Pronunciation: [sˈɔːbz] (IPA) 
The word "SORBS" can be pronounced as /sɔːbz/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet. The initial "s" sounds like the "s" in "sun" and the second "s" sounds like the "z" in "zoom." The "o" in "SORBS" is pronounced like the "aw" sound in "saw," while the "r" is pronounced with a slight roll. Finally, the "b" sounds like the "b" in "big" and the final "s" sounds like the "z" in "zoom."
SORBS stands for the "Spam and Open Relay Blocking System." It is an internationally recognized list used to identify and block sources of spam and open relays. Sorbs is a DNS-based blacklist created to fight against the abuse of email systems by preventing spam emails from being delivered to users' inboxes. It specifically targets open relays, which are email servers that allow anyone to send emails through them without authentication or restriction.
SORBS operates by maintaining a comprehensive database of IP addresses that have been reported and identified as sources of spam or open relays. When an email server consults the SORBS database, it checks if the IP address is listed or not. If the IP is found on the list, the server may choose to block or reject incoming emails from that IP address. This process helps prevent spam emails from reaching end-users, reducing the amount of unwanted and potentially harmful messages.
In addition to open relays, SORBS also identifies and lists IP addresses associated with other spam-related activities, such as spam-sending bots, known spam sources, and even IPs utilized by malicious websites. By gathering and sharing this information, SORBS aims to protect networks and internet users from the deluge of spam emails that clog up inboxes and pose security risks.
Overall, SORBS is an essential tool in the fight against spam and helps maintain the integrity and security of email systems by blocking and filtering unwanted messages from known spam sources.
