An unauthorized person is using our Softalk Mail Server SMTP server to send out spam e-mail. How can I stop this?

Symptoms

Unauthorized mail is being relayed by the Softalk Mail Server SMTP server. This may lead to the Softalk Mail Server server being blacklisted by the ISP or some destination mail servers.

Cause

Softalk Mail Server (or WorkgroupMail) is configured as an open relay.

Resolution

Follow the instructions below to restrict who can relay mail.

More Info

Relaying is a term used when a mail server sends an email on to a destination on the internet. Usually this occurs when the mail server passes on a message from a local sender. Authorized senders may be located (non locally) on the internet. Measures must be taken to only allow authorized senders to relay mail through the mail server to the internet destination or else the server will be abused by senders of spam and junk mail. In WorkgroupMail this is termed relay control.

Detail

Softalk Mail Server v8, WorkgroupMail v8 and WorkgroupMail v7

1. Open the Administrator and double click on the Relay Control icon.
2. Select the option ‘This server does not relay messages for foreign domains (except for trusted hosts)’.
3. Select the trusted hosts page and enter the IP addresses of all local machines permitted to relay. Click OK
4. Double click on the Settings icon and select the Advanced tab.
5. Tick the option to ‘Allow SMTP client authentication’. This permits any mail client to relay when configured to use SMTP authentication and the same account details as the POP3 server.

WorkgroupMail v6

1. Open the Administrator and double click the Settings icon
2. Select the Relaying tab.
3. Select “Allow specific relaying”
4. Click the Settings button.
5. In the IP Address page select “Permit only specified addresses” and press the Add button.
6. Add the range of local IP addresses who should be permitted to use the server.
7. Press OK on each page to save your changes.