Definition:
A blacklist is a list of entities, such as IP addresses, domains, or email addresses, that are blocked from accessing a network, system, or service due to malicious behavior or suspicious activity.
Use Cases:
- Used by firewalls and email filters to block traffic from known malicious IP addresses or domains.
- Employed by spam filters to prevent unwanted emails from reaching inboxes.
Related Terms:
Questions and Answers:
- What is the purpose of a blacklist in cybersecurity?
The purpose is to block access to entities that have been identified as a threat, such as malware-distributing domains or malicious IP addresses.
- How are blacklists maintained?
Blacklists are maintained by security teams or automated systems, which update them based on threat intelligence and new discoveries of malicious activity.
- What is the difference between a blacklist and a whitelist?
A blacklist blocks certain entities, while a whitelist allows only specific entities to access a system, creating a more restrictive security environment.