Should the X-originating-IP header be removed for email deliverability and security?
Summary
What email marketers say11Marketer opinions
Email marketer from SuperUser explains that removing the X-Originating-IP header might reduce the amount of information available to potential attackers. However, removing the header provides very limited additional security.
Email marketer from Reddit suggests that while removing X-Originating-IP might seem like a good idea for privacy, it won't significantly affect deliverability. Spam filters are sophisticated and look at many factors, not just a single header.
Email marketer from Mailjet Help Center states that the X-Originating-IP header reveals the sender's IP address, which could potentially expose internal network information. Removing it might slightly improve privacy but has minimal impact on deliverability as modern filters rely on more sophisticated methods.
Email marketer from MXToolbox support notes that factors like domain reputation, blacklist status, and proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) are significantly more important for email deliverability than the presence or absence of the X-Originating-IP header.
Email marketer from EmailServerForum.net mentioned that he removes the X-Originating-IP as standard practice for enhanced security, however this is more about securing the server rather than improving email deliverability.
Email marketer from StackExchange explains that removing X-Originating-IP can provide a slight privacy benefit by obscuring the originating IP, but its impact on security and deliverability is limited. Modern email systems use more advanced methods of identifying and filtering spam.
Marketer from Email Geeks shares that removing the X-originating-IP header has no influence on deliverability.
Email marketer from Sendgrid shares that best practices in email includes ensuring authentication protocols, such as SPF and DKIM, are set up correctly rather than obsessing over the removal of headers such as X-originating-IP.
Marketer from Email Geeks advises not worrying about filters scrutinizing messages based on header removal. Focus on privacy/security concerns related to exposing internal network topology with internal _received-by_ headers, and be aware of Zimbra's expectations regarding certain headers for bounceback detection. Mentions version headers could be disabled.
Email marketer from EmailVendorSelection.com shares that removing the X-Originating-IP header might offer a marginal privacy improvement but has a negligible impact on email deliverability. Modern spam filters prioritize authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and engagement metrics.
Email marketer from Quora explains that removing the X-Originating-IP header provides limited security by removing the sender's IP address, it has little impact on the email's deliverability.
What the experts say5Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks explains that the X-originating-IP header, when trusted, is used in filtering decisions and can improve reputation from mail coming out of a shared IP. Depending on the implementation, it may be showing corporate or employee IPs.
Expert from Email Geeks, Laura Atkins, agrees with Ken O'Driscoll, stating there's no harm in removing the X-originating-IP header.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that while removing the X-Originating-IP header might offer a slight reduction in disclosed information, it is unlikely to significantly affect deliverability. Modern spam filters focus on other factors.
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that email deliverability depends on many factors, and while removing the X-Originating-IP header can provide a marginal privacy improvement, it will not likely have an impact on deliverability. Senders should focus on their IP reputation and sender authentication practices.
Expert from Email Geeks shares that it is generally frowned upon to remove received headers.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from RFC Editor specifies that while trace headers like Received fields are essential for diagnosing delivery issues, custom headers such as X-Originating-IP are not standardized. Their removal does not violate email protocol standards, and their utility is dependent on specific implementations.
Documentation from DKIM.org details how DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) focuses on verifying the sender's domain and message integrity. The presence or absence of the X-Originating-IP header does not affect DKIM validation and, therefore, has no direct impact on deliverability for DKIM-authenticated emails.
Documentation from SANS Institute details how headers in general are a small impactor in email deliverability. Its a good practice but it doesn't not have a significant impact. X-originating-IP in particular is of little impact.
Documentation from Microsoft Docs details that Exchange Online Protection (EOP) primarily focuses on authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and sender reputation based on various signals rather than relying on IP address information in headers like X-Originating-IP for filtering decisions. Therefore, its removal is unlikely to impact deliverability negatively.