How to resolve Optonline IP blacklisting issues?

Summary

Resolving Optonline IP blacklisting issues involves a multi-faceted approach. First, identify the specific blacklist causing the problem using online tools. Given Optonline's use of Proofpoint, checking your IP's status there is crucial, and delisting should be requested if necessary. Contacting Optonline directly through abuse@ or postmaster@ is recommended. Recognize that the block might be internal to Optonline, not a public RBL. Investigate the reasons for blacklisting, addressing issues like spam complaints, invalid addresses, or compromised systems. Ensure your server configuration is correct with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records. Monitor bounce rates and spam complaints to maintain a good sender reputation. Follow the specific delisting procedures for each blacklist (Spamhaus, Proofpoint, Microsoft) and provide detailed information on corrective actions taken. Finally, be aware that blacklisting often results from a combination of poor sending practices, and understanding these underlying issues is critical.

Key findings

  • Identify Blacklist: Determine which specific blacklist(s) are listing your IP.
  • Check Proofpoint: Optonline uses Proofpoint; check your IP's status and request delisting if needed.
  • Contact Optonline: Contact Optonline's abuse/postmaster for information and resolution.
  • Internal Block Possible: The block might be an internal Optonline block, not a public RBL.
  • Address Underlying Issues: Fix spam complaints, invalid addresses, compromised systems, etc.
  • Correct Server Configuration: Ensure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are properly configured.
  • Follow Delisting Procedures: Adhere to the delisting process for each relevant blacklist (Spamhaus, Proofpoint, etc.).

Key considerations

  • Comprehensive Approach: Blacklisting often results from multiple factors; address all underlying issues.
  • Specific Blocklist Procedures: Each blacklist has its unique delisting process; follow them carefully.
  • Sender Reputation: Monitor bounce rates and spam complaints to maintain a good sender reputation.
  • Bounce Message Analysis: Review bounce messages for error codes for troubleshooting clues.
  • Effort vs Impact: Consider the effort required vs the value of reaching the Optonline users.

What email marketers say
9Marketer opinions

Optonline IP blacklisting issues can be resolved by first identifying the cause and the specific blacklist involved. Checking Proofpoint is crucial as Optonline utilizes it. Contacting Optonline's abuse/postmaster channels or reaching out to Cloudmark/Proofpoint may help. Ensure your server configuration is correct, including SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records. Monitor bounce rates and spam complaints. The block could also be an internal Optonline blocklist.

Key opinions

  • Check Proofpoint: Optonline uses Proofpoint, so check your IP's status there and request delisting if necessary.
  • Contact Optonline: Reach out to Optonline's abuse or postmaster channels to inquire about the blacklisting.
  • Internal Blocklist: The block might be an internal Optonline issue not reflected in public RBLs.
  • Identify Blacklist: Find out which specific blacklist is causing the issue to address it directly.
  • Correct Issues: Address the underlying causes of blacklisting, such as spam complaints or invalid addresses.
  • Request Removal: After fixing the issues, contact the blacklist administrator with evidence of correction to request removal.
  • Check Configuration: Ensure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are properly set up on your server.

Key considerations

  • Effort vs. Impact: Evaluate the effort required to resolve the issue against the value of emailing the affected Optonline users.
  • Bounce Response: Carefully examine the bounce response messages for specific details about the blacklisting.
  • Sender Reputation: Monitor bounce rates and spam complaints to maintain a good sender reputation.
  • Underlying Problems: Address underlying issues, such as sending to old or invalid email addresses, high complaint rates, and poor list hygiene.
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests that the block may be an internal blocklist, as the bounce response does not specify an RBL.

January 2025 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from GlockApps explains that if you are on a blacklist, identify it and determine the reason. Correct any issues causing the blacklisting, such as spam complaints or sending to invalid addresses. Contact the blacklist administrator to request removal, providing evidence of corrected issues.

July 2024 - GlockApps
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks suggests that the block may be an internal blocklist, as the bounce response does not specify an RBL.

November 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit suggests checking your server's configuration, ensuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are properly set up. Also, monitor bounce rates and spam complaints to maintain a good sender reputation.

