mySMTP Blacklist Monitoring and Delisting

Overview

Blacklist monitoring is essential for ensuring high email deliverability. If an IP address or domain associated with mySMTP is blacklisted, outgoing emails may be marked as spam or rejected. Regularly monitoring and delisting from blacklists helps maintain a good sender reputation.

Checking IP Reputation

To check if an IP address or domain is blacklisted, you can use the following tools:

1. MultiRBL (https://multirbl.valli.org/)

• Checks multiple real-time blacklists (RBLs) at once.
• Provides details on why an IP/domain is blacklisted.

2. MXToolbox (https://mxtoolbox.com/blacklists.aspx)

• Offers a blacklist lookup and detailed reputation analysis.
• Includes monitoring alerts for proactive blacklist checks.

3. Spamhaus (https://check.spamhaus.org/)

• Checks IPs against the Spamhaus Block List (SBL), Exploits Block List (XBL), and Policy Block List (PBL).
• Provides reasons and removal instructions if listed.

4. Talos Intelligence (https://talosintelligence.com/)

• Maintains IP reputation scores based on global email activity.
• Identifies if an IP is flagged as suspicious or malicious.

5. Barracuda Reputation System (https://www.barracudacentral.org/lookups)

• Checks if an IP is listed on Barracuda’s blacklist, which affects spam filters globally.

Steps for Delisting

If an IP is found on a blacklist, follow these steps:

1. Identify the Cause
   • Review recent email activity to determine if spam-like behavior occurred.
   • Check if compromised credentials, high bounce rates, or spam complaints contributed to the listing.
2. Follow Removal Procedures
   • Each blacklist provider has a specific removal process, usually involving submitting a request via their website.
   • Some blacklists automatically remove IPs after a period of good behavior.
3. Implement Preventive Measures
   • Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records correctly.
   • Regularly monitor email sending patterns.
   • Use dedicated IPs for bulk email sending.
   • Ensure mailing lists are clean and opt-in based.
4. Monitor and Test
   • Use monitoring services to receive alerts when an IP is blacklisted.
   • Test email delivery to ensure messages are reaching inboxes and not spam folders.

Additional Resources

• Google Postmaster Tools (https://postmaster.google.com/) – Provides sender reputation insights for Gmail.
• Microsoft SNDS (https://postmaster.live.com/) – Helps monitor IP reputation with Microsoft email services.
• mySMTP Support – If issues persist, contact mySMTP support for assistance with delisting and reputation management.

Conclusion

Regular blacklist monitoring and proactive management of IP reputation are crucial for maintaining high deliverability rates. By using the right tools and following best practices, mySMTP users can ensure optimal email performance and avoid disruptions caused by blacklisting.