Detect blacklisted IPs to enhance security
Detect blacklisted IPs to enhance security is a common tool for reducing cyberattacks, such as spam and phishing, by flagging malicious network connections as potentially dangerous. This helps fortify digital landscapes against cybercriminals and ensures that all internet users enjoy a safe, reliable online experience. But despite the good intentions behind such security measures, well-prepared attackers can often evade IP blacklists with a variety of techniques.
Several factors can contribute to an IP address being flagged as suspicious and added to an IP blacklist. Some of the most common reasons for an IP address to be blacklisted include:
Spam and Email Abuse
Websites and servers that send a large volume of unsolicited emails or host phishing pages, malware, viruses, or other malicious content are likely to be blacklisted by email service providers and spam filters. This is also true for IP addresses that repeatedly make brute force login attempts to websites or services, as this indicates an attack is underway.
Another reason for an IP address to be blacklisted is its involvement in botnets-networks of infected devices that are controlled remotely, used for distributing malware and conducting DDoS attacks. Attackers can control vast botnets that may comprise thousands or even millions of compromised end-user and IoT devices. In these instances, the attackers can often evade blacklisting by constantly switching their IP addresses in an effort to spoof their location and thwart detection mechanisms. Detecting blacklisted IPs and taking proactive steps to remediate them are essential for ensuring a resilient digital infrastructure. These steps may include implementing security best practices such as a robust patching schedule, security audits, securing connected devices, and deploying authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.