How to submit Cloudmark remediation requests using email fingerprint data and headers?
Matthew Whittaker
Co-founder & CTO, Suped
Published 20 Jul 2025
Updated 19 Aug 2025
7 min read
Dealing with email deliverability issues can be challenging, especially when you encounter blocklists (or blacklists) that prevent your messages from reaching their intended recipients. Among the various reputation systems, Cloudmark stands out with its unique approach, relying heavily on message fingerprints in addition to traditional IP reputation. Understanding how to navigate Cloudmark's system, particularly when your emails are being filtered due to content or structural analysis, is crucial for maintaining good inbox placement. It's not always about an IP block, sometimes the problem lies within the message itself.
When your emails are flagged by Cloudmark, you might receive bounce messages or simply notice a drop in deliverability. The key to successful remediation lies in correctly identifying the root cause, which often involves deciphering the specific information Cloudmark provides in your email headers. This data, particularly the fingerprint analysis, is essential for crafting an effective remediation request.
I've often seen senders confused about whether they have an IP blocklist issue or a content-based filtering problem. Cloudmark uses advanced algorithms to create unique fingerprints for emails, which means even if your sending IP is clean, your email content or structure could be triggering filters. This guide focuses on how to address these fingerprint-related issues by utilizing the specific data found in your email headers.
Understanding Cloudmark fingerprints and headers
Cloudmark's system creates unique fingerprints for every message, analyzing various aspects of the email, including content, formatting, and sending patterns. These fingerprints are then compared against a continuously updated database of known spam and legitimate emails. If your email's fingerprint matches that of a message Cloudmark deems 'spammy,' it can lead to filtering or blocklisting, even if your IP address isn't on a traditional IP blacklist.
The critical piece of information for understanding Cloudmark's assessment of your email is the X-Authority-Analysis header. This header contains the actual fingerprint data and scores that Cloudmark assigns to your message. It's a string of characters and values that tells you why an email was flagged. This contrasts with an IP block, which usually manifests as a 5xx SMTP bounce code mentioning the specific blocklist.
Here is an example of what a Cloudmark X-Authority-Analysis header might look like. This string is what Cloudmark uses to classify your message.
The information embedded in this header is what Cloudmark's support team will primarily use to investigate why your email was filtered. Without it, you are submitting a remediation request (or removal request) essentially blind.
Identifying the problem: fingerprint versus IP block
The first step in any remediation process is accurate diagnosis. Cloudmark handles IP blacklists and content-based fingerprinting through separate mechanisms, and submitting your request to the wrong channel can lead to delays or no resolution.
If you receive a 5xx SMTP bounce message explicitly stating an IP block from Cloudmark's CSI (Cloudmark Sender Intelligence), then you would typically use their CSI remediation form. This is for IP-level reputation issues. However, if your diagnostic tools or bounce messages indicate a problem related to content, a generic bounce message, or a high spam score without a clear IP block, you're likely dealing with a fingerprint issue.
A crucial indicator of a fingerprint issue is the presence of the X-Authority-Analysis header in your delivered (or rejected) email. If this header is present and indicates a spam classification, it's a strong sign that Cloudmark's content filtering is at play. Don't waste time on an IP blocklist form if this is the case.
Impact: Affects all emails from that specific IP address, regardless of content.
Fingerprint (content) indicators
Header presence: The X-Authority-Analysis header is present and assigns a high spam score or indicates a spam classification.
Inconsistent delivery: Some emails get through, others are filtered, suggesting content rather than a blanket IP block.
Impact: Affects emails with similar content or structure, even if sent from different IPs on the same domain.
Gathering the necessary data for remediation
For a successful Cloudmark remediation request related to fingerprint data, you need to provide specific information. The most crucial pieces are the full email headers of a message that was incorrectly filtered and, specifically, the content of the X-Authority-Analysis header.
