Direct answer
Mark a finding as a false positive only after the authorized reviewer has evidence that the reported condition does not apply. Record the test, source, time and rationale; an unknown result or accepted risk is a different status.
Understand the detection
Record the rule, asset, observed value and why the tool raised it. An outdated inventory might report a removed application, while a version string might not show a vendor backport. Ask the owner for evidence of the actual deployed state.
Reference: NIST SP 800-115: Technical Security Testing and Assessment.
Collect contrary evidence
Confirm the device identity, current version, relevant configuration and collection method. If the tool lacked permissions or the service is unavailable, the result may remain inconclusive rather than false. Preserve source references without exposing credentials.
- Compare timestamps and environments.
- Check the vendor advisory and applicable version.
- Record whether the asset was actually inspected.
Separate different decisions
A true issue accepted temporarily by a risk owner is not a false positive. A compensating control may reduce exposure but does not prove the underlying condition is absent. Record the appropriate exception, owner and expiry separately.
Reference: NIST SP 800-40 Rev. 4: Enterprise Patch Management Planning.
Reassess when evidence changes
Keep the rationale and verifier in the finding history. If the asset is rebuilt, the vendor updates its advisory or the inventory changes, revisit the disposition. Avoid permanent suppression across unrelated systems without checking the rule's scope.
Assessment limits
A false-positive disposition depends on the evidence and time of review. It does not establish that the asset has no other vulnerability.
Frequently asked questions
Is an unverified alert a false positive?
No. It remains unconfirmed until evidence establishes whether the reported condition applies.
Does an accepted risk mean the alert was wrong?
No. The condition may be real even if an authorized owner temporarily accepts the risk.
Primary sources and further reading
These guides combine published security guidance with practical assessment planning. Adapt checks to the owner's policy, environment, and authorized scope.
This guide was prepared with AI assistance using the linked sources and illustrative examples. Check current vendor guidance and your environment before making changes.