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How can we remove our address from blacklist.  We are not a spamming outfit our server is secure and sits behind one of the best firewalls out there.  How can we fix this?  My business is suffering at this point.

Anonymous:

How can we remove our address from blacklist.  We are not a spamming outfit our server is secure and sits behind one of the best firewalls out there.  How can we fix this?  My business is suffering at this point.

I'm suffering from the same problem. We send out press releases - incuding for stock-quoted companies - and the mails are not delivered.

We're not blacklisted by our own service provider (incumbant in our country). They pointed us to mxtoolbox for help. The look-up tool says our IP-address is listed on 22 blacklists. How can we find out who has blacklisted us and how can we contact them with a view to be removed?

Unfortunately we're based in Europe and apparently you're only answering questions from the US and Canada.

Thanks

I apologize if attempts to contact us from outside the US were not responded to. I try to respond to all posts regardless of their origin. In addition to free lookup tools and information, we offer a paid service to companies located in the US that is a perimeter security, AV/AS, and blacklist solution. Unfortunately we currently can only offer it to companies with presence in the United States.

 I can give you some general blacklist advice, but realize that running an email server which is fully compliant is hard. Our entire focus is email and we still have to keep on the ball as new things come out and develop. I'll toss out a few quick checks which will get you 90% of the way there, but there's no way to really be sure of why your specific IP address is listed.

1. Don't be an open relay - This is easy and not usually a problem any more as it used to be in days past. Only allow email delivery on your public IP address for email addresses you own. If you have people outside of your network that need SMTP service, have them use a VPN,  have your server use SMTP Authentication, or have them use a 3rd party SMTP server (their ISP will usually provide one)
2. Block outbound 25 traffic - Make a rule on your firewall that stops outbound port 25 connections. Make a single exception for your email server. Keep your server secure and run AV on it. This will take care of 80% of blacklist problems.
   
3. Do not send bulk messages. Even if they are completely legitimate, requested email, use a 3rd party service. Many AS vendors and Blacklist operators look at volume to find zombie machines on the net. If your email server sends 50 messages a day for 29 days and on the last day of the month sends 10,000, then this action alone will get you busted in a flash. We have recommendations for services if you need one. Sending bulk mail is tricky.

Short of this, you have to take your blacklisting up with each individual list you get put on. They will have information on why they listed you and on what terms you must meet for removal.

 I know that this process can seem frustrating and I wish you the best of luck in getting delisted. If you have any further specific questions, please feel free to reply and I can try to help the best I can.

 Peter