Your email service provider (ESP) or an email diagnostic tool typically provides access to these full headers. Look for a feature like "view original" or "show raw message" in your email client or the ESP's logs. The X-Authority-Analysis header will be within this full header block. Make sure to copy the entire header content, as every line can be relevant.
Key data for remediation
Full message headers: This includes all the technical information about the email's journey. You'll need to save it as a plain text file for attachment.
X-Authority-Analysis header: Extract this specific header and paste it directly into the body of your support ticket.
SMTP 5xx response (if applicable): If you received a bounce that indicated a Cloudmark rejection, include the exact bounce message. However, for fingerprint issues, this is often absent.
Detailed description: Explain what type of email it was (transactional, marketing), what happened (blocked, sent to spam), and why you believe it was a false positive.
While tools can help, sometimes the exact format needed for the remediation form can be tricky to extract. Always ensure you are copying the complete, raw header data, not just snippets, as Cloudmark's analysis relies on the full context.
Submitting the remediation request
Once you have all the necessary data, the next step is to submit your remediation request to Cloudmark. For fingerprint (content) issues, you will typically use their general support or accuracy reporting channels, rather than the IP-specific CSI remediation form. The key is to open a ticket that clearly indicates you are reporting a false positive based on message content.
In the body of your request, paste the full X-Authority-Analysis header. Then, attach the complete original email, including all headers, as a plain text file. This gives Cloudmark's analysts all the information they need to review your message and its classification. Be clear and concise in your explanation of why you believe the email was incorrectly flagged as spam.
Remediation for fingerprint issues often requires adjusting your email content, formatting, or sending practices to avoid triggering spam filters. It's not just about getting an IP removed from a blacklist (or blocklist), but about improving your overall email reputation and deliverability. Follow any instructions Cloudmark provides closely, and be prepared to make adjustments based on their feedback.
Views from the trenches
Best practices
Always retrieve the full, raw email headers, not just snippets.
Identify the specific X-Authority-Analysis header for fingerprint issues.
Use Cloudmark's designated accuracy reporting channels for content problems.
Clearly explain why your email is a false positive in the remediation request.
Monitor your deliverability closely after submission and adjust content if needed.
Common pitfalls
Submitting a fingerprint issue to the Cloudmark CSI IP blocklist remediation form.
Not providing the complete email headers as an attachment.
Failing to include the X-Authority-Analysis header in the ticket body.
Expecting immediate IP block removal for a content-based filtering problem.
Not understanding the difference between IP blocks and fingerprint issues.
Expert tips
Use diagnostic tools to automatically extract and analyze Cloudmark headers for campaigns.
Double-check Cloudmark's accuracy reporting guidelines before submitting your request.
If unsure, submit both the fingerprint and a 5xx bounce (if any) with full context.
For persistent issues, consider refining email content and sender behavior over time.
Keep records of all communication and reference IDs for follow-up.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says: If your data from 250ok (or similar diagnostic tool) indicates a Cloudmark fingerprint issue, you should use their support portal specifically for Cloudmark Authority to report it, not the general CSI IP remediation form.
2019-06-03 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says: A Cloudmark fingerprint indicates a content or pattern-based issue, not an IP block, so different reporting guidelines, such as their accuracy reporting guidelines, apply.
2019-06-03 - Email Geeks
Key takeaways for Cloudmark remediation
Navigating Cloudmark's filtering system requires a precise understanding of its mechanisms, particularly the distinction between IP blocklists (or blacklists) and content-based fingerprinting. Unlike a straightforward IP block that might yield a clear 5xx SMTP bounce, a fingerprint issue demands a deeper dive into your email headers.
The X-Authority-Analysis header is your most valuable asset when seeking remediation for content-related filtering. By providing this specific data, along with the full email headers, to the correct Cloudmark support channel, you significantly increase your chances of a successful resolution. This proactive approach helps Cloudmark understand the false positive and guides you toward necessary adjustments in your sending practices.
