New RFC describes best practices for running DNS-based lists

Posted by   Virus Bulletin on   Jan 24, 2012

DNSBL users advised to avoid those lists that charge for delisting.

A new RFC document has been published that describes the best operational practices for the use of DNS-based lists in email filters.

DNS-based lists (somewhat confusingly called 'DNSBLs' in the document) include blacklists and whitelists of IP addresses, but also URIBLs and geographical-based lists. The document summarises best practices both for running such lists and for the use of them by mail server administrators. These practices include having the criteria for listing and delisting easily available and responding quickly to removal requests, as well as a number of more technical practices.

Perhaps most controversially, the document advises users of DNSBLs to avoid those that charge fees for delisting or faster handling of such requests. It says such practices easily lead to accusations of blackmailing and extortion. Even if unjustified, such accusations could still damage the reputation of the DNSBL and perhaps the DNSBL mechanism as a whole.

The document, which represents the consensus of the Anti-Spam Research Group (ASRG) within the Internet Research Task Force (IRTF) and which has been given RFC number 6471, can be found here.

Posted on 24 January 2012 by Virus Bulletin

twitter.png
fb.png
linkedin.png
hackernews.png
reddit.png

 

Latest posts:

VBSpam tests to be executed under the AMTSO framework

VB is excited to announce that, starting from the Q3 test, all VBSpam tests of email security products will be executed under the AMTSO framework.

In memoriam: Prof. Ross Anderson

We were very sorry to learn of the passing of Professor Ross Anderson a few days ago.

In memoriam: Dr Alan Solomon

We were very sorry to learn of the passing of industry pioneer Dr Alan Solomon earlier this week.

New paper: Nexus Android banking botnet – compromising C&C panels and dissecting mobile AppInjects

In a new paper, researchers Aditya K Sood and Rohit Bansal provide details of a security vulnerability in the Nexus Android botnet C&C panel that was exploited in order to gather threat intelligence, and present a model of mobile AppInjects.

New paper: Collector-stealer: a Russian origin credential and information extractor

In a new paper, F5 researchers Aditya K Sood and Rohit Chaturvedi present a 360 analysis of Collector-stealer, a Russian-origin credential and information extractor.

We have placed cookies on your device in order to improve the functionality of this site, as outlined in our cookies policy. However, you may delete and block all cookies from this site and your use of the site will be unaffected. By continuing to browse this site, you are agreeing to Virus Bulletin's use of data as outlined in our privacy policy.