SORBS Blacklist

Note: The SORBS blacklist was officially decommissioned in June 2024. It no longer accepts spam reports, maintains any blocklist data, or processes delisting requests. Any legacy references to SORBS are now outdated and should be removed from filtering configurations.

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Overview

A SORBS database listing will have minimal influence on ISP blocking decisions.

How it works

SORBS uses several methods to identify potential spammers. Most of their lists use spam traps to identify problematic senders. But SORBS will also list a sender based on their own user complaints, if SORBS administrators have received spam from the sender, or if they identify other high-level sending behavior patterns characteristic of spammers.

Remediation

There is support for manual requests to remove or delist your IP Address from the SORBS database. More information about delisting can be found at their website: http://www.sorbs.net/lookup.shtml

Removal requests that are submitted without addressing the core problem are likely to cause your IP Address or Domain to be relisted with longer listing periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the SORBS spam list?

The SORBS spam blacklist was part of a broader effort to stop spammers from abusing email servers, particularly by detecting those sending or relaying spam through infected systems or open relays. As a comprehensive open relay blocking system, SORBS functioned as a DNS-based block list to reduce the spread of malicious email, phishing attacks, and unsolicited emails across the internet.

What happened to the SORBS spam blocklist?

The SORBS spam blocklist was officially decommissioned in June 2024. Once a widely used DNS-based block list for identifying spammers, open relays, and malicious email sources, SORBS is no longer maintained or supported. Its spam database has been taken offline, and all associated services, including delisting tools and IP lookup, have been shut down.

Network administrators and email servers are advised to remove SORBS from their filtering systems and rely on active alternatives like Spamhaus, Barracuda, or SpamCop to protect against spam, phishing attacks, and other cyber threats.

How can I do a SORBS blacklist check or get white listed on SORBS?

To run a SORBS blacklist check, visit sorbs.net and enter your IP address or domain in their lookup tool. If you're listed, you'll see details about the reason and type of listing. To learn how to get whitelisted on SORBS, you'll need to resolve any spam issues, ensure your systems are secure, and submit a delisting request through their website or by email. Approval typically requires verification that the issue has been fixed.

How did SORBS collect spam data?

SORBS collected reports through spam traps, complaints from users, and analysis of network behavior. It maintained a constantly updated spam database by monitoring patterns from millions of IP addresses and domains associated with cyber threats like malware, phishing, or relaying spam. SORBS also lists servers with dynamically allocated IP addresses.

Why did SORBS target dynamically allocated IP addresses?

Dynamically allocated IP addresses, such as those used by home users or mobile networks, are often exploited by hacked devices or Trojan infestations to send spam without the owner’s knowledge. SORBS flagged these in its DUL (Dynamic User List) to protect email deliverability and discourage the use of non-secure systems to run mail servers.

Does being on a DNSBL like SORBS affect Gmail or Google delivery?

If your IP address or domain was listed on SORBS or another blacklist, it could result in emails being blocked or flagged by services like Gmail. While Google may not rely solely on SORBS, its spam filters consider sender reputation, domain history, and whether your email messages appear to originate from known spam sources.

What are the risks of using a shared server for email?

Using a shared server can lead to future blacklisting of your domain or IP if another customer is sending spam or violating policies. Systems like SORBS sometimes list entire ranges of addresses to prevent spam from insecure or abused infrastructures, which made unique IP addresses a safer option for many email service providers.