NETWORK SECURITY – I

IP Address: An Internet Protocol address is a numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. An IP address serves two main functions: host or network interface identification and location addressing.

There are four different types of IP addresses: public, private, static, and dynamic.

Public IP Address

A public IP address is an address where one primary address is associated with your whole network. In this type of IP address, each of the connected devices has the same IP address.

This type of public IP address is provided to your router by your ISP.

Private IP Address

A private IP address is a unique IP number assigned to every device that connects to your home internet network, which includes devices like computers, tablets, smartphones, which is used in your household.

It also likely includes all types of Bluetooth devices you use, like printers or printers, smart devices like TV, etc. With a rising industry of internet of things (IoT) products, the number of private IP addresses you are likely to have in your own home is growing.

Dynamic IP Address

Dynamic IP addresses always keep changing. It is temporary and are allocated to a device every time it connects to the web. Dynamic IPs can trace their origin to a collection of IP addresses that are shared across many computers.

Dynamic IP addresses are another important type of internet protocol addresses. It is active for a specific amount of time; after that, it will expire.

Static IP Address

A static IP address is an IP address that cannot be changed. In contrast, a dynamic IP address will be assigned by a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, which is subject to change. Static IP address never changes, but it can be altered as part of routine network administration.

Static IP addresses are consistent, which is assigned once, that stays the same over the years. This type of IP also helps you procure a lot of information about a device.

Points to keep in mind: Never use someone else’s IP address or allow someone else to use yours. The same goes for passwords for accounts on shared systems. Do pay attention to security. You have a duty to others to keep your machine secure. Hackers will attack any vulnerable machine.

The internet uses ports as well as your IP address to connect. There are thousands of ports for every IP address, and a hacker who has your IP can try all of those ports to brute-force a connection, taking over your phone for example and stealing your information.

Static IP addresses pose potential security weak points since hackers will have sufficient time to attack the network. Static IP addresses always cost significantly more than dynamic IP addresses. Setting up a static IP is usually more complex without the intervention of manual configuration aid from the ISP.

Commonly dynamic IPs are much more secure than static IPs because they change gradually. Static IPs pose potential security counter areas because static IPs are consistent and hackers will have sufficient time to attack the network.

IPs are owned by ISPs, and each IP is assigned to a user. When you’re connected to your work network, if a hacker has your IP address, they could harm you with a DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack.

Advantages of a static IP

There are numerous advantages to using a static IP address. Among these benefits are:

1. Better DNS support: Static IP addresses are much easier to set up and manage with DNS servers.
2. Server hosting: If you are hosting a web server, email server, or any other kind of server, having a static IP address makes it easier for customers to find you via DNS. Practically speaking that means it’s quicker for clients to get to your websites and services if they have a static IP address.
3. Convenient remote access: A static IP address makes it easier to work remotely using a VPN or other remote access programs.
4. More reliable communication: Static IP addresses make it easier to use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) for teleconferencing or other voice and video communications.
5. More reliable geo-location services: With a static IP address, services can match the IP address with its physical location. For example, if you use a local weather service with a static IP address you’re more likely to get the weather report you need instead of the one for the next city over.

Disadvantages of a static IP

A static IP address isn’t ideal for all situations.

1. Static IPs are more hackable: With a static IP address, hackers know exactly where your server is on the Internet. That makes it easier for them to attack it.
2. Higher cost: ISPs generally charge more for static IP addresses, particularly with consumer ISP plans. Business ISP plans often include static IP, at least as an option, but they are more expensive than end-user plans; be sure to ask if it’s an extra cost.
3. Real-world security concerns: Anyone with the right network tools can find where you and your computers are located. VPNs can help alleviate this concern by hiding your physical location.

We can visit the following links for more detailed resources.

https://searchwindevelopment.techtarget.com/definition/static-IP-address-dynamic-IP-address/

How to protect your IP address

https://securitytoday.com/articles/2019/09/16/5-ways-to-protect-yourself-from-ip-address-hacking.aspx?m=1