IP blocklist and blacklist services for fraud prevention have strict terms of service that can result in IP blacklisting if breached. Examples of such breaches could include spamming, attempting to scrape data, illicit online activities, and illegal transactions. These types of actions can cause reputational damage and impact your brand as a trustworthy, secure business.

Malware, Ransomware and Phishing Websites

If your organization has a history of malware or phishing attacks or does not follow best security practices like using firewalls and anti-virus software, it can find itself on an IP blocklist. In addition, if your website is compromised and hosting malicious content, you may be blacklisted by the site’s administrators or blacklist operators.

Unusual Network Activity

Identifying unusual patterns in web traffic or user behavior is an early warning sign of potential IP blacklisting. For example, high-volume email sending, multiple failed login attempts or rapid-fire form submissions can indicate that a bot is at work. In addition, a sudden drop in search engine rankings or increased bounce rates can also be indicators of an IP blacklisting incident.

If your organization finds itself on a blacklist, it’s important to take steps to address the issue as quickly as possible to prevent future incidents. You can do this by implementing a number of strategies. For instance, by implementing security measures, such as securing servers, deploying a cloud-based DDoS protection and using two-factor authentication. You can also request removal from a blacklist by following the process outlined on the list’s website. It’s also critical to document your efforts so that you can prove you’ve taken corrective actions if asked to support a removal request.