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How to use the backscatterer list


You can simply use this list via DNS at ips.backscatterer.org for scoring or rejecting misdirected bounces and misdirected autoresponders and sender callouts from abusive systems.
Operators of big mailservers or providers are recommended to download our zone from UCEPROTECT-Mirrors

ATTENTION: ips.backscatterer.org is NOT a spammerlist. It's a Backscatterer list !!! If you need a spammerlist we recommend using UCEPROTECT.NET instead
Keep this in mind before using ips.backscatterer.org:

Unfortunately many and also big providers do still backscatter. They are flooding you with misdirected bounces and misdirected autoresponders and sender callouts but will almost always send legit mail too.
As long as you are not a BOFH nor having the intention to boycott such servers we strongly recommend to use ips.backscatterer.org in SAFE MODE to prevent false positives.
SAFE MODE means you will do DNSBL-Querys if MAIL FROM: is <> or postmaster only.

Used in safe mode ips.backscatterer.org will protect you against misdirected bounces and misdirected autoresponders and sender callouts while you can not lose any real mail.



Here are some SAFE MODE example configurations for well known systems (Alphabetic order):

SAFE Mode with Exim:

If you don't already have one, you'll need to add a local ACL file for the RCPT ACL check.
On a split config, add something like the following to:
/etc/exim4/conf.d/00_local_config

CHECK_RCPT_LOCAL_ACL_FILE=/etc/exim4/local_acl_check_rcpt
Then edit /etc/exim4/local_acl_check_rcpt:
deny senders = :
dnslists = ips.backscatterer.org
log_message = $sender_host_address listed at $dnslist_domain
message = Backscatter: $dnslist_text

SAFE Mode with GFI MailEssentials:

Please read instructions from http://kbase.gfi.com/showarticle.asp?id=KBID003322

SAFE MODE with Postfix:

Edit /etc/postfix/main.cf:
smtpd_recipient_restrictions =
...
check_sender_access dbm:/etc/postfix/check_backscatterer
...
Create new file: /etc/postfix/check_backscatterer:
<> reject_rbl_client ips.backscatterer.org
postmaster reject_rbl_client ips.backscatterer.org

Execute following commands:
postmap /etc/postfix/check_backscatterer
postfix reload
for changes to take effect.

SAFE MODE with UCEPROTECT-Appliances or Software:

ips.backscatterer.org is enabled per default in Version 4.04 and above. If you are using an earlier version simply update.

For other systems please read your vendors manual or ask their tech support how you can do DNSBL-Querys if MAIL FROM: is <> or postmaster only.