IP spoofing is a cyberattack technique in which an attacker manipulates the source IP address in network packets to appear as though they are coming from a trusted source. This deceptive practice allows attackers to bypass security measures, launch denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and intercept sensitive communications.

The objective of IP spoofing is often to initiate attacks against network hosts, violate data, distribute malware and evade security controls. Attackers manipulate packet headers and cause their network traffic to appear as if it originates from a different source.

How IP Spoofing Works

Every device connected to the internet has an IP address that serves as its digital identifier. When data packets are transmitted, they include source and destination IP addresses. Attackers exploit this system by altering the source IP address of packets they send, making it seem as if they originate from a legitimate device. Since many network security systems rely on IP addresses to authenticate traffic, spoofed packets can evade detection.

Common Uses of IP Spoofing

1. Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed DoS (DDoS) Attacks: Attackers flood a target server with spoofed traffic, overwhelming its resources and causing service disruptions.
2. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Hackers use spoofed IP addresses to intercept and manipulate communication between two parties.
3. Bypassing Authentication Systems: Some security protocols rely on IP-based authentication, which can be compromised by spoofed addresses.
4. Session Hijacking: Attackers gain unauthorized access to a session by impersonating a trusted device.

Preventing IP Spoofing

Organizations and individuals can mitigate the risks of IP spoofing through various security measures, including:

• Packet Filtering: Network devices should filter packets with suspicious source IP addresses.
• Encryption and Authentication: Secure communication protocols like TLS and VPNs help prevent unauthorized access.
• Ingress and Egress Filtering: ISPs should block packets with spoofed source addresses.

IP spoofing remains a significant cybersecurity concern, requiring robust defenses to protect against network vulnerabilities.Ingress filtering is one safeguard measure to provide Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) resiliency and protection against IP address spoofing.

The technique is used as part of a range of protection measures designed to make the internet a safer place to do business. MIC Solutions Ltd has implemented multiple gateways over the years to provide protection against this type of attack.