Why is my IP listed on Spamhaus and how do I resolve it?

Summary

An IP address can be listed on Spamhaus for various reasons, including direct involvement in spam activities (sending unsolicited bulk email, hosting malware, botnet participation), association with a network that doesn't adequately prevent spam, or practices that resemble spamming (like using multiple domains in a snowshoe fashion). If using a shared IP address, the actions of other users can affect your reputation. Key steps to take include checking your IP's status on the Spamhaus website, identifying the cause of the listing by reviewing sending practices and feedback loops, contacting Spamhaus for specifics, improving IP reputation through best practices (double opt-in, segmentation, removing inactive subscribers), implementing email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), monitoring reputation using tools like Google Postmaster Tools, warming up new IPs, and maintaining a low spam rate. It's crucial to choose a reputable ESP, follow the appropriate delisting process for the specific blacklist, and proactively manage your email program to ensure long-term deliverability.

Key findings

  • Multiple Causes: Listings result from spam activities, poor prevention, or suspicious practices.
  • Shared IP Risk: Shared IP users are vulnerable to the actions of others.
  • Spamhaus Tools: Spamhaus provides tools to check IP status and guides to delisting.
  • Authentication Matters: Proper email authentication helps prevent spoofing and improve deliverability.
  • Proactive Monitoring: Reputation monitoring tools are crucial for identifying and addressing issues.
  • Best Practices: Following best practices in list management and sending improves deliverability.

Key considerations

  • Check IP Status: Regularly check your IP's status on Spamhaus and other blocklists.
  • Identify the Cause: Determine the specific reason for the listing (spam, compromised account, etc.).
  • Contact Spamhaus: Contact Spamhaus to understand their specific concerns and requirements.
  • Improve Practices: Implement best practices to improve IP reputation and prevent future listings.
  • Monitor Continuously: Continuously monitor your sending reputation and address any issues promptly.
  • Choose ESP Wisely: Select an ESP with a strong reputation and proactive IP management practices.

What email marketers say
7Marketer opinions

Several factors can lead to an IP address being listed on Spamhaus. If using a shared IP, the actions of other users can negatively impact your reputation. Identifying the cause involves auditing sending practices, checking for compromised accounts, ensuring proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and reviewing feedback loops. Best practices for improving IP reputation include using double opt-in, segmenting email lists, removing inactive subscribers, and monitoring bounce rates and spam complaints. Monitoring tools like Google Postmaster Tools and blocklist monitoring services can provide insights into your sending reputation and alert you to potential issues. Warming up new IPs gradually is crucial for building a positive reputation. Maintaining a clean IP reputation demands continuous effort and vigilance, along with proactive reputation management.

Key opinions

  • Shared IP Risk: Actions of other users on a shared IP can lead to blacklisting.
  • Authentication is Key: Proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) prevents spoofing and improves deliverability.
  • Monitor Reputation: Tools like Google Postmaster Tools and blocklist monitors are crucial for tracking IP reputation.
  • Gradual Warmup: New IPs need to be warmed up slowly to build a positive reputation.
  • Clean List Hygiene: Double opt-in, segmentation, and removing inactive subscribers are vital.

Key considerations

  • Identify Cause: Thoroughly investigate the cause of the listing (sending practices, compromised accounts, feedback loops).
  • Choose Reputable ESP: Select an Email Service Provider (ESP) that actively manages IP reputation.
  • Proactive Monitoring: Implement ongoing monitoring of bounce rates, spam complaints, and blocklist status.
  • Immediate Action: Take immediate action to address issues and request delisting when alerted to a problem.
  • Continuous Effort: Maintaining a clean IP reputation is an ongoing process, requiring vigilance and proactive management.
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum recommends improving IP reputation by implementing best practices, such as using double opt-in, segmenting your email list, and removing inactive subscribers. They suggest you also monitor bounce rates and spam complaints and address any issues promptly.

December 2024 - Email Marketing Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from EmailDeliverabilityBlog.com shares that if you're using a shared IP address, the actions of other users on that IP can affect your reputation and lead to blacklisting. It's essential to choose a reputable email service provider (ESP) that monitors and manages IP reputation.

August 2021 - EmailDeliverabilityBlog.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet shares that it is important to monitor your sending reputation using tools like Google Postmaster Tools. This provides data on spam rates, IP reputation, and domain reputation, helping you identify and address potential deliverability issues.

April 2021 - Mailjet
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus stresses the importance of proper email authentication using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. She says that these protocols help verify the sender's identity and prevent spoofing, improving email deliverability and reducing the risk of being blacklisted.

July 2022 - Litmus
Marketer view

Email marketer from GlockApps explains that blocklist monitoring tools can alert you when your IP address is listed on a blocklist. This allows you to take immediate action to investigate the cause and request delisting.

January 2024 - GlockApps
Marketer view

Email marketer from SendGrid answers that if you're using a new IP address, it's important to warm it up gradually by sending small volumes of email to engaged subscribers. This helps build a positive reputation with ISPs and improves deliverability.

February 2023 - SendGrid
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit explains that identifying the cause of the listing involves checking your email sending practices, looking for compromised accounts, and reviewing feedback loops. He says also check that you are fully authenticating your email with SPF, DKIM and DMARC.

