What Is abuse-c?
The abuse-c (abuse contact) is a mandatory attribute in the RIPE Database that specifies the email address for receiving abuse complaints about IP addresses or AS numbers. Every organization registered in the RIPE Database must have a valid abuse-c configured.
Why Is It Mandatory?
RIPE NCC made abuse-c mandatory to ensure that there is always a reachable point of contact for abuse reports. Without proper abuse handling:
- Your IP addresses may be blacklisted more aggressively
- You may face compliance issues with RIPE NCC
- Abuse from your network may go unaddressed, harming internet hygiene
- RIPE NCC may contact you about non-compliance
How to Set Up abuse-c
Step 1: Create a Role Object
Create a role object in the RIPE Database that includes the abuse-mailbox attribute:
role: Abuse Handler address: Your Company Address abuse-mailbox: abuse@yourdomain.com nic-hdl: AH123-RIPE mnt-by: YOUR-MNT source: RIPE
Step 2: Link to Your Organization
Add the abuse-c attribute to your organization object, pointing to the role object you created:
organisation: ORG-YC1-RIPE abuse-c: AH123-RIPE
Step 3: Verify the Email
RIPE NCC will send a verification email to the abuse-mailbox address. Click the verification link to confirm the address is active and monitored.
Best Practices for Abuse Handling
- Use a dedicated email: Do not use a personal email. Use abuse@yourdomain.com or similar
- Monitor regularly: Check the abuse mailbox daily or set up automated processing
- Respond promptly: Acknowledge reports within 24 hours
- Take action: Investigate reported abuse and take appropriate measures
- Keep records: Document how you handled each abuse report
- Set up blacklist monitoring: Proactive monitoring helps you catch issues before formal abuse reports arrive
Common Mistakes
- Unmonitored mailbox: Having an abuse email that nobody reads
- Auto-rejecting reports: Some organizations set up auto-replies that reject all abuse reports
- Wrong email format: The abuse email must be a functional mailbox, not a web form URL
- Not verifying: Failing to complete the RIPE NCC verification process
Proper abuse handling and proactive IP monitoring work together to protect your network reputation. Check your IPs now to ensure they are clean.