Topic: Spam + Antivirus Filter => ScanMailX

[Gaetan]

I would like to share with you an excellent spam + antivirus filter that I discovered by chance a few weeks ago.
I have been using the SME server since version 4 - and think it is an excellent mail / web server. The only issue I have with it is the fact that the SME server doesn’t filter enough (spam & virus) out of the box.
I have been looking for a system efficient - easy to use - easy to administrate - with competitive price - and moreover, compatible with the SME server.
By chance, I found ScanMailX (www.scanmailx.com).
In a few words, it does exactly what I was expecting: it blocks most of spam messages (around 80% of total incoming emails) before messages reach our own server (saved bandwidth), it is extremely easy to set up - ScanMailX Support desk is very reactive. A daily email report gives users the option to Preview / Release messages blocked in quarantine. Messages in quarantine can be retained for up to 30 days, depending on your subscription. Users can easily report spam messages which haven't been blocked (there are actually very few to be honest). The administrator panel to simple to use and give you very useful informations and graphs.
The service can be tested for free for 21 days ...
Administrators having trouble with spam messages should certainly check this service out.

[Stefano]

behind the courtain of scanmailX you can find our friend Knuddi

[Knuddi]

Yes, that is correct Stefano. As actually the very first version of the service was based on a group of (highly modified) SME servers (7.x) behind a load balanced router

Anyways, give it go - it also works as a MX backup server in case your line or server is down.

[kruhm]

I can vouch for the service. I signed up a year ago for a server that was having spam trouble and the service solved the problem.

It's an affordable solution to a major issue. I would purchase again if I find myself in the same situation.

NOTE: I am in no way related to the Knuddi or ScanMailX

[janet]

Gaetan

I wonder if you have configured sme server in the best way to reduce spam.

Is the sme server in server gateway mode with a bridged modem in front of it (rather than server only with a router or other gateway device in front of it) ?

Did you enable spamassassin custom mode, & did you configure manual or automatic bayesian learning ?

Did you configure RBL lists (which ones) ?

Did you configure executable content blocking including ZIP1 & ZIP2 ?
Which ones did you use ?

Did you try using greylisting ?

With all these functional, spam can be quite low, depending on your email addresses public exposure etc.

I am interested to know why you felt it necessary to use external filtering, & I do not mean to detract at all from the method/service you chose.