How to Protect & Improve Your IP Reputation Score

Free IP lookup API to uncover fraud, bots, and high risk users.

Residential IP addresses generally have a good reputation because, residential proxies aside, most fraud originates from data centers, hosting providers and TOR networks. Additionally, when a residential IP exhibits risky behavior it’s easier to spot because it acts outside the norm so it’s flagged.

In contrast, fraudulent behavior can resemble legitimate business operations for businesses that use data centers and hosting providers. Both legitimate businesses and fraudsters seek to contact or engage with their target audiences at scale. Businesses can proactively protect and enhance their IP reputation by implementing strategic security measures and best practices.

Protect Your IP Reputation

Your IP address is your digital identity on the internet – one that email providers, websites, and security systems use to evaluate your trustworthiness. A poor IP reputation can lead to blocked emails, denied access to services, and flagged security alerts. Here’s how to protect and maintain your IP’s good standing:

 

  • Separate IPs: Use separate IPs for marketing and business operations.
  • User Satisfaction: Be proactive in addressing user concerns privately and publicly.
  • DNS Records: Maintain accurate DNS records to provide verifiable proof of your digital identity and operational legitimacy across networks.
  • Email Authentication: Use protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to reduce the risk of email spoofing using your IP.
  • Clean Email Lists: Keep email lists free of bad addresses or unwanted participants to decrease bounce rates and unsubscribing.
  • Use Trusted Hosting: Choose IP hosting or a domain registrar from a known, respected vendor.
  • Track Your Reputation: Monitor your IP reputation regularly and look for negative trends to correct.

Learn More About Our Products

Improving Your IP Reputation

If your business IP address has been flagged as high-risk your operations may be hampered by being added to an IP blocklist, experience email delivery issues, or even see drops in network traffic. To recover, you’ll need to manage your out-going network traffic and online reputation. Here are four steps you can take to improve your IP reputation.

 

  1. Identify Blocklist Status: Use tools to identify which blocklists your IP appears on. If your IP is listed contact the blocklist and ask to be removed. Depending on the blocklist, this will happen automatically or require some sort of verification.
  2. Secure Your Network: Ensure that devices using the IP address are secure and free of malware. Regularly update software, use strong passwords, and monitor network traffic for suspicious activities.
  3. Avoid High-Risk Connections: If you’re using proxies or VPNs, consider switching to a direct connection for activities that require a trusted reputation, such as sending emails or processing transactions.
  4. Warm-Up New IPs: For businesses sending emails, an IP warm-up strategy can help build a positive reputation over time. Start with a low volume of emails and gradually increase the number to demonstrate legitimate usage patterns.