Quick check: Test any IP against multiple lists using the MyIPNow IP Blacklist Check.
Types of IP blacklists
IP blacklists are used to identify and block abusive or risky IP addresses. Different blacklist types serve different purposes depending on the system using them.
Download CSV| Blacklist type | Used by | Primary purpose | Detection method | Example source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNSBL (DNS-based Blacklist) | Email servers | Spam filtering | Real-time DNS queries | Spamhaus ZEN | Fast, email-focused |
| RBL (Realtime Blackhole List) | Firewalls / mail | Block abusive IPs | Centralized lookup | SORBS | General abuse |
| Reputation Database | Web apps / CDNs | Risk scoring | Behavior analysis | Google Safe Browsing | Score-based |
| Proxy/VPN List | Fraud prevention | Detect anonymizers | Heuristic detection | IP2Proxy | False positives |
| Botnet List | Security systems | Block malware C2 | Threat intelligence | Abuse.ch | High confidence |
| Hosting Abuse List | Web security | Block datacenters | ASN/IP grouping | Spamhaus DROP | Aggressive |
| Dynamic IP List | Web apps | Identify residential IPs | ISP heuristics | Various | Contextual |
| TOR Exit Nodes | Security / censorship | Block Tor traffic | Published node list | Tor Project | Public list |
How blacklists are used
- Email servers rely heavily on DNSBLs to block spam.
- Web applications use reputation databases for fraud prevention.
- Firewalls may block entire IP ranges based on abuse history.
Limitations & false positives
- Shared IPs may be listed due to other users' behavior.
- VPN and proxy detection is not always accurate.
- Blacklist removal policies vary by provider.