The Internet is an amazing place, it brings together people across continents. You can literally order anything within a few seconds, watch tons of content all the time. However, it can be a pretty scary place as well due to data breaches and security risks.
All this is inevitable since the internet is now hugely integrated in our everyday lives. To protect us from this and make the internet a safe place, government agencies and other authorities have made a few guidelines that need to be followed. This includes safety laws, protocols, and standards like Cyber Intelligence Sharing And Protection Act (CISPA) and PCI Data Security.
Another such measure is URL blacklisting.
Let’s learn more about what URL blacklisting is.
What Is a URL Blacklist?
A URL blacklist is basically a list of URLs that the browser, search engine, or cybersecurity software deem unsafe to browse into. This list is reviewed every few days to remove any false positives. These websites have either engaged in malicious activities or suspicious behavior.
A few things can happen when a website gets blacklisted. A warning message can show up on your screen, either from your browser or the antivirus installed.
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Other than the warning sign, alerts might appear on your screen such as malware detected and more. Viewers can still bypass them but red alerts can usually put people off.
On the backend, such websites experience a drop in search results and Google might devote or remove them from the search results. This is quite detrimental to your organic views.
Google Blacklists
According to the Safe Browsing Authority, Google usually blacklists sites due to these three major reasons:
- Social Engineering Pages: otherwise known as phishing sites that could attempt or trick users into doing dangerous activities online.
- Malware Pages: Websites that might contain malicious code or use personal information in data breaches.
- Unwanted Software Pages: Unwanted software pages that might promote software that violates Google Software Principles.
What are the major reasons for URL blacklisting?
It is important that both users and owners understand the main reasons behind URL blacklisting since it affects both ends. Here are the major reasons why a URL might be blacklisted.
Malware Code
One of the most common reasons for a URL blacklist is malware code or irregularities that might seem like it. Malware can take on many forms such as trojan horses. A Trojan horse is a type of malicious software that looks legitimate in order to deceive users.
Phishing Schemes
Phishing schemes is one of the common reasons for a website being blacklisted when it is reported or flagged for running phishing schemes. This site might have redirect links to phishing sites. These websites deceive users into sharing private information like passwords and more.
SEO Spam
SEO spam is another form of attack that can lead to URL blacklisting. In fact, SEO spam makes up about 60% of the total affected websites. SEO spam is mainly due to misuse of keywords and pop-up ads.
Harmful Plugins
Adding harmful plug-ins to your website can also be a huge reason for blacking of URLs. This can prohibit users from accessing the URL or interacting with it by the plugin, WordPress site, or the browser.
Avoid Unnecessary Redirects
Unnecessary or fluff redirects can blacklist a URL superquick. This could either be due to the fact that the redirect points towards an already blacklisted URL or a phishing website.
How to Check If a URL Is Blacklisted?
To check if a URL is blacklisted:
- Use tools like Google safe browsing, VirusTotal, URLVoid, and Norton Safe Web.
- Check via WHOIS Lookup Tools.
- Check for browser warnings like Chrome or Firefox.
- Check email security logs if the domain is used for emails as well.
- Use command line tools such as curl or wget.
How to Remove a URL from a Blacklist
To remove a website from URL blacklist, follow these steps:
- Identify the Blacklist
Use one of the above methods to determine if the URL is blacklisted.
- Rectify the issue
Check your website for viruses, malware code, infected links, and broken files.
- Request a Review
Visit the relevant blacklist provider and submit a delisting request.
- Verify changes
Regularly monitor your website and implement security measures to prevent future issues.
- Follow-up
It might take a few days to update the list.
Best Practices to Avoid Blacklisting
To avoid getting your URL blacklisted, follow these best practices:
- Secure your website
Use HTTPS to encrypt data and ensure safe browsing. Keep your CMS, plugins, and softwares updated with the latest patches. Install and configure a web application firewall.
- Monitor & Scan for viruses
Use scrutiny tools like Sucuri or VirusTotal to scan for malware. Regularly keep tabs on your website activity for unusual traffic.
- Avoid malicious content
Regularly audit websites for spammy links, pirated files, or prohibited material. Implement strong moderation policies for UCG.
- Maintain Email Best Practices
Configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to authenticate emails. Avoid sending unsolicited emails to prevent being flagged as spam.
- Strengthen Passwords
Use strong, unique, and alphanumeric passwords for all websites and enable two-factor authentication for additional security.
- Monitor Backlinks
Check for harmful backlinks using Google Search Console or Ahrefs.
- Be Transparent
Ensure that your privacy policy, data usage, terms of service, and contact details are easily accessible.
- Reliable Web Hosting
A reliable web hosting control panel, such as CyberPanel is your one way ticket to safe and secure websites.
- Limit Login Attempts
Setting a simple log-in limit can stop hackers or malware from accessing your website. Also supporting strong passwords and encouraging your users to do the same can keep your site safe.
- Dedicated User Roles & Permissions
Setting specific and clear roles and permissions keep your website safe, since everyone knows what they are responsible for and any out of the ordinary request would raise concern.
Final Words!
A URL blacklist is a critical cybersecurity measure designed to protect users from harmful websites. Understanding how blacklists work and proactively managing your URL can help safeguard your online presence. Regularly monitor your site for vulnerabilities, adhere to best practices for security, and use reliable tools to detect and address issues promptly. By taking these steps, you can avoid blacklisting and ensure a safe, trustworthy digital experience for your audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does URL blacklisting work?
Web security systems and services, such as firewalls or antivirus programs, maintain databases of blacklisted URLs. When users try to access a blacklisted URL, they are typically warned or redirected to a safe page.
2. Why are URLs blacklisted?
URLs are blacklisted to protect users from phishing attacks, malware, spam, or other malicious activities. These sites may be associated with viruses, scams, or unethical content.
3. Can a URL be removed from a blacklist?
Yes, most URL blacklist services allow website owners to request the removal of their site from the blacklist once the issues have been resolved, such as removing malware or addressing security vulnerabilities.
