Blocked Sites, Downloads and Applications
Sites, downloads or applications are sometimes blocked from UB, if suspected as a security risk. Here is how to request they be unblocked if legitimate.
Operating System: All
Applies To: UB students, faculty, staff, retirees and volunteers
Last Updated: September 11, 2025
Sites blocked by Microsoft Defender Safe Links
Microsoft Defender Safe Links help keep you from going to unsafe sites from links in your UBmail messages. If you click on a link in an email message that leads to what is perceived to be a dangerous site, you will instead see a page with a warning.
Safe Links scanning protects UB from malicious links that are used in phishing and other attacks.
If a link to a legitimate site is blocked, contact the UBIT Help Center or your departmental IT staff.
FortiGuard
FortiGuard is the Web Filtering Service the University at Buffalo uses as security mechanism to assist with blocking malicious and threat bearing websites. They are the record of source UB uses for their classification basis within the University Firewall configuration.
Links, downloads and applications can all be blocked for security risk reasons, and result in a warning message instead.
Blocked Downloads
Blocked Applications
UB blocks categories within the Security Risk category, including those classified as Malicious Websites, Phishing, and SPAM URLs.
Common Questions
Why did this URL/Download/Application get blocked?
It must be classified as Malicious via the FortiGuard Web Filter Classification Rating. To change this classification, please submit for a category change at https://fortiguard.com/faq/wfratingsubmit
How do I unblock a URL?
Please visit https://fortiguard.com/faq/wfratingsubmit. Once on the form, supply the URL, suggested category (not Malicious Websites, Phishing and SPAM URLs), supply your Contact Information and Company Name. Add any comments you feel are relevant and complete the reCAPTCHA requirements. You will receive a confirmation email acknowledging your request.
How long does it take for a URL to be unblocked?
After you submit to change the URLs category, it could take up to 24 hours for the change to apply and the URL to become unblocked.
The email I received from FortiGuard regarding reclassifying my URL says I need to contact the IT Manager. Who is the IT Manager or the Network Administrator?
Please contact the UBIT Help Center. Submit a ticket to the UBIT Help Center, including screenshots of the block page shown.
The FortiGuard Web filter Classification Rating Request site isn't working. Who do I tell?
Please complete the form located at https://www.fortiguard.com/faq/general-contact and also submit a ticket to the UBIT Help Center. If a ticket is submitted to the UBIT Help Center, please ensure to include a screenshot of the specified block page, where applicable.
Still need help?
Contact the UBIT Help Center.