An Allow List is a set of email or IP addresses that have been granted access to a service, or a list of websites that a user is permitted to access.
Allow listing — some services use the term "whitelisting" but this is rightly falling out of usage — refers to the process of granting a specific IP address access to a server or system. SendGrid's IP Access Management security feature makes use of Allow Lists, for example: it lets you specify who can access your SendGrid account by adding their IP address to an Allow List.
You may also encounter the term Allow List when reading a list of IP addresses that receive special treatment when sending mail to a specific inbox provider. However, email Allow Lists are becoming less and less common. These days, the best way to ensure your messages land in the inbox is to send mail that you know your recipients will love.
An Allow List plays a pivotal role in access control, offering a secure way to manage who or what can access a service or system. Whether you're safeguarding your network or fine-tuning your email delivery, understanding allowlisting is crucial. In this context, we'll delve into what an allow list is, its relevance in modern security practices, and how it can boost your email deliverability.
An Allow List, sometimes referred to as an "allowlist," is a curated selection of email addresses or IP addresses that have been explicitly granted permission to access a particular service or system. It acts as a virtual gatekeeper, ensuring that only approved entities can gain entry, while keeping unauthorized users or entities at bay.
You might encounter the term "Allow List" interchangeably with "whitelist." Historically, the latter was more commonly used, but the trend is shifting toward the use of "Allow List" to promote inclusivity and eliminate any potential racial or cultural connotations associated with the term "whitelist." Essentially, both terms serve the same purpose: identifying those that are permitted or "allowed."
A prime example of allowlisting in action is SendGrid's IP Access Management security feature. SendGrid allows you to take control of who can access your SendGrid account by utilizing Allow Lists. You can specify individuals or entities by adding their IP addresses to your Allow List, ensuring that only authorized parties can interact with your email delivery infrastructure.
In the world of email deliverability, Allow Lists have traditionally been associated with email marketing. However, they are becoming less common as email providers increasingly rely on engagement metrics and user behavior to determine inbox placement. Instead of focusing solely on Allow Lists, the emphasis has shifted toward sending relevant, engaging content that recipients love.
In conclusion, understanding what an Allow List is and how it can enhance access control and email deliverability is essential in today's digital landscape. Whether you're safeguarding your systems or optimizing your email marketing strategy, the concept of allowlisting remains a powerful tool in ensuring that only trusted entities gain access.