My mail server is on a blacklist. Can you help me?

If a mail server is misused for sending spam messages, it may end up on a blacklist. If your mail server has been blacklisted, there are a few steps you can take to have it removed.

How can I remove my server from a blacklist?

Step 1: Check the blacklist

First of all, you need to find out which blacklist your mail server is on. There are various services that can help you with this, such as

• MXToolbox
  
• MultiRBL
  
• DNSBL.info
  
  

Step 2: Determine the cause of the blacklist entry

The next step is to find out why your server has been blacklisted. In most cases, you will find further information on why your mail server has been listed directly on the website of the respective blacklist. Common reasons include:

• Spam sent by a user on your server
• Use of your server as an open relay
• Infection of a user or your server with malware that sends mass spam messages
  
  

Step 3: Fix the problem

However, before you request the removal of your mail server from the blacklist, you must fix the underlying problem. This includes

1. Scanning and cleaning the mail server of malware
2. Ensuring that your mail server is not configured as an open relay
3. Implementing anti-spam measures (e.g. SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
4. Checking the mail queue and removing spam emails
   
   

Step 4: Submit a removal request

Once the problem has been resolved, you can request to be removed from the blacklist. There is usually a way to make such a request on the blacklist websites. This often requires filling out a form and sometimes a manual check.

Step 5: Follow up

Check whether your mail server has been removed from the blacklist and whether new problems occur. Depending on the blacklist provider, it may take some time before your request is processed and your server is removed from the list.

Specific steps for some of the common blacklists

• Spamhaus: 
  • Go to the Spamhaus Blocklist Removal Center.
  • Enter the IP address of your mail server and follow the removal instructions.
• SORBS: 
  • Visit SORBS Removal Request.
  • Enter the IP address of your mail server and follow the instructions.
• Barracuda: 
  • Go to the Barracuda Central Reputation System.
  • Enter the IP address and request removal.
• SpamCop:
  • Visit the SpamCop Blocking List (SCBL).
  • Enter the IP address and follow the instructions.

Each blacklist has its own guidelines and procedures for removal. It is therefore important to follow the instructions on the respective website carefully.

How can EuropeanMX help me to avoid being blacklisted?

To prevent the sending of spam messages and to protect the reputation of your mail server, we offer our customers an outgoing spam relay. By using our outgoing servers, all outgoing messages from your mail server can be checked for spam and an entry on a blacklist can be prevented. After successful setup, the messages are sent via our filter cloud. 

If you have any questions about our Secure SMTP, our support will be happy to help you.