IP hijacking is a malicious exploit where an attacker takes control of a legitimate user’s internet session. This can lead to identity theft and data breaches. Bogon filters and RPKI are security measures that can help combat IP hijacking. Encrypted transport protocols can also reduce vulnerabilities.
Internet Protocol (IP) hijacking is a malicious form of computer security exploit. Individuals who engage in such exploits typically use stealth methods to conduct their covert activities. During IP hijacking, the intention of the malicious person is to take control of the legitimate user’s Internet session by impersonating the administrator or client. If the hijacker takes over an administrator’s session, the client’s authentication information is exposed. When a customer’s session is targeted, the hijacker is able to log out of the legitimate customer and redirect their information, thereby gaining access to personal and private details.
Several other terms are used to describe forms of IP hijacking, including prefix hijacking, path hijacking, and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) hijacking. All of these share the common theme of illegitimate acquisitions of individual IP addresses or groups of IP addresses. These exploits range from attacks on personal networks to organizations and even government systems. The results can range from identity theft to breaches resulting in the loss of critical data.
Prefixes are groups of individual IP addresses owned or originated by an autonomous system (AS). Routes or routing tables connect these systems under the maintenance of the Border Gateway Protocol, which serves as the path for IP routing from one autonomous system to another. Any form of hijacking at any of these points creates a security threat. The target of IP hijacking can be spam, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, identity theft, or other malicious activity, such as exposing an organization’s or government’s confidential information and secrets.
Bogon filter helps identify fake IP addresses. These “blank space” or undesignated addresses are what IP hijackers typically use to perform their malicious deeds. Filtering and identifying these bogus addresses gives users an opportunity to combat IP hijacking attempts.
Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI) is another security measure that individuals and organizations can use to reduce vulnerability to IP hijacking. Being a robust and secure framework, RPKI verifies IP addresses and their legitimate users through an electronic file called an asset certificate. The further valuable function of a public key infrastructure resource is its ability to block IP hijacking attempts.
Individuals, businesses and government organizations can reduce the likelihood of becoming victims of IP hijacking by taking steps to secure their computer systems. Encrypted transport protocols produce secure keys and session channels, making it more difficult for hijackers to intrude. Reducing vulnerabilities helps close the door to computer security exploits.
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