What’s the difference between content-based and behavioral filtering?

Content-based filtering:

• Examines message text, subject lines, HTML structure
• Scans links and attachments
• Looks for spam patterns and keywords
• Can be triggered by single message
• More predictable, testable

Behavioral filtering:

• Examines sender reputation
• Considers recipient engagement history
• Analyzes sending patterns and volume
• Builds over time
• Harder to test directly

Modern filtering: Uses both together. Good reputation can overcome suspicious content. Bad reputation makes everything suspicious.

Focus on behavior/reputation for long-term deliverability, content for immediate issues.

The cargo is inspected, but so is the ship's history and the captain's reputation.