IP Address Blocking

1. IP Address Blocking

2. Table of Contents • IP • IP Address • IANA • IANA & IP Addresses • The Way an IP Works • IP Blocking • The Way IP Blocking Works • Factors that cause IP Blocking • Conclusion

3. IP • IP is the abbreviation for Internet Protocol. The format of packets (datagrams) as well as the addressing scheme are specified by it. Datagrams are relayed by it across network boundaries. IP delivers packets from the source host to the destination host according to the IP address that are in the packet headers. • In most networks IP is combined with TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) which is a higher level protocol to establish a virtual connection between a destination and a source.

4. IP Address YELLOW • An Internet Protocol (IP) address refers to an alphanumeric label. This label is assigned to computers and other electronic devices that use an internet protocol to connect to a network. The IP address enables these electronic devices to send as well as receive data via the Internet. A unique IP address exists for every such device that connects to the Internet. • The two main functions of an IP address are- • Identification of host or network interface • Location addressing

5. IANA • IANA is the abbreviation of Internet Assigned Numbers Authority. It is a standards organization which oversees global allocation of IP addresses as well as the allocation of autonomous system number. It is also responsible for overseeing the management of root zone in the DNS (Domain Name System), symbols that are related to other Internet Protocol and Internet numbers.

6. 1-800-123 -8156 Whoa! That’s a big number, aren’t you proud?

7. IANA & IP Addresses YELLOW • The allocation of IP address blocks are delegated by IANA to RIRs (Regional Internet Registries). An RIR is an organization which is responsible for managing Internet number resources’ allocation and registration within a particular region of the world. Hence, each RIR has the responsibility of allocating addresses to a different part of the world. The RIRs allocate addresses to ISPs (Internet service providers), companies and other institutions that are within their zone. • The end user gets his IP address from an ISP or a company network which had received it from an RIR. An RIR had been allocated a block of addresses by the IANA. This sums up the entire process.

8. The Way an IP Works • An IP is datagram-oriented and is a connectionless protocol. Since it is designed to function over a dynamic network, an IP must work without a central directory or monitor. It can’t depend on specific links. The source IP address, the destination IP address and other data must exist in the header of each packet for its successful delivery.

9. IP Blocking • IP blocking refers to a security mechanism that is used on either mail or web or any other Internet servers. It is meant to block connectivity with a particular IP address or many IP addresses which are hostile. It can be understood as a network service’s configuration by which requests are blocked that are from hosts with certain IP addresses. It is most commonly used to ensure protection against brute force attacks.

10. The Way IP Blocking Works • When the IP addresses that need to be blocked are known, it simplifies the process related to IP blocking. Once the IP addresses’ block list is specified, a script that matches each incoming connection's IP address against the entries that are in the block list, could be easily expected. Every user with an IP address that isn’t present on the block list is granted access to a website instantly. In the event that such an IP address is found which exists in the block list, the web server that is hosting that website, returns a message to the user regarding denial of access. • Let us explain briefly what a web server is. A web server stores, processes and delivers web contents to its clients. It is usually provided by web hosting companies along with services and technologies that make a website accessible. The best web hosting companies are often referred to as the “Best Windows Hosting Company” or as the “Best Linux Hosting Company” or as the “Top Cloud Hosting Company”.

11. Factors that cause IP Blocking • Too many or too frequent log in attempts- A time limit is imposed by most servers with regard to the number of log in attempts. There is a possibility of carrying out a brute-force attack against the server if the number of login attempts are not restricted. • Incorrectly configured mail client- One’s web-based mail server provides brute-force protection. This acts when it detects too many unsuccessful login attempts that are frequent. This problem might have its origin in some issue that has to do with IMAP or POP3 configurations of one’s email client. • Use of incorrect credentials- An error in the stored login credentials can lead to an attempt to connect getting blocked. • Malware-related activity- In the event that any malware-related activity is detected or one’s mail server or if it has been flagged for sending numerous emails, then one’s IP will automatically get added to a blacklist. • Incorrectly configured FTP or SSH access- The login attempts to cPanel as well as to the mail server are screened by one’s server. Moreover, one’s server monitors FTP and SSH connections. The probability with regard to errors increases when logging in through an FTP client. This is because it requires more information than a regular web login. Even the SSH access configuration can be somewhat tricky.

12. Conclusion IP Blocking is a security measure that is used to block undesirable and/or harmful sites and hosts from accessing the server or node in order to prevent any harm being caused to the network or individual devices.

13. Thanks! ANY QUESTIONS? You can find me at: www.htshosting.org support@htshosting.org