation, arises from spam or malware activities, sending unsolicited emails, compromised servers, and poor sender reputation due to factors like spam rate and authentication issues. Resolution universally involves identifying the cause of the listing, rectifying the issue (securing systems, improving authentication, maintaining low spam rates), and then requesting delisting. Microsoft also recommends sending only wanted emails, setting up SPF records, and joining Microsoft SNDS.
Key findings
- Root Causes: Blacklisting is a consequence of sending spam, malware, unsolicited emails, or having compromised servers, all contributing to poor sender reputation.
- Resolution Process: The standard resolution includes identifying the cause, fixing the problem, and requesting delisting.
- Proactive Measures: Maintaining low spam rates, implementing proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and adhering to sender guidelines are key to avoiding blacklisting.
Key considerations
- Security: Ensure your systems are secure and not compromised to send unsolicited emails.
- Authentication: Implement and maintain proper email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
- Sender Reputation: Actively monitor and manage your sender reputation to maintain good standing with email providers.
Technical article
Documentation from Google Postmaster Tools shows that factors impacting sender reputation, which can lead to blacklisting, include spam rate, IP reputation, and authentication. To avoid blacklisting, best practices such as maintaining low spam rates, authenticating emails, and adhering to Google's sender guidelines should be followed.
29 Jun 2023 - Google
Technical article
Documentation from DigitalOcean shares that blacklisting can result from sending unsolicited emails or having compromised servers. Resolving the issue often involves identifying and securing compromised systems, improving email authentication, and requesting delisting after addressing the cause.
29 Sep 2021 - DigitalOcean
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