The Filtering Process

MailRoute uses a multi-layered approach to email filtering.  Our process looks like this:

Adaptive Blocklisting

This is our first layer of defense. Incoming connections are checked and denial of service attacks are blocked. IP addresses that have very bad reputations (all spam, no ham) are logged and dropped. We use roughly 40 RBL’s (internal and those shared with other filtering companies, as well as some from outside providers). Whatever is best of breed that day. 

Content Filtering

Mail that’s passed the first layer enters our proprietary Content Filtering. We take a message apart and look at the route it took to get to us (how many hops around the internet), message header, MIME, content, attachments, URL’s, etc. Attachments are parsed and recursively decoded, and all parts are run through a minimum of two anti-virus engines. 

This layer also happens in a few seconds or less.

Content-filtered mail is scored by our hundreds of thousands of rules. Mail deemed clean (based on a score set by the customer) is delivered to the customer’s server; mail deemed questionable (again, based on the filter settings of the customer) will be quarantined. 

Quarantined mail is held for 15 days and expires naturally. Customers receive Quarantine Notifications alerting them to new mail in their quarantine. From within this notification, customers can allow, block, recover to their mailbox, or allow and recover, with a single click. 

Reputation Monitoring

Our cutting-edge filtering service enhances your email security by conducting thorough reputation checks on both senders and their IP addresses. This process ensures that only trustworthy emails reach your inbox, effectively safeguarding against spam and phishing attacks. By evaluating the credibility of each sender and their corresponding IP, we provide an extra layer of protection

URL Checks

We also examine every URL within every email. We cross-reference each link against an extensive database of known malicious URLs to ensure your safety. Additionally, for URLs leading to redirect domains (such as bit.ly, t.co and hundreds of others), we don't just stop there. We diligently follow the trail to inspect the final destination, ensuring it's free from any digital threats. This thorough approach guarantees that every click within your emails is secure, protecting you from the risks of phishing and malware.

* Additional protection *

MailRoute has created a secure, reliable disaster-recovery email solution called Continuity, an add-on service to your filtering account. Continuity makes your email available even when your mailserver is not. For further details please see here or contact support@mailroute.net.