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How to remediate Microsoft SNDS blocking a single IP in a pooled environment?

Summary

When operating in a pooled IP environment, it can be frustrating and confusing to see only one of your IPs blocked by Microsoft Smart Network Data Services (SNDS) while others perform well. This common issue arises despite sending similar volumes and content across all IPs in the pool. Remediation often involves direct engagement with Microsoft's support channels, consistent monitoring of SNDS data, and meticulous review of sending practices to pinpoint the underlying cause.

What email marketers say

Email marketers often find themselves perplexed when a single IP address in a shared or pooled environment is disproportionately impacted by Microsoft's blocklists, despite seemingly identical sending practices across all IPs. This phenomenon is widely acknowledged as a common, albeit frustrating, aspect of email deliverability, suggesting that the logic behind such singular targeting isn't always obvious or directly tied to clear sending violations.

Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks indicates that they are currently dealing with a situation where Microsoft SNDS has completely blocked one of their IPs (SMTP 550 block list) while another IP in the same pool remains 'green' despite an even 50/50 sending split across both. This inconsistency in blocking behavior within a pooled environment is a significant challenge to diagnose and resolve, especially when sending identical campaign types through both IPs.

08 Aug 2019 - Email Geeks

Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks states that they have indeed experienced similar, seemingly illogical situations where one IP in a pool is singled out for blocking by Microsoft, finding it doesn't make any sense given their sending practices. The commonality of this issue suggests that there are factors beyond straightforward sending volume or obvious content issues that influence Microsoft's reputation systems for individual IPs within a shared setup.

08 Aug 2019 - Email Geeks

What the experts say

Deliverability experts generally concur that single IP blockages within a pooled environment by Microsoft SNDS are a complex issue, often defying simple explanations. They stress the importance of understanding the nuances of Microsoft's filtering algorithms, which can react to subtle signals specific to an individual IP, even when shared alongside others. Remediation requires a multi-faceted approach, combining direct communication with Microsoft, deep-dive data analysis, and proactive reputation management.

Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks suggests that differences in recipient engagement, even with supposedly equal volume distribution, can disproportionately affect one IP's reputation in a pool. This is because ISPs like Microsoft analyze user feedback at a very granular level, and even small variations in complaint rates or engagement for specific IP ranges can lead to targeted blocklisting.

01 Oct 2023 - Email Geeks

Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise frequently highlights that IP reputation is built and maintained over time, and even momentary spikes in negative activity (like spam trap hits or high bounces) on a single IP within a pool can trigger immediate filtering actions from major ISPs. This emphasizes the need for continuous vigilance rather than just periodic checks.

10 Apr 2024 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says

Official documentation and research into botnet remediation or email service practices often acknowledge the complexities of IP reputation within shared or pooled environments. While direct guidance on 'single IP blocking in a pool' by Microsoft might be limited to support channels, the broader principles highlight how even minor anomalies or disproportionate negative feedback tied to a specific IP can trigger targeted mitigation by ISPs. Understanding these underlying mechanisms is crucial for effective remediation.

Technical article

Documentation from IETF Datatracker (draft-oreirdan-mody-bot-remediation) notes that when a single public IP address has been used by multiple devices, any of these devices can become infected with a bot. The consequence for an ISP is that remediation must address potential malicious activity linked to that specific IP, even if it's part of a larger network, explaining why individual IPs might be singled out.

20 Feb 2019 - IETF Datatracker

Technical article

RFC 6561 (Recommendations for the Remediation of Bots in ISP Networks) provides recommendations on how Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can use various remediation techniques to manage the effects of malicious bot activity. This illustrates the complex nature of network abuse that can lead to IP blocks, and why an ISP might focus on a single IP address if it shows signs of compromise or malicious behavior, even within a larger pool.

20 Mar 2012 - IETF Datatracker

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