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New
SPF Filters
SPF
Filters are a new DNS mail server record. Currently many operators
cope with SPAM in the first line of defense by performing reverse
DNS lookup's on a mail server that is attempt to send mail. Although
very effective, this is unfortunately not fool proof and
subsequently SPAM operates are sometimes able to get around this.
SPAM
costs the industry and the consumer a tremendous expense every year
with unwanted mail, and often the content of these mails is
objectionable to many people. Both SpeedNet and its alliance SME
GlobalNet are extremely strict on SPAM and SPAM type activities and
strive to eliminate as much as possible, additionally there is a
zero tolerance for SPAM which originates from within our customer
communities.
Some
time ago a move was made to investigate SPF Filters as a further
means of eliminating SPAM operators. These endeavors have come a
long way and a format has been agreed upon by most of the major mail
operators such as Microsoft, Hotmail, AOL, and Yahoo.
The
systems operated by SpeedNet's new alliance are already fully
compliant with the new SPF Filter structure. Additionally these
filters are being activated by many mail operates on the 30th
October 2004.
These
filters work by providing additional information about email for an
internet domain name, these details include names of mail servers.
Therefore, when a destination mail server is contacted and it seeks
an SPF record, it will only accept mail if the record matches that
for the internet domain on the message. This has an important impact
on SPAM operators, who predominantly steal the identity of a
legitimate mail operator. It also has an important impact on mail
operators, as mail operators who fail to implement the new SPF
Filter records may in many cases be rejected by mail operators that
do. SpeedNet's new alliance will be fully implementing SPF
Filtering on the 30th October 2004
For
our residential customers all you have to look forward to is the
almost complete halt of unwanted email. You still may receive email
from list servers or organizations you have subscribed to in the
past, to eliminate these emails you need to unsubscribe from those
services.
If
you are a commercial customer and SpeedNet currently provide mail
services for you under your own internet domain name, you are not
required to do anything, the new SPF Filters will automatically be
added for you.
More
importantly, for our business and commercial customers that operate
their own mail servers, if SpeedNet currently provide your DNS you
must contact us prior to 15th October 2004 and determine which
option you want to choose in order to comply with the new
environment. The options available are:
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The establishment of an SPF Filter record in your DNS
hosting, this will need to include the exact server and
domain name that your mail server currently answers as. You
will need to have a static IP address with reverse DNS for
this option |
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When sending outgoing mail you can
use one of the available smart hosts which will relay your
mail from your mail server to the required destination
server. This will make your mail appear to be coming
directly from a legitimate and compliant mail provider. |
If
you are unsure, need assistance, or have any questions, please
contact our support at the usual number.
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