Spamhaus has a reputation for being the most influential of all spam threat intelligence providers, and this reputation is indeed justified by looking at the deliverability data. If you find any kind of Spamhaus listing in the analysis of your email we would recommend you do your best to address the problem as quickly as possible.
There are several diffferent Spamhaus RBLs with different properties. Match the code(s) showing in the analysis with their respective RBL below, clicking on the RBL name for more information (including how to de-list).
| Analysis Code | Spamhaus RBL | Notes |
| abuse_botcc-dbl.spamhaus.org | DBL | Domain-based list (Botnet domain) |
| abuse_malw-dbl.spamhaus.org | DBL | Domain-based list (Malware domain) |
| abuse_phish-dbl.spamhaus.org | DBL | Domain-based list (Phishing domain) |
| abuse_redir-dbl.spamhaus.org | DBL | Domain-based list (Spam-redirector domain) |
| abuse_spam-dbl.spamhaus.org | DBL | Domain-based list (Spam domain) |
| botnetcc-dbl.spamhaus.org | DBL | Domain-based list (Botnet domain) |
| dbl.spamhaus.org | DBL | Domain-based list (General) |
| malware-dbl.spamhaus.org | DBL | Domain-based list (Malware domain) |
| phish-dbl.spamhaus.org | DBL | Domain-based list (Phishing domain) |
| spam-dbl.spamhaus.org | DBL | Domain-based list (Spam domain) |
| n5uzusqd6i3zyzddbyhii67ney.zen.dq.spamhaus.net | ZEN | Composite IP-based list |
| zen.spamhaus.org | ZEN | Composite IP-based list |
| cbl.abuseat.org | CBL | Composite IP-based list |
| SBL RBL | SBL | IP-based list (Spam-specific) |
| sbl_rbl | SBL | IP-based list (Spam-specific) |
Spamhaus DBL (Domain Block List)
The Spamhaus Domain Block List (DBL) is a list of domain names with poor sender reputations. The database is maintained both by an automated system and by the Spamhaus team.
Because the DBL is a near-zero false positive list (meaning they're almost always correct in saying a domain is spammy), it's one of the most common and influential RBLs.
How to delist from DBL
DBL listings expire automatically after domains disappear from common use, or as its reputation improves.
They also offer a self-service removal system through the Spamhaus Blocklist Removal Center.
Spamhaus ZEN (IP Block List)
Spamhaus ZEN combines the SBL, XBL, and PBL blocklists into a single IIP blocklist.
- SBL tracks IP addresses involved in sending or enabling spam
- XBL tracks hijacked computers infected by malware
- PBL tracks IP addresses that aren't authorized to send email directly. For example, a dialup router might be listed on the PBL.
How to delist from ZEN
Check your IP address on the Spamhaus Blocklist Removal Center to see which specific blocklist (SBL, XBL, or PBL) it's on.
If it's listed on the XBL, Spamhaus believes the IP is insecure or compromised by malware. See the XBL FAQs for what to do next.
If it's listed on the SBL or PBL, only an ISP or broadband provider can request delisting. Contact your provider for help.
CBL (IP Block List) - a division of Spamhaus
From abuseat.org:
"The CBL takes its source data from very large mail server (SMTP) installations. Some of these are pure spamtrap servers, and some are not"
"..the CBL only lists IPs that have attempted email connections to one of our servers in such a way as to indicate that the sending IP is infected with a spam-sending virus or worm, acting as a open proxy for the sending of spam, OR, IPs primarily used in the operation of botnets."
How to delist from CBL
Since this list focuses on open-proxies/infected-machines, it's best to go directly to the de-listing link which should provide you with information on why the IP was listed and how to correct the problem.
Spamhaus SBL (IP Block List)
This is the Spam IP Block List specific to owners of infastructure (e.g. your ESP). If your IP is appearing on this, you will need to contact your provider in order for them to apply to remove it (they should have received a notification from Spamhaus whenever an IP they own appears on the SBL). More information can be found here:
SBL Policy & Listing Criteria »
If you are a provider, you will also need to apply directly to delist following the instructions above.