What is domain reputation scoring?

Domain reputation scoring evaluates sending domains based on historical behavior. Factors include: spam complaint rates, **spam trap** hits, authentication practices, age, and sending patterns. Scores inform filtering decisions.

Scoring sources: blocklist operators (**Spamhaus DBL**), security vendors (**Cisco Talos**), **MBP**-specific systems (**Gmail**, **Microsoft**), and aggregators (**Validity** **Sender Score**). Different sources use different methodologies.

Impact: poor **domain reputation** causes filtering regardless of message content. Good reputation provides benefit of doubt. Reputation builds slowly and damages quickly. Monitor **domain reputation** as part of deliverability management.