How can your IP address be a cyber security vulnerability?

21st October 2025

Your Internet Protocol (IP) address can be used to attack your systems – how, and what can you do to defend yourself.

A unique identifier assigned to every device on a network, an Internet Protocol (IP) address allows devices to communicate with each other across the internet or local networks. Public IPs are assigned by your internet service provider (ISP), and are visible to the internet, while private IPs are used within internal networks (a home office, for example).

Keeping your IP address private is essential to cyber security. If bad actors obtain it, there are a variety of methods that it can be misused:

·         Location tracking - IP addresses can reveal approximate geographical locations, potentially putting you in real life physical danger if you are targeted.

·         Network targeting – attackers can use IPs to scan for other vulnerabilities in a system.

·         DDoS attacks – flooding a public IP with traffic can crash services.

·         Brute force and exploits – IPs can be used as entry points for password attacks or malware.

·         Phishing and spoofing – IP spoofing can trick systems into trusting malicious sources.

Evidently, it is vital to keep your IP address secure: otherwise you may be subjected to service disruptions, data breaches and reputational damage. But how can you achieve this?

·         Firewalls – block unauthorised access to your network.

·         VPNs – these can be used to mask your IP address and encrypt traffic.

·         Updates – regular updates help to keep systems patched to close know vulnerabilities.

·         Network monitoring – detect unusual traffic or access attempts before they can occur.

·         Limit exposure – avoid exposing unnecessary services to the internet.

Hopefully those measures can help you to keep your IP address secure. For more information on cyber security threats and defences, or what to do if your IP is compromised, please contact Interfuture Security.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/egPpbQtIO_c