September 2021 - Reddit

What the experts say
5Expert opinions

Spamhaus listings can stem from various issues. Using multiple domain names in a way that resembles snowshoe spamming, coupled with inconsistent DNS records, raises suspicion. Listings are often due to spam complaints, poor list hygiene, or compromised accounts. To resolve listings, it's crucial to contact Spamhaus for specific details about their concerns and to proactively manage IP reputation through continuous monitoring, addressing complaints promptly, and implementing preventative measures. Understanding the specific type of blacklist is also important for determining the appropriate delisting process. Sending relevant, wanted email to engaged subscribers is key to avoiding blacklists.

Key opinions

  • Snowshoe Spamming: Using multiple domain names in a snowshoe-like pattern can lead to suspicion.
  • Complaint Driven: Spam complaints are a significant driver of Spamhaus listings.
  • Poor List Hygiene: Poor list hygiene contributes to blacklisting issues.
  • Proactive Reputation: Proactive and continuous reputation management is key to long-term deliverability.
  • Know Your Blacklist: Understanding the type of blacklist helps determine the resolution process.

Key considerations

  • Contact Spamhaus: Reach out to Spamhaus for specific details on why your network is listed.
  • Address Root Cause: Identify and resolve the underlying issues causing spam complaints or poor reputation.
  • Clean DNS Records: Ensure DNS records are clean and consistent.
  • Engaged Subscribers: Focus on sending relevant email only to engaged subscribers.
  • Implement Preventative Measures: Implement technical and procedural measures to prevent spam and abuse.
Expert view

Expert from Spamresource.com shares that maintaining a clean IP reputation requires ongoing effort and vigilance. This includes monitoring your sending practices, addressing spam complaints promptly, and implementing technical measures to prevent abuse. They also state that proactive reputation management is crucial for long-term email deliverability success.

March 2021 - Spamresource.com
Expert view

Expert from Spamresource.com explains that there are different types of blacklists, including those based on spam traps, honeypots, and complaint data. Understanding the type of blacklist your IP is on can help you determine the cause and the appropriate delisting process.

May 2021 - Spamresource.com
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks says that the multiple domain names used by the company look a bit like snowshoe spamming. He notes domains like mininaked.com and ajdaristore.com are present on the same /24 IP range. He also states that the various reverse DNS records pointing to Cloudflare is not clean. Although not a direct cause, he suggests this could make Spamhaus suspicious of the network space.

April 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks advises Stephan to contact Spamhaus CSS removals and explain that their network space (162.251.4.0/24 and 162.251.5.112/28) should not be sending problematic mail. He suggests asking Spamhaus for more details about their concerns to either fix the issue or put pressure on the hosting provider.

July 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise responds that Spamhaus listings are often due to spam complaints, poor list hygiene, or compromised accounts. He stresses that focusing on sending relevant, wanted email to engaged subscribers is key to avoiding blacklists.

May 2022 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
5Technical articles

IP addresses are listed on Spamhaus due to involvement in spam activities, such as sending unsolicited bulk email, hosting malware, or being part of a botnet, or if the associated network inadequately prevents spam. You can check your IP's status on the Spamhaus website using their IP and Domain Reputation Checker. The delisting process varies, with some lists allowing direct removal requests and others requiring contacting your ISP. Maintaining a low spam rate (below 0.10% in Gmail) is crucial, and Microsoft SNDS provides data on your IP's reputation and spam trap hits.

Key findings

  • Spam Activities: Involvement in spam activities leads to Spamhaus listing.
  • Spamhaus Checker: Use Spamhaus' IP and Domain Reputation Checker to check your IP's status.
  • Varied Delisting: The delisting process differs depending on the specific blocklist.
  • Low Spam Rate: Maintain a low spam rate (below 0.10% in Gmail) to avoid deliverability issues.
  • Microsoft SNDS: Microsoft SNDS provides data on IP reputation and spam trap hits.

Key considerations

  • Identify Activity: Determine if your IP has been involved in any spam-related activities.
  • Check Spamhaus: Regularly check your IP's status on the Spamhaus website.
  • Follow Delisting: Follow the appropriate delisting process based on the specific blocklist.
  • Monitor Spam Rate: Actively monitor and maintain a low spam rate to prevent issues.
  • Utilize SNDS: Use Microsoft SNDS to monitor your IP's reputation and spam trap hits.
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus explains that IP addresses are listed due to involvement in spam activities, including sending unsolicited bulk email, hosting malware, or being part of a botnet. They may also be listed if they are associated with a network that doesn't adequately prevent spam.

July 2023 - Spamhaus.org
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus shares that you can check your IP address status on the Spamhaus website using their IP and Domain Reputation Checker. This tool will show if your IP is listed in any of their blocklists.

June 2022 - Spamhaus.org
Technical article

Documentation from Google says to maintain a low spam rate. Keep user-reported spam in Gmail below 0.10% and avoid ever reaching a 0.30% spam rate. If you are, you may encounter delivery issues

October 2024 - Google
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus answers that the delisting process varies depending on the specific blocklist. For some lists, you can request removal directly through the Spamhaus website. For others, you need to contact your ISP or hosting provider to resolve the underlying issue.

November 2024 - Spamhaus.org
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft says that the Sender Network Data Services (SNDS) program provides data about your IPs reputation and Spam Trap hits within Microsoft's email services

March 2023 - Microsoft