What is an Abuse Desk Analyst?

Abuse Desk Analysts process abuse complaints and investigate policy violations. At ESPs and hosting providers, they review: spam complaints, terms of service violations, and suspicious sending patterns. They balance user protection against legitimate sending.

Responsibilities include: triaging incoming complaints, investigating sender behavior, making enforcement decisions, coordinating with external parties, and maintaining policy documentation.

For senders, abuse desks are enforcement contacts. Understanding what triggers investigation helps avoid problems. If you receive abuse desk contact, respond promptly and honestly. Cooperation helps; evasion worsens outcomes.