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How to Report a False Positive to Security Vendors

Complete directory of vendor submission processes

Timeline: Varies: 24 hours to 2+ weeks per vendor
Difficulty: Low per vendor, but extremely time-consuming at scale

Each security vendor has its own process for handling false positive reports. Some are straightforward web forms, others require email submissions with specific formats. Here's how to navigate the most common ones.

1

Google Safe Browsing

Use Google Search Console > Security Issues to see and dispute warnings. Alternatively, submit a review request at safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_error/. Response time is typically 24-72 hours.

2

Microsoft SmartScreen

Submit your URL at microsoft.com/wdsi/support/report. You'll need to provide the URL, indicate it's a false warning, and explain your case. Microsoft usually responds within 24 hours.

3

Kaspersky

Use the Kaspersky Threat Intelligence Portal to check your URL status, then submit a false positive request through their support portal. Include your URL and any clean scan results.

Kaspersky is one of the slower vendors to respond — expect 5-10 business days.

4

Bitdefender

Submit false positives at bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/29358. Provide the flagged URL and a brief explanation. Bitdefender typically processes requests within 2-3 business days.

5

Fortinet / FortiGuard

Use the FortiGuard web filtering lookup tool, then submit a recategorization request. You'll need to create a FortiGuard account. Processing takes 1-3 business days.

6

Other vendors

For ESET, Avira, Sophos, McAfee, Norton, and dozens of others — each has their own portal. The process is similar: find their false positive submission form, provide your URL and evidence, then wait for review.

With 87+ vendors to potentially contact, the process can be overwhelming. Consider automated monitoring and delisting services to handle this at scale.

Need help with this?

Don't waste hours navigating vendor submission forms. Our team handles the entire delisting process for you — across all 87 security vendors simultaneously.

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