Why is my website link flagged as malware on LinkedIn and listed on Spamhaus and Fortinet?
Michael Ko
Co-founder & CEO, Suped
Published 15 Aug 2025
Updated 17 Aug 2025
9 min read
Discovering that your website link has been flagged as malware on platforms like LinkedIn or listed on prominent blocklists (or blacklists) such as Spamhaus and Fortinet can be alarming. It creates an immediate trust issue, not only with your audience but also with the systems that are meant to ensure online safety. This situation can severely impact your domain's reputation, affecting everything from email deliverability to your site's visibility in search results.
I've encountered this issue firsthand and understand the frustration, especially when you're certain there's no actual malware present on your site. The good news is that these flags are often false positives or the result of a misunderstanding by automated scanning systems. The key is to understand why this happens and what steps you can take to resolve it.
The main players: LinkedIn, Fortinet, and Spamhaus
When your link is flagged on LinkedIn, it means their internal security systems, which often rely on various third-party threat intelligence feeds, have identified something suspicious. This could be anything from a perceived phishing attempt to actual malicious code found on a linked page. Even if your site is clean, a historical issue with an IP address, or a domain that was previously compromised, could trigger these warnings.
Fortinet is a cybersecurity company that provides web filtering and security solutions. When they flag your site, it typically means their FortiGuard Labs threat intelligence has categorized your domain or a specific URL on your domain as malicious. This categorization is then used by their firewalls and security products to block access to your site for their users. It's a significant indicator that your website's security posture needs immediate attention, even if it's a false alarm.
Spamhaus is an organization known for its comprehensive anti-spam and anti-malware blocklists (blacklists), including the Domain Blocklist (DBL). If your domain is listed on the Spamhaus DBL, it's typically due to involvement in spam, phishing, or malware distribution, even if indirectly. The perplexing "No IP queries" error from tools like MXToolbox often arises when you're trying to look up a domain in an IP-based blacklist (or blocklist), or when the tool incorrectly attempts an IP lookup on a domain blocklist like the DBL. This particular error message usually points to a mismatch in the type of lookup being performed, rather than a deep, underlying issue with your domain itself related to IP queries. For a deeper understanding of how these lists operate, you can consult a guide to how email blacklists actually work.
Why your link gets flagged: false positives vs. actual issues
A common scenario is a false positive. This can happen if your website is new or has very low traffic. Security systems sometimes err on the side of caution, flagging domains with insufficient reputation or unusual activity. Another possibility is that an IP address your website shares with others, such as through a CDN or shared hosting, was previously associated with malicious activity. This can lead to a blocklisting of your site, even if you’ve done nothing wrong. For more on what happens during a blocklisting, review what happens when your domain is blocklisted.
However, it is crucial to consider if your website has indeed been compromised. Phishing attempts often leverage legitimate websites by injecting malicious content or redirecting users to fraudulent sites. A successful phishing campaign or malware infection on your server can lead to your domain being quickly blacklisted by security vendors like Fortinet and organizations like Spamhaus. It's not always evident to the naked eye, as malicious code can be deeply embedded or configured to only activate under certain conditions.
Another subtle factor can be domain privacy settings. While not a direct cause of a blacklist, some anti-spam entities prefer public WHOIS records as a sign of transparency. If your domain uses private WHOIS, it might be scrutinized more closely or simply not benefit from the small trust boost that public records can offer. While it's not the primary reason for a blocklist, it's something to be aware of.
Investigating and diagnosing the problem
To accurately diagnose the problem, you need to check multiple sources. Start with a comprehensive scan using tools like VirusTotal. This service aggregates results from dozens of antivirus engines and URL scanners, providing a broad picture of how your link is perceived across the security landscape. Look for any engines that flag your site, specifically paying attention to mentions of Fortinet or phishing. It's also wise to check Fortinet's own FortiGuard Webfilter database to see their specific categorization.
For Spamhaus, bypass generic blacklist checkers that might misinterpret DBL listings. Instead, use their official DBL lookup tool to confirm if your domain is indeed listed. If it is, their listing details will provide a reason code or link to an FAQ explaining the specific type of abuse detected. This precision is vital for effective delisting. You can also utilize blocklist monitoring tools to stay informed.
If any scan indicates potential malware or phishing, immediately investigate your website's files and database for any unauthorized changes. This could involve checking recent file modifications, scanning for unusual scripts, or reviewing server logs for suspicious activity. Ensure your content management system (CMS), themes, and plugins are all up to date. Also, verify your email authentication records, such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, are correctly configured. Misconfigurations can lead to your domain being spoofed in phishing campaigns, indirectly impacting your website's reputation, as detailed in a simple guide to DMARC, SPF, and DKIM.
Here's a quick comparison of what different security tools might show:
Tool
What it checks
Potential findings
Action if listed
VirusTotal
Aggregates scans from multiple antivirus engines and URL scanners for a given URL or file.
