Postfix and 'smtpd_helo_required'

[Nikolas Kallis]

Hello,


Since I started using mailing-lists, my inbox has been attacked with 
spam. At first it was not so bad, but now its ridiculous and I have to act.

I am currently looking at using the 'smtpd_helo_required' parameter in 
my main/cf configuration file.

I am someone that won't use a spam prevention method that could block a 
a legitimate e-mail, and as so, my way of fighting spam is by 
protocol-compliance means only.

I wasn't sure if 'smtpd_helo_required' was suitable as I wasn't sure if 
the SMTP 'HELO' message was a protocol requirement. After reading 
'4.1.1.1  Extended HELLO (EHLO) or HELLO (HELO)' of RFC 2821, I learnt 
that it is a protocol requirement.

As HELO is a requirement of the SMTP specification, then the parameter 
'smtpd_helo_required' should not exist, and Postfix should not accept 
e-mail if the remote server does not send a HELO message, period.



Regards,

Nikolas Kallis