False Positive

False Positive: Legitimate activity is incorrectly classified as a threat. This capability supports the early detectionDetectionThe capability to identify suspicious activity, attacks, or policy violations in time. of suspicious activity. Effective results require high-quality data sourcesData SourceA system, sensor, log, or repository that supplies data for security analysis and decisions., tuned detection logicDetection LogicRules, queries, models, and conditions used to identify suspicious behavior., triage, and continuous optimization.

How it works and where it fits

False Positive connects data sources to detection or assessment logic. Raw records become security-relevant only when timing, identity, system context, and expected behavior are considered. Rules, correlations, statistical models, and analyst decisions may work together; no single method reliably covers every attack pattern.

Practical security relevance

Operational quality is reflected in coverage, data completeness, detection time, and false-alert workload. Data sources need owners, time synchronization, retention, and quality controls. Detections should be tested, versioned, and improved using real incidents. Every meaningful alert also requires triage guidance, escalation, and possible response actions.

Related concepts

• False NegativeFalse NegativeA real threat is not detected by a control or analysis.: A real threat is not detected by a control or analysis.
• Detection EngineeringDetection EngineeringSystematic development, testing, and maintenance of rules for attack detection.: Systematic development, testing, and maintenance of rules for attack detection.
• Anomaly DetectionAnomaly DetectionDetects unusual patterns that may indicate attacks or misconfigurations.: Detects unusual patterns that may indicate attacks or misconfigurations.
• Security Information and Event ManagementSecurity Information and Event ManagementCollects and correlates security events for monitoring, alerting, and evidence gathering.: Collects and correlates security events for monitoring, alerting, and evidence gathering.