Managing SpamAssassin in DirectAdmin
Summary
This guide explains how to enable, configure, and fine‑tune SpamAssassin in DirectAdmin. SpamAssassin filters incoming e‑mails and assigns a spam score based on message content, headers, and sender reputation.
Overview
SpamAssassin helps reduce unwanted e‑mail by scanning messages and marking or deleting those that appear to be spam. You can adjust sensitivity, enable auto‑delete, and whitelist or blacklist specific addresses.
Requirements
- DirectAdmin user-level access
- A domain with e‑mail enabled
- Sufficient hosting resources (SpamAssassin uses CPU/RAM)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Access SpamAssassin Setup
- Log in to DirectAdmin
- Go to E‑mail Manager → SpamAssassin Setup
- Select the domain you want to manage
2. Enable SpamAssassin
- Check “Enable SpamAssassin”
- Save changes
Once enabled, incoming mail will be scanned automatically.
3. Adjust Spam Score Threshold
- Default score is usually 5
- Lower score = more aggressive filtering
- Higher score = less filtering
Example:
- Score 3: Very strict
- Score 7: More lenient
4. Enable Auto‑Delete (Optional)
- Turn on “Automatically delete spam”
- Set the score threshold for deletion
Warning: Auto‑delete may remove legitimate messages if the score is too low.
5. Enable Spam Box (Recommended)
- Creates a “spam” folder in your mailbox
- Spam is delivered there instead of your inbox
- Allows you to review messages before deleting
6. Whitelist and Blacklist Addresses
Whitelist (Always Allow)
- Add trusted senders or domains
- Example: *@yourcompany.com
Blacklist (Always Block)
- Add known spam senders or domains
- Example: *@spamdomain.net
7. Rewrite Subject Line (Optional)
- Add a prefix to suspected spam messages
- Example: ***SPAM*** Subject text here
Troubleshooting
Too Much Spam Getting Through
- Lower the spam score threshold
- Enable Spam Box
- Add known spam domains to the blacklist
Legitimate E‑mails Marked as Spam
- Raise the spam score threshold
- Add the sender to your whitelist
- Disable auto‑delete if enabled
SpamAssassin Not Working
- Ensure it is enabled for the correct domain
- Check mailbox quota (full mailboxes may reject messages)
- Verify MX records are correct
High Server Load
- Reduce scanning options
- Disable auto‑delete if unnecessary
- Avoid extremely low spam score thresholds
Related Articles
- E‑mail Accounts
- SPAM Filters
- Forwarders
- MX Records
- E‑mail Tracking