Open Relay Database: Another anti-spam service shuts down

A popular anti-spam service named Open Relay Database (ORDB) is shutting down its operations. The group has said that they are no longer effective at protecting users from spam emails.

This service was originally setup five years ago and it aimed at stopping spam mails which used open mail relays.

They maintained and distributed an updated list of blacklist of servers that operated as open relays. Network administrators used that list to block IPs which sent junk mails.

However, times have changed now. Less than 1% of all spam mails is delivered through proxy mail servers. Instead, majority of the junk mail is now delivered through botnets.

The ORDB said in a statement on their closure: “We regret to inform you that ORDB.org is shutting down. The general consensus within the team is that open relay RBLs [relay blocking lists] are no longer the most effective way of preventing spam from entering your network as spammers have changed tactics in recent years, as have the anti-spam community.”