Flags from various vendors (e.g., Fortinet, Spamhaus), indicating malware, phishing, or suspicious content.
Identifies which vendors are flagging your site; helps prioritize delisting requests.
Spamhaus DBL
Checks if your domain is listed due to spam, phishing, or malware distribution.
Listing with a specific reason code, often related to domain abuse. "No IP queries" is often an MXToolbox misinterpretation.
Categorizes URLs based on threat intelligence for use in Fortinet security products.
Categorization as "Malicious Websites," "Phishing," or other security threats.
Request a re-rating or delisting through Fortinet's support or web re-rating portal.
Steps to delist and prevent future issues
Once you've identified the source of the flagging, the next step is to initiate the delisting process. For Fortinet, you'll typically need to submit a re-rating request through their FortiGuard website. Be prepared to provide details about your website and explain why you believe the flag is a false positive or how you've remediated any detected issues. Similarly, for Spamhaus, visit their website and follow their specific delisting procedures for the DBL. Remember that responsiveness from these organizations can vary, so patience is key. Resolving these listings can be straightforward if your site is clean.
Simultaneously, you should contact LinkedIn support. Provide them with details of your domain, the specific URL that was flagged, and any evidence you have of its cleanliness or successful delisting from Fortinet and Spamhaus. While their support can sometimes be slow, they are the ultimate authority for unblocking links on their platform. The good news is that if you're removed from the underlying blocklists, LinkedIn should eventually follow suit.
To prevent future incidents, implement robust security measures on your website, including regular malware scans, strong password policies, and timely updates for all software. For email, ensure your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are correctly configured and actively monitored. DMARC, in particular, can help prevent your domain from being used in spoofing attacks, which can indirectly lead to your website links being flagged. Consider utilizing DMARC monitoring services to keep an eye on your email authentication.
Proactive steps for website security
Regular scans: Implement daily malware scans on your website and hosting environment.
Software updates: Keep your CMS, themes, and plugins updated to patch vulnerabilities.
Strong credentials: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and enable two-factor authentication.
Views from the trenches
Best practices
Conduct regular website security audits to detect and fix vulnerabilities early.
Ensure your DNS records, including SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, are correctly configured and monitored for alignment.
Maintain public WHOIS information where possible, as it can sometimes aid in reputation assessment.
Keep all website software, plugins, and themes up to date to prevent exploitation.
Use a reputable hosting provider with strong security measures and support.
Common pitfalls
Assuming a malware flag is always a false positive without thorough investigation.
Ignoring "No IP queries" errors from tools without understanding their context.
Failing to contact all relevant parties (LinkedIn, Fortinet, Spamhaus) for delisting.
Neglecting to implement ongoing security and email authentication monitoring.
Having a website compromised that redirects to malicious pages.
Expert tips
Implement a content security policy (CSP) to mitigate cross-site scripting (XSS) and other content injection attacks.
Utilize web application firewalls (WAFs) to filter and monitor HTTP traffic between web applications and the internet.
Regularly check your server logs for any unusual access patterns or error messages that could indicate a compromise.
Segment your network to limit the damage in case of a breach, protecting other assets.
Educate your team on phishing awareness to prevent credential compromise that could lead to website defacement.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says that malware warnings often have nothing to do with email and suggest reaching out to LinkedIn support directly.
2023-12-28 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks says that the Spamhaus issue is likely an MXToolbox error where it attempts to check an IP address in a domain name list, confirming the domain itself could still be listed on the DBL.
2023-12-29 - Email Geeks
Restoring your domain's reputation
Having your website link flagged as malware on LinkedIn or listed on blocklists like Spamhaus and Fortinet is a serious matter that requires prompt and thorough investigation. While false positives are possible, especially for new sites, it's essential to rule out any actual compromises or misconfigurations first. Remember that these platforms and organizations prioritize user safety, and their flagging systems, though sometimes imperfect, serve to protect against real threats.
By systematically diagnosing the issue, contacting the relevant parties for delisting, and implementing strong security and email authentication practices, you can restore your domain's reputation and ensure your links are shared without interruption. Proactive monitoring of your domain's health and security posture is the best defense against future flagging issues and is critical for maintaining robust email deliverability and online presence. You can begin checking your status with our blocklist checker.
Spamhaus
0Spam
Cisco
NoSolicitado
URIBL
abuse.ro
ALPHANET
Anonmails
Ascams
BLOCKEDSERVERS
Calivent Networks
EFnet
JustSpam
Kempt.net
NordSpam
RV-SOFT Technology
Scientific Spam
Spamikaze
SpamRATS
SPFBL
Suomispam
System 5 Hosting
Team Cymru
Validity
www.blocklist.de Fail2Ban-Reporting Service
ZapBL
2stepback.dk
Fayntic Services
ORB UK
technoirc.org
TechTheft
VirusTotal
Spamhaus DBL
FortiGuard Webfilter
