Every device that connects to the internet has a unique label called an IP address. This label is a key piece of information that helps cybersecurity solutions determine if a device is trustworthy or suspicious. It can also provide valuable context about a user’s location, network setup and whether or not they are using proxies, VPNs or Tor to hide their identity.

To identify malicious activity an IP threat lookup uses a variety of data sources including real time reputation score and influencers from leading providers such as DNScout and ipqsync, geographic data, velocity rules for Proxies & VPNs and more. These factors are combined with an advanced algorithm to give each IP a risk score that indicates their level of suspicious or malicious behavior.

IP Threat Lookup: Protecting Your Network from Malicious IPs

A high risk score typically indicates the presence of SPAM, compromised devices or other suspicious activities such as phishing, account takeover, payment fraud and more. It may also indicate that the IP is connected to a botnet or malware network.

The good news is that IP threat lookup is fast, affordable and delivered in real time to help you identify suspicious behavior. However, it is not a 100% fraud detection solution and is best used as part of your defenses in combination with other common logics and available user data to strengthen your security posture.

Using a free tool from Cisco Talos or another third party can help you to understand the risk of an IP by providing data about its history and current reputation. If the IP is deemed to be suspicious you can use your own security tools to block it based on your criteria and prevent it from accessing your network or database.

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