Fix IP Blacklisted

Check If IP is Blacklisted

# Check multiple RBLs
curl https://mxtoolbox.com/blacklists.aspx
# Or command line
dig +short YOUR_IP.blacklist.example.com

Popular blacklists: Spamhaus, Barracuda, SURBL, SpamCop.

Why IP Gets Blacklisted

• Spam email sending
• Compromised website/malware
• Open proxy or vulnerable service
• Previous owner abused IP
• Too many failed SSH attempts

Fix 1: Check Your Server for Malware

# Scan for common malware
sudo clamscan -r /var/www

# Check for rootkits
sudo rkhunter --check
sudo chkrootkit

# Check for suspicious processes
ps aux | grep -E "minerd|cpuminer|stratum"
netstat -tunap | grep LISTEN

Fix 2: Secure Your Server

• Change all passwords
• Update all software
• Disable root SSH login
• Install fail2ban
• Use firewall (UFW/iptables)

Fix 3: Request Removal from Blacklist

Most blacklists have removal forms:

• Spamhaus: https://www.spamhaus.org/lookup/
• Barracuda: https://barracudacentral.org/lookups
• SpamCop: https://www.spamcop.net/bl.shtml

Follow their instructions carefully. Some require fixing the issue first.

Fix 4: Stop Spam Email

# Check mail queue
mailq
exim -bpc  # Exim
postqueue -p  # Postfix

# Check for unauthorized mail relay
sudo tail -f /var/log/mail.log | grep relay

Fix 5: Request IP Change

If IP has bad reputation from previous owner:

# Contact Hostxpeed support for IP replacement
# They may provide new IP for a fee or free if justified

Fix 6: Use SMTP Relay

For email, use services like SendGrid, Mailgun, or AWS SES which have good IP reputations.