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Blacklist Check

Blacklists are databases of IP addresses and domains known for sending spam, hosting malware, or serving phishing pages. Being listed affects your email deliverability, causes browsers to show security warnings, and can harm your search engine rankings.

What SecurityStatus Checks

Email blacklists (DNSBL): Spamhaus, Barracuda, SORBS, SpamCop, MXToolbox
Web reputation databases: Google Safe Browsing, Norton Safe Web, McAfee WebAdvisor
Phishing and malware databases: PhishTank, OpenPhish, URLVoid
Whether your sending IP is on major blacklists that affect email delivery

Why This Matters

A blacklisted domain sees email go straight to spam or get rejected entirely. A domain listed in Google Safe Browsing causes Chrome to show a red interstitial warning page before visitors can reach you. Both cause immediate, measurable business harm.

How to Fix It

1

Identify which blacklists you are on

Use MXToolbox Blacklist Check (mxtoolbox.com/blacklists.aspx) to check your domain and IP against 100+ blacklists simultaneously. SecurityStatus also checks major blacklists in your scan.
2

Remove the cause of the listing

Blacklistings happen because of spam sending (compromised email accounts, poor list hygiene), malware hosting (hacked website serving malicious files), or phishing (your site was used in a phishing campaign). Fix the root cause first.
3

Request delisting

Each blacklist has its own delisting process. For Spamhaus: spamhaus.org/lookup. For Google Safe Browsing: use Google Search Console to report malware removal. For most DNSBL lists, listings expire automatically if the source of spam/malware is removed.
4

Prevent future listings

Set up DMARC to prevent email spoofing from your domain. Keep your website software updated to prevent compromise. Monitor your domain reputation regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get delisted?

Each blacklist has its own process. Most allow you to submit a delisting request once you have fixed the underlying issue. Some delist automatically after a period of clean activity. Spamhaus and Barracuda have self-service delisting portals.

Why am I blacklisted if I did not send spam?

Your sending IP may be shared with other senders (on shared hosting) who sent spam. Or your domain was used in a phishing campaign by someone spoofing your address. Or your website was compromised and served malware.

How long does delisting take?

It varies by blacklist. DNSBL delisting is often immediate after request. Google Safe Browsing review takes 1-3 days after malware removal. Some blacklists have automatic expiry after 24-48 hours of clean activity.

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