How to Block Unwanted Emails

Spam emails are a major nuisance. Not only do they clutter your inbox, but they also put your domain reputation at risk. At Vivint Host, we understand how important it is to protect your email environment and ensure your emails reach their intended recipients.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through proven technical methods to reduce spam and boost email deliverability. This includes configuring key DNS records and using tools within your cPanel or WHM interface.

1. Enable DKIM & SPF Records

DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) and Sender Policy Framework (SPF) work together to ensure that:

• Emails are genuinely from your domain.
• They haven’t been tampered with during transmission.
• Only authorized servers can send mail for your domain.

How to Enable DKIM and SPF in cPanel

1. Log into your cPanel account.
2. Go to Email > Authentication.
3. Enable DKIM and SPF.

Note for Shared Hosting Users: Make sure your SPF record includes:

+include:smtp.servconfig.com -all

This ensures compatibility with SpamExperts.

Set DKIM & SPF Defaults for VPS Users

1. Log into WHM as root.
2. Go to Tweak Settings.
3. Search for "newly created account".
4. Enable SPF and DKIM to be set by default.

Click Save.

2. Add a DMARC Record

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance) strengthens email authentication by instructing email providers how to handle unauthenticated mail. It complements SPF and DKIM.

Add a DMARC Record in cPanel

1. Log into cPanel.
2. Search for Zone Editor (or Advanced Zone Editor in older versions).
3. Click Add Record > TXT Record.
4. Enter the DMARC value. Here's a basic setup:

v=DMARC1; p=reject; sp=none; rf=afrf; pct=100; ri=86400

For stricter validation:

v=DMARC1; p=reject; sp=reject; adkim=s; aspf=s; pct=100; fo=0; rf=afrf; ri=86400

3. Configure PTR / Reverse DNS Records (For VPS/Dedicated Servers)

PTR (Pointer) records, also known as Reverse DNS (rDNS), help validate the IP address associated with your email server.

If you're using a VPS or dedicated server with Vivint Host, setting up PTR records ensures your email doesn’t get flagged as spam.

Steps to Configure

1. Decide on a PTR name (e.g., secure.yourdomain.com).
2. Update your server hostname.
3. Contact Vivint Host Support to submit your PTR record request.

Note: Changes may take up to 24 hours. During propagation, you can access cPanel/WHM via your Vivint Host AMP.

4. Use Spam Filters / SpamAssassin

Spam Filters or SpamAssassin detect and filter spam before it lands in your inbox.

Enable and Configure in cPanel

1. Log into cPanel.
2. Navigate to Spam Filters (or SpamAssassin).
3. Click Enable Spam Filters.
4. Adjust the spam score sensitivity as needed.

You can also:

• Enable a Spam Box to collect flagged messages.
• Blacklist specific email addresses.

Note: These filters only apply to future emails.

5. Use SpamExperts (for Shared Hosting)

Vivint Host customers on shared hosting plans can activate SpamExperts, an advanced spam prevention solution.

How to Set Up

1. Request SpamExperts activation via our 24/7 Support.
2. Once enabled, update your MX records in cPanel.
3. Access your SpamExperts dashboard to manage filtering rules.

SpamExperts provides proactive spam protection through external filtering servers, reducing the risk of email threats reaching your inbox.

6. Create Custom Email Filters

Creating personalized email filters gives you additional control over what arrives in your inbox.

Set Up Filters in cPanel

1. Log into cPanel.
2. Navigate to Email Filters.
3. Create rules to:

• Flag certain keywords (e.g., "Mail Delivery Failed").
• Redirect suspicious emails to the spam folder.

These filters are ideal for blocking common spam triggers and maintaining a clean inbox.

Final Notes

• DNS changes like SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and PTR may take 4 to 24 hours to fully propagate.
• If you're managing DNS from WHM, updating the SOA (Start of Authority) can help speed up record updates.

For further assistance or configuration help, the Vivint Host Support Team is available 24/7.

Want to learn more? Visit our Email Knowledge Base for advanced email settings, troubleshooting, and best practices.