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MailScanner
What it is
MailScanner is a free, open-source email gateway for processing messages and checking them for spam, viruses, phishing, malware, and other malicious content. It is intended for server-level use on Linux-based email gateways and can also run on Unix-based operating systems. The project describes it as working with other open-source software, including ClamAV and SpamAssassin, and provides setup guides for Sendmail, Postfix, and Exim. Installation instructions cover Red Hat-based, Debian-based, SUSE-based, and other Unix-like systems. Administrators configure MailScanner after installation using files such as /etc/MailScanner/MailScanner.conf and /etc/MailScanner/defaults. Its v5 repository includes the GNU General Public License version 2. The project points users to a mailing list for support; Mailborder and Baruwa are also named as professional-support providers. MailWatch is listed as a logging and monitoring interface, but it does not automate MailScanner's installation or configuration. The install guide recommends keeping the operating system minimal.
For and against
For
- Free, open-source email gateway.
- Checks for spam, viruses, phishing, and malware.
- Works with ClamAV and SpamAssassin.
- Installation instructions cover several Linux distributions.
- Mailing-list and professional support options are listed.
Against
- Designed for Linux- or Unix-based gateways.
- Administrators configure it through files after installation.
- MailWatch does not automate installation or configuration.
- The install guide recommends a minimal operating system.
The verdict
MailScanner provides email threat scanning for administrators who can manage a gateway installation and its configuration. Its free, open-source license is paired with platform and setup requirements that may not suit users seeking an automated, non-server tool.
Who it suits
MailScanner suits administrators managing Linux or Unix-based email gateways who can install and configure server-level software. It is intended for use with mail transfer agents such as Sendmail, Postfix, or Exim.
Plans and prices
MailScanner
Open source email gateway
Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Configuration
- After installation, administrators configure MailScanner using files including /etc/MailScanner/MailScanner.conf and /etc/MailScanner/defaults.mailscanner.info · read 4 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- MailScanner is designed for Linux-based email gateways and can run on Linux or Unix-based operating systems.mailscanner.info · read 4 Oct 2026
- History
- The about page says Julian Field created MailScanner in 2000 in response to increasing spam.mailscanner.info · read 4 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- The install guide describes MailScanner as server-level software for email gateways and recommends keeping the operating system minimal.mailscanner.info · read 4 Oct 2026
- Mail transfer agents
- The repository links setup guides for Sendmail, Postfix, and Exim.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Management interfaces
- The downloads page lists MailWatch as a logging and monitoring GUI that does not provide automated MailScanner installation or configuration.mailscanner.info · read 4 Oct 2026
- Open-source license
- The v5 repository includes the GNU General Public License version 2.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Packages
- The repository provides installation instructions for Red Hat-based, Debian-based, SUSE-based, and other Unix-like systems.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Professional support
- The maker's professional-support page says Mailborder and Baruwa can provide support for MailScanner, including for users who do not use their management suites.mailscanner.info · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- MailScanner is an open source email gateway that processes email for spam, viruses, phishing, and other malicious content.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Scanning
- The project says MailScanner works with other open source software including ClamAV and SpamAssassin.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security checks
- The maker describes scanning for viruses, spam, phishing, malware, and other attacks against security vulnerabilities.mailscanner.info · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The repository points users to a MailScanner mailing list for support.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
