Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL)
DNSBL of end-user IP ranges that should not send email directly to MX servers.
Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL)
DNSBL of end-user IP ranges that should not send email directly to MX servers.
Data verified May 2026
ADYour product here. Reach security decision-makers.Launch a campaignSpamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) Description
The Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) is a DNS-based blocklist (DNSBL) dataset containing end-user IP address ranges from which email should not be sent directly to a final mail destination. It is predominantly IPv4-based but also includes IPv6 ranges, listed in CIDR format. The PBL identifies end-user IP address ranges that should not be attempting to directly deliver unauthenticated SMTP email to any Internet mail server. IPs listed in the PBL are expected to submit email — using authentication — to an SMTP relay server rather than delivering directly to destination MX servers. The dataset covers both dynamic and static IPs that, by policy (either the block owner's or Spamhaus' interim policy), should not be sending email directly to third-party MX servers. It contains more than 1.4 billion IPv4 addresses, covering approximately 40% of routable IPv4 space. Networks and ISPs contribute directly to the dataset by submitting and maintaining their own IP ranges. Spamhaus supplements this with its own research, identifying end-user IP space with high concentrations of botnet-compromised hosts ("botnet zombies") that are a source of spam. The PBL is designed to be queried exclusively at the SMTP connection stage — against the connecting IP — not during content filtering. It is available free of charge for low-volume, non-commercial use via a real-time DNS query service. Commercial use requires an annual subscription. Network owners and ISPs can manage their ranges via the PBL ISP portal, setting inclusion/exclusion policies. End users whose IPs are listed can request removal via the Spamhaus Reputation Checker.
Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) FAQ
Common questions about Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) including features, pricing, alternatives, and user reviews.
Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) is DNSBL of end-user IP ranges that should not send email directly to MX servers, developed by Spamhaus. It is a Email Security solution designed to help security teams with Spam Prevention, Botnet, IP Lookup.
Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) offers the following core capabilities:
1.Real-time DNSBL query service for blocking unauthorized SMTP connections by IP
2.Covers 1.4B+ IPv4 addresses (~40% of routable IPv4 space) in CIDR format
3.Includes both dynamic and static end-user IP ranges from ISPs and network operators
4.ISP/network owner portal for self-managed submission and maintenance of IP ranges
5.End-user IP self-removal/exclusion request tool via Reputation Checker
6.Identification of botnet-compromised end-user IP space via Spamhaus research
7.Supports both IPv4 and IPv6 ranges
8.Actively maintained and updated in real time
Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) integrates natively with SpamAssassin, Rspamd. Integration support lets security teams connect Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) to existing SIEM, ticketing, identity, and notification systems without custom development.
Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) is built for security teams handling Spam Prevention, Botnet, IP Lookup, Network Protection. It supports workflows including real-time dnsbl query service for blocking unauthorized smtp connections by ip, covers 1.4b+ ipv4 addresses (~40% of routable ipv4 space) in cidr format, includes both dynamic and static end-user ip ranges from isps and network operators. Teams typically adopt Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) when they need to email security capabilities integrated into their existing stack. Explore similar tools at https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/spamhaus-policy-blocklist-pbl
Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) is a free Email Security tool. This makes it accessible for organizations of all sizes, from startups to enterprises. Visit https://www.spamhaus.org/blocklists/policy-blocklist/ for download and installation instructions.
Popular alternatives to Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) include:
1.Cybonet Outbound Spam Guard (OSG) - Carrier-grade outbound spam & botnet detection solution for ISPs. (Commercial)
2.Abusix Email Threat Protection - Real-time email threat blocking via RBL/DNSBL blocklists for mail servers. (Commercial)
3.MailChannels cPanel Plugin - cPanel/WHM plugin for provisioning MailChannels email security for hosting customers. (Commercial)
4.MailChannels Outbound Filtering - Cloud SMTP relay for hosting providers to filter outbound spam & protect IP reputation. (Commercial)
5.Cloudflare Cloud Email Security - Cloudflare Cloud Email Security is a cloud-based email protection service that safeguards organizations against phishing, malware, spam, and other email-borne threats through integrated threat detection and prevention capabilities. (Commercial)
Compare all Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) alternatives at https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/spamhaus-policy-blocklist-pbl
Spamhaus Policy Blocklist (PBL) is for security teams and organizations that need Spam Prevention, Botnet, IP Lookup, Network Protection, SMTP. It's particularly suitable for small to medium-sized teams looking for cost-effective solutions. Other Email Security tools can be found at https://cybersectools.com/categories/email-security
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