Why is Spamhaus blocking my RBL queries and how do I fix it?
Summary
What email marketers say12Marketer opinions
Email marketer from DigitalOcean explains that ensuring proper DNS records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial for email deliverability and avoiding blacklists. Make sure your DNS records are correctly configured and validated.
Marketer from Email Geeks shares a link to Spamhaus documentation stating that if you query Spamhaus' DNSBLs via OVHcloud's DNS, you should move to the free Data Query Service (DQS).
Email marketer from Reddit user 'mailadmin' shares that Spamhaus often blocks dynamic IPs or residential IPs. The solution is to use a static IP address or a reputable email sending service.
Email marketer from Reddit user 'email_expert' shares that if you are using a shared IP address, your IP reputation can be affected by other users. Consider switching to a dedicated IP or using an email service provider with good reputation management.
Email marketer from Stack Overflow user 'John' mentions that if your IP is listed on Spamhaus, you should first identify the cause (e.g., compromised server, spamming scripts). Clean your server, secure it, and then follow Spamhaus's delisting process.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that the user likely needs to switch to using DQS because Spamhaus is blocking queries from most open resolvers.
Email marketer from Postmark emphasizes the importance of following best practices for email sending, including maintaining clean lists, obtaining proper consent, and sending relevant content to avoid being marked as spam.
Email marketer from Mailjet explains that using a dedicated IP address gives you control over your sending reputation and helps avoid being affected by the actions of other senders on shared IPs.
Marketer from Email Geeks suggests that the user's rDNS might be valid, but it could be considered generic per Spamhaus’ definition.
Email marketer from SenderScore suggests monitoring your Sender Score to understand your IP reputation and identify any potential issues that could lead to blacklisting.
Email marketer from EmailOnAcid explains that implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC authentication methods helps verify the sender's identity and prevent spoofing, reducing the chance of being blacklisted.
Email marketer from MXToolbox explains that being blocked by Spamhaus RBL often results from sending spam or having a compromised server. The suggested fixes include identifying and stopping the source of spam, cleaning the server, and requesting delisting through Spamhaus's website.
What the experts say2Expert opinions
Expert from Spam Resource (referencing Halon) explains that excessive querying of RBLs, especially without proper caching or respect for TTL values, can lead to temporary blocking. They recommend implementing caching and reducing query frequency.
Expert from Word to the Wise suggests that understanding why you're blacklisted is crucial. They recommend checking the specific blacklist's requirements for delisting and addressing the underlying issues causing the listing (e.g., spam complaints, compromised accounts).
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from Spamhaus specifies that if you query Spamhaus projects' DNSBLs via OVHcloud's DNS, you need to migrate to the free Data Query Service (DQS) due to changes in how OVHCloud's IP space is handled.
Documentation from Spamhaus explains that the SBL lists IP addresses involved in direct spam operations, malware distribution, or other malicious activities. If listed, you should review Spamhaus's reason for listing and take corrective action.
Documentation from Spamhaus explains that queries can be blocked due to exceeding usage limits or using open resolvers. They recommend checking return codes and considering the Data Query Service (DQS) for high-volume lookups.
Documentation from Spamhaus explains that the ZEN list is a combined blacklist consisting of the SBL, Exploits Block List (XBL), and Policy Block List (PBL). Being listed on ZEN means you are listed on at least one of these lists.
Documentation from Spamhaus describes the Data Query Service (DQS) as a way to perform high-volume DNSBL lookups without being blocked for excessive queries, suitable for legitimate commercial uses.