Why is my IP address blacklisted?

Start by checking your address. Then find out which list named it, because every blacklist has its own rules and only that list's operator can change its entry.

The usual causes

• A compromised device or server. Malware, a hacked website or a guessed password can send attacks without you noticing. Here is how to check.
• A shared address. Mobile carriers, some home broadband, VPNs and offices put many people behind one address, so someone else's behaviour can affect you.
• An inherited address. Cloud and hosting addresses are reused, and the reports may be about a previous customer.
• Your own software. An aggressive crawler, a badly configured mail server or a security scan can look like an attack.
• Sending mail from a home connection. Some mail blocklists include ranges that should not send mail directly, even when nothing is wrong.

What to do next

1. Read the reports. On isipsafe, the address page shows the attack categories, dates and reporter comments.
2. Decide whether they are accurate. Compare the dates and activity with your logs, and with when you started using the address.
3. Fix the cause first. Asking for removal while the activity continues rarely helps, because new reports can bring the address straight back.
4. Request removal if the listing is wrong or the problem is fixed and the list needs a request.

If you do not control the address

If you are on a home, mobile or VPN connection, contact your provider. Restarting a router sometimes gives you a new address, but that does not fix an infected device.

Questions