What caused the Spamhaus IP blacklisting issue and how was it resolved?
Summary
What email marketers say11Marketer opinions
Marketer from Email Geeks mentions communications about the Spamhaus incident are available on Twitter and LinkedIn.
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.
Marketer from Email Geeks shares that something went wrong with Spamhaus, and they stopped it and are purging the listings. Tickets will be deleted en masse.
Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum shares that resolving blacklisting involves thoroughly investigating the cause, implementing corrective measures like improving list quality, and actively engaging with blacklist providers for delisting.
Email marketer from StackOverflow shares that common causes for email blacklisting include spam traps, low engagement, and poor sending infrastructure. Solving this issue would be to improve email validation practices, implement double opt-in, and monitor sender reputation.
Email marketer from SparkPost Blog explains that sending too many emails too quickly from a new IP can trigger blacklisting. The resolution involves gradually increasing sending volume (IP warming), monitoring reputation, and ensuring proper email authentication.
Email marketer from Reddit explains that IP blacklisting can occur due to sudden spikes in email volume or spam-like content. Resolution may involve contacting the blacklist provider, improving sender reputation, and ensuring compliance with email marketing best practices.
Email marketer from Woodpecker explains that a sudden spike in bounce rates, low engagement rates, and poor list hygiene can get you blacklisted. You should fix the issues and then request to be removed.
Email marketer from Snov.io explains how to check if your IP address or domain is on an email blacklist. If you are you need to identify the reason for the blacklisting, take action to address the issue and then contact the blacklist provider to request delisting.
Email marketer from Email Hippo Blog shares that Spamhaus listings can be caused by spam traps, high bounce rates, or being included in a botnet. Resolution involves cleaning email lists, improving sending practices, and requesting delisting from Spamhaus.
Email marketer from SendPulse shares that reasons for blacklisting includes spam complaints, sending to invalid addresses, or poor IP reputation. Solution consists of ensuring recipient opt-in, cleaning email lists, setting up feedback loops, authenticating emails, and initiating the delisting process.
What the experts say3Expert opinions
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.
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.
Expert from Word to the Wise shares you need to monitor blacklists to proactively address IP issues. If you get on a blocklist you need to find out why and resolve the issue, you should always review the blocklist's policies and attempt to contact them to resolve the issue.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
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.
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.
Documentation from MXToolbox describes that blacklists aggregate information about IPs and domains known for sending spam. To resolve issues, identify which lists you're on, determine the reason, fix it, and request delisting.
Documentation from Spamhaus.org explains that the Spamhaus Block List (SBL) lists IP addresses involved in spam or malware activities. It is resolved by identifying and rectifying the cause of the listing, then requesting delisting.
Documentation from Microsoft shares the SmartScreen Filter in Outlook identifies spam messages, and can lead to blocking your server. Improve reputation by only sending wanted emails, setting up SPF records, and joining Microsoft SNDS.