IP Address Reputation

Network IP addresses vary and require expert guidance for network operators. In our daily lives, we often receive suspicious emails, highlighting the importance of the sender’s reputation. However, identifying senders based on their personal IP addresses can be challenging and ultimately ineffective.

In the past, email web systems disregarded correspondence sent from home internet IPs, as maintaining a reliable database of email users was difficult, especially with the exponential increase in wired home network connections, which surpassed one million by the end of 2021. The main concern was differentiating between genuine users and the numerous bots responsible for sending viral content or engaging in suspicious activities.

To address this issue, dedicated systems for email sending should be utilized. System administrators have the responsibility to assess the reputation of less numerous systems. Several tools are available for analyzing the indicators of an IP address’s reputation.

Key considerations in determining IP address reputation include:

1. Is the incoming mail from this address trustworthy?
2. What is the geographic location associated with the IP?
3. Is the IP address infected with malware?
4. Is the IP address unauthorizedly using personal data of network users?
5. Does it operate an open proxy server that can aid malicious actors?

The Importance Of the Reputation for the IP

Configuring IP addresses to align with the equipment’s functionality on the web is an important aspect of the job. However, it is equally crucial to create a new range of IP addresses for your network.
In many cases, the IP address range you acquire may have been previously used on a different network. Although the Regional or National Internet Registry will record the transfer of the IP range to your company, these changes may not be immediately reflected or automatically updated in most tracking tools. Therefore, it becomes necessary to manually update these systems to ensure they provide accurate information regarding IP address management, geographical location, and purpose.

The Scoring Algorithm for IP Reputation

To maintain a positive reputation, it is advisable to avoid sudden user switches and instead plan and execute a well-thought-out deployment strategy. Using an IP address space immediately after its transfer can be risky, as it may still be associated with the previous user and be listed in blacklists. It is recommended to allow some time to pass before utilizing the address space to ensure it is not negatively affected.The reputation of IP addresses used for sending emails is closely monitored, and this should be taken into consideration. Staying updated on the current situation and trends in email sending can be achieved by joining communities like Mailop, where valuable information, discussions, and mailing data are shared.If you are transferring IPs from a different geographical region and intend to cater to consumer web clients, it is advisable to contact a company that manages geodata for IP addresses (GeoIP). Consumer content may have specific requirements based on the target market, and licensing and access settings for data are managed by these companies based on local or owner restrictions.In the case where the IP address was previously used in a region with a different language, there are platforms available that describe the transfer process. These platforms allow you to set the interface to any language you prefer or that is best suited for your target audience.If your intended use of the address differs from the previous user, it is important to ensure that reputation channels have updated information about your activities. This will help avoid being identified as a suspicious user and prevent your network from appearing on blocklists. For example, if an IP address was previously used for subscriber network access, but you plan to repurpose it for cloud server purposes, it is crucial to remove the IP from various lists and databases associated with email sending, as it may otherwise be blocked.

Reputation Monitoring Tools

Brother WISP offers databases with Geo IP information, which can be valuable when catering to consumer addresses that may face content distribution restrictions imposed by regional services. These databases are particularly useful for websites or resources that offer gaming or video content.
To assess the quality of traffic, it is recommended to refer to the lists provided by Spamhaus. These lists serve as a reference point for evaluating the quality of incoming traffic and can assist in making informed decisions regarding network management and security.

The Cleanup Procedure

Before deploying a new IP range, it is important to verify its reputation through reputable sources and update any outdated information if necessary. It is essential to consult relevant lists that align with your specific goals and objectives. If there are changes in the geographic location or purpose of the IP range, it is advisable to inform the administration team to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.
Although the procedure may be time-consuming, it is recommended to allocate sufficient time for deployment planning. Some teams prefer to address issues as they arise, while others may prefer a proactive approach to minimize potential challenges.

Evgeny Sevastyanov

Client Support Teamleader