What is DNS Blacklist

Published: Artem Prysyazhnuk 2022-09-30 all articles | Glossary | FAQ

DNS blacklisting is a hot topic in the world of online security. If you're not familiar with what DNS blacklisting is, or if you're wondering if your business might be at risk, then this guide is for you! In this article, we will cover the basics of DNSBL definition and answer some common questions. We'll also provide reviews and tips to help you stay safe online. The concept of a DNSBL, also known as the "DNS Black List" or RBL (Realtime Blockhole list), has been around for some time. This list is used in Mail Servers to fight incoming spam and is updated constantly by various organizations like Spamcop & Spamsaus!

The DNSBL service is a software mechanism, rather than a specific list or policy. There are dozens of these in use right now and they use criteria like listing zombie computers to send spammer's addresses or infected domains.

How does DNS spam blacklist work?

In short, DNS blacklist list works by providing a list of IP addresses that have been identified as sources of spam. When an email arrives at an SMPT, the server checks the sender's IP address against the DNSBL. If the IP address is listed, the email is blocked. A list of domains to blacklist DNS is formed according to a similar principle, the filtering system works identically.

How does DNS spam blacklist work?

What are the benefits of using a DNSBL?

There are several benefits to using a DNSBL:

  • It can protect your inbox from spam and other unwanted messages.
  • It can help you avoid phishing scams and other malicious emails.
  • It can improve your business mail deliverability by reducing bounced messages.
  • It can reduce your overall email volume, which can save you time and money.

As you can see, the DNS IP blacklist is a very useful tool to configure the protection of e-mail servers of your own business or to block the flow of spam.

How IP gets to blacklist DNS servers

The most common way an IP or DNS to blacklist is by being compromised and used by a spammer to send out mass mailings. Once the IP is reported, it is added to the list of DNS blacklist servers. Another way an IP can get blacklisted is due to what is known as "negative SEO." This occurs when a competitor uses malicious tactics to try and get your website penalized or banned (block in the search engine) by Google. If they are successful, your IP address could be added to a DNSBL.

Also, your website or mail server can get into the DNS server blacklist by mistake. This often happens when different projects are hosted on the same IP address, but one of them is engaged in spam or phishing. Then the spam DNSBL feeds list is replenished with all users who are hosted at this address. Sometimes you don't have to be a spammer or an intruder to get blacklisted by the DNSBL. When these situations occur, there are practical steps to take to resolve the issue.

My DNS server is on blacklist

If your IP address is on DNS blacklist servers, it can be difficult to get removed. The first step is to identify which DNSBL you are listed on. You can do this by sending an email to a friend or colleague and checking the headers to see which lists the email was blocked by. Once you know which DNSBL servers list you are listed on, you can contact the organization and request that your IP be removed.

There are also a few things you can do to prevent your IP from being blacklisted. Keep your computer and software up-to-date. This includes installing security patches as soon as they are available. Run a firewall and antivirus software on your computer. Be cautious about what you click on and what you download. Never send unsolicited emails, also known as spam (this includes mass emailing). If you are using dedicated hosting, it would be a good idea to run a test to check the trials. Maybe they are in the DNSBL domain list, then you better take action.

Check if your IP on blacklist

HostTracker is a website that offers free tools to check blacklist for IP or domain addresses. To use the tool, enter the IP address into the field and click "Check". The DNSBL list result will show whether or not the IP is listed on any blacklist base. If it is, you can contact the organization to request removal.

Checking this indicator using Host Tracker services takes less than 30 seconds. After that, you will find out whether the IP or domain is on the blacklist DNS server in 16 databases. You don't need to register to check this indicator. If the site or IP is in the DNSBL service list, you will receive detailed information. This will allow you to immediately negotiate with the service that blacklisted your project. To protect yourself from being mistakenly blacklisted, many admins and webmasters use automatic monitoring. HostTracker offers such an option, but it is only available to registered users.

Check if your IP on blacklist

How to check ip blacklist status automatically

DNS blacklist changes can be monitored using a tool like HostTracker. This tool will show you if an IP address is listed on any DNSBLs and will notify you if there are any changes. You can also use this tool to monitor the overall health of your DNS system.

If your IP address is on a DNSBL, you can contact the organization to request removal. You can also prevent your IP from being blacklisted by following best practices for computer, server, and email security. By monitoring DNS blacklist changes, you can ensure that your IP address remains off of these lists.


About author

Artem Prysyazhnuk
CEO and founder of HostTracker LTD. He's a passionate entrepreneur with a strong technical background in F#. Artem has been working in the software development industry for over 20 years.
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