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What Can IP Address Spoofing Be Used For?
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks: One of the most damaging forms of cyberattacks, a DDoS attack involves hackers directing a massive amount of traffic to a target server or network, effectively taking it offline. DDoS attacks often use spoofed IP addresses to hide their origin.
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Spoofing is often used in MitM attacks, where the attacker intercepts and possibly alters the communication between two parties who believe they are directly communicating with each other.
Account Takeovers: By using botnet devices, hackers can use stolen login credentials to access databases, financial details, servers, and much more. Spoofed IP addresses are a key part of this fraud.
How Can You Spot IP Spoofing?
Unexplained Traffic Surges: A sudden, inexplicable increase in traffic, especially from regions not matching your typical user base, can indicate IP spoofing.
Irregularities in Server Logs: Analyzing server logs for discrepancies, such as multiple failed login attempts from the same IP address in a short timeframe or traffic from known malicious IP addresses, can signal an attack.
Inconsistencies in Packet Travel: Tools that analyze the time-to-live (TTL) value in packets can help identify spoofed packets. A significant difference between the expected and actual TTL values may indicate spoofing.
Mismatching Geolocations: IP address geolocation can uncover discrepancies between the stated and actual locations of internet traffic, hinting at possible spoofing. This often occurs with VPNs, proxy servers, and botnets.
Network Performance Monitoring Tools: Implementing advanced network performance monitoring solutions equipped with security features, such as routers and firewalls, can help automatically detect and alert about anomalies indicative of spoofing.
Fraud Prevention Tools: Specific tools are made to detect suspicious behavior, such as a mismatch between the source IP address and its true identity.
written by : spokenperson