False Positive

Simple Definition for Beginners:

A false positive is when a test or tool incorrectly identifies something as a problem or threat when it is actually harmless.

Common Use Example:

An antivirus software flags a harmless file as a virus, causing unnecessary alarm and potentially interrupting work until the issue is resolved.

Technical Definition for Professionals:

A false positive occurs when a test, tool, or system incorrectly indicates the presence of a particular condition or attribute that is not actually present. In the context of security and software testing, a false positive refers to an erroneous alert or detection of a threat or vulnerability in an application, system, or network that, upon further investigation, is found to be benign. False positives can arise due to overly sensitive detection algorithms, misconfigured rules, or inadequate filtering criteria. Managing false positives is crucial in security operations to avoid wasting resources on non-existent threats, maintain operational efficiency, and ensure that genuine threats receive appropriate attention.