Question 1

What is a false positive on a security vendor blacklist?

Accepted Answer

A false positive is when a security vendor such as Google Safe Browsing, VirusTotal, Fortinet FortiGuard, or Sophos incorrectly classifies a legitimate domain as malicious, phishing, or spam. This triggers browser warnings, firewall blocks, and email filtering that prevent users from reaching your website — despite no actual threat being present.

Question 2

How do I remove my domain from a security blacklist?

Accepted Answer

Each security vendor has a different false positive submission process. You must identify the correct channel, prepare evidence of legitimate domain use, submit a formal delisting request, and follow up persistently. BrandsDefender handles this entire process across 87 vendors including Google Safe Browsing, VirusTotal, Fortinet, Sophos, Kaspersky, and ESET.

Question 3

How long does domain blacklist removal take?

Accepted Answer

Most false positive delistings are resolved within 24–72 hours. Google Safe Browsing typically responds within 24 hours of a correct review request. Fortinet FortiGuard and Sophos usually respond within 48–72 hours. Complex cases involving upstream feed propagation can take up to 7 days. BrandsDefender's average resolution time is 48 hours.

Question 4

What is the no cure, no pay guarantee?

Accepted Answer

BrandsDefender only charges for confirmed successful delistings. If a security vendor refuses to remove the flag despite our best efforts, you pay nothing for that case. This applies to both one-time cases and subscription plan case credits.

Question 5

Which security vendors do you handle delisting from?

Accepted Answer

BrandsDefender handles delisting from 87 security vendors including Google Safe Browsing, VirusTotal, Fortinet FortiGuard, Sophos, Kaspersky, ESET, Bitdefender, McAfee WebAdvisor, Cisco Talos, Symantec/Broadcom, Webroot BrightCloud, PhishTank, URLhaus, Netcraft, MalwarePatrol, Sucuri, and many more.

Vendor Removal Guides

Website Blacklist Removal & Antivirus Delisting Guide