General

Why are some domains blocked?

Various actors can block domains for several reasons. Google and Microsoft, for example, block domains that are deemed to be unsafe or malicious to protect their users from harm.

ISPs, domain providers, firewall manufacturers such as Palo Alto, and government authorities may block domains for similar reasons, such as preventing the spread of malware or restricting access to illegal or harmful content.

End-user reports are taken into account by many actors when determining whether to block a domain.
For example, Google Safe Browsing and Microsoft Defender rely on user reports to identify potential threats and improve their protection.
ISPs and domain providers may also consider user reports when deciding whether to block a domain.

To unblock a domain blocked by Google or Microsoft, you can request a review of the site and address any security or content issues that may have led to the block.
For domains that have been blocked by other actors, such as ISPs or government authorities, the process for unblocking may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the policies of the entity that imposed the block.
Generally, it's important to follow appropriate procedures and provide any necessary evidence to demonstrate that the domain is not engaging in abusive or harmful behavior.

Holm Security monitors our phishing domains continuously using Google's Safe Browsing API (Used by all major Browsers today) and automatically submits a review requests when a domain is blocked.