February 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from MailerQ explains that you should find out which blacklist is causing the issue, then try to solve the issue. First check if the IP or domain actually is blacklisted, then analyse why, then contact the blacklist.

February 2022 - MailerQ
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that others have complained about Optonline and suggests contacting abuse@optonline.net or postmaster@optonline.net, or reaching out to Cloudmark/Proofpoint. Also, attempting resolution via customer service or Altice is an option.

June 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests checking Proofpoint's IP listing as Optonline uses Proofpoint. Provides a link to check and delist: https://ipcheck.proofpoint.com/

October 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that others have complained about Optonline and suggests contacting abuse@optonline.net or postmaster@optonline.net, or reaching out to Cloudmark/Proofpoint. Also, attempting resolution via customer service or Altice is an option.

December 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks suggests checking Proofpoint's IP listing as Optonline uses Proofpoint. Provides a link to check and delist.

August 2023 - Email Geeks

What the experts say
2Expert opinions

Resolving Optonline IP blacklisting involves first identifying which specific blacklists are listing your IP address using online tools. Once identified, the next step is to investigate the reasons for the listing, often stemming from issues like sending to invalid email addresses, high complaint rates, or poor list hygiene. Understanding and addressing these underlying problems is crucial for resolving blacklisting issues effectively.

Key opinions

  • Identify Blacklists: Determine the specific blacklists listing your IP address using online tools.
  • Investigate Reasons: Understand the causes behind the blacklisting, such as invalid addresses or high complaint rates.

Key considerations

  • Underlying Issues: Recognize that blacklisting often results from a combination of factors including sending to old/invalid addresses, high complaint rates, and poor list hygiene.
  • Comprehensive Resolution: Addressing the underlying issues causing the blacklisting is critical for a successful resolution.
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that blocks often happen because of a combination of factors, including sending to old or invalid email addresses, high complaint rates, and poor list hygiene. Understanding these underlying issues is critical to resolving blacklisting problems.

February 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that the first step in dealing with blacklisting issues is to determine which blacklists are listing your IP address. There are tools and services available online to help you check your IP against multiple blacklists simultaneously. Once you identify the specific blacklists, you can then investigate the reason for the listing and take steps to resolve it.

June 2023 - Spam Resource

What the documentation says
3Technical articles

Resolving Optonline IP blacklisting involves understanding why your IP is listed on specific blocklists like Spamhaus, Proofpoint, and Microsoft. Each requires identifying the cause (e.g., spam activity), taking corrective actions, and following their respective delisting procedures. These procedures typically include submitting a form with details of the corrective measures taken and evidence that the issues have been resolved. Reviewing bounce messages for error codes can help in troubleshooting.

Key findings

  • Understand Listing Reason: Determine why your IP is on a specific blocklist (Spamhaus, Proofpoint, Microsoft).
  • Corrective Actions: Take steps to resolve the underlying issues that caused the blacklisting (e.g., stop spam activity).
  • Follow Delisting Process: Adhere to the specific delisting procedures outlined by each blocklist provider (Spamhaus, Proofpoint, Microsoft).

Key considerations

  • Specific Blocklist Procedures: Each blocklist provider has its own unique delisting process and requirements.
  • Detailed Information: Provide detailed information about the corrective actions taken when submitting delisting requests.
  • Bounce Message Analysis: Review bounce messages for error codes to help diagnose and troubleshoot delivery issues.
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft explains that to troubleshoot email delivery issues, review the bounce messages for specific error codes. Ensure your sending IP is not on any Microsoft block lists. If blocked, follow the instructions in the bounce message or submit a delisting request through the Sender Information form, providing detailed information about your sending practices.

June 2021 - Microsoft
Technical article

Documentation from Proofpoint explains that to request delisting from Proofpoint's IP reputation lists, use their IP check tool to check your IP's reputation, then follow the delisting procedure outlined on their site. This usually involves providing information to demonstrate that the issues leading to the listing have been resolved.

February 2025 - Proofpoint
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus explains that if your IP address is listed in the Spamhaus Block List (SBL), you should first understand why it was listed. Common reasons include spam activity or compromised systems. Once the issue is resolved, follow the Spamhaus removal process, which may involve filling out a form with details about the corrective actions taken.

August 2022 - Spamhaus