Cybersecurity is all about protecting your data from outside threats. When you connect your devices to the internet or a local network, you allow the data stored on your devices to be shared with others and vice versa. Most of the time, the data transfer takes place over a secure network, but there are ways to compromise the network and inject malicious files into the system. When the network becomes unsecured, it’s easy for attackers to access any file and steal valuable information.
You are connected to the internet via an IP address, which could be a static IP or a dynamic IP. We’ll return to this later, but first, let’s understand what IP is.
What is an IP?
IP stands for Internet Protocol, a unique number assigned to each device that accesses the internet or a local network. IP addresses are governed by certain rules defined by Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). The rules basically define how formatted data is sent across networks.
Let’s discuss the process of how IP addresses are assigned. IP addresses are allocated by an authority named “Internet Assigned Numbers Authority” (IANA). It is a division of Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a non-profit organization that ensures the stable and secure operation of the Internet’s unique identifier systems.
As discussed earlier in brief, there are two types of IP addresses: Static IP and Dynamic IP. Let’s get into the details of each to find out which is safer for cybersecurity.
What are Static IP Addresses?
When an IP address is manually assigned to a device that can’t be changed across multiple network sessions, then that’s called a static IP address. Devices such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and routers can be configured to have static IP addresses. Businesses mostly need static IP addresses to host their own servers. Server administrators may also use whitelisted static IP addresses to manage sensitive assets, where all other IP addresses are blocked.
Pros of Static IP Addresses
- Devices that are configured to static IP addresses are reliably discovered and reached via their assigned hostnames. There is no reason to track these IP addresses for changes. This is why web servers and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) use Static IP addresses.
- It’s fast and easy to locate and use shared devices configured to static IP addresses. A good example of this is printers that are connected to the same network, and anyone can give a command to them.
- Static IP addresses never change or reset, which makes them suitable for devices used for processing vast amounts of data. And because devices remain consistently identifiable on the network, the internet connection remains stable and reliable.
- Static IP improves latency and ensures more reliable connections, resulting in better download and upload speeds, which favors heavy data users.
- Companies can get precise data on geolocation through static IP addresses, which help them manage and log incidents in real time. They can also detect and address potential attacks before they cause damage to networks.
Cons of Static IP Addresses
Now, let’s discuss the downsides of static IP addresses
- As these are fixed IP addresses, people can easily track devices and data they access or share. Cybercriminals often find an easy route into a system, which can lead to unauthorized access to corporate networks.
- Risk of hacking increases in devices configured with static IP addresses. Moreover, it becomes challenging to change IP addresses after a data breach due to the slow, manual process.
- Static IP addresses are costly compared to dynamic IP addresses because users must sign up for commercial accounts or pay a one-time fee to assign a static IP to each of their devices and websites.
What are Dynamic IP Addresses?
When an internet service provider (ISP) assigns an IP address to a device temporarily, then that’s called a dynamic IP address. ISPs do this using a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. A dynamic IP address changes every time users reboot their systems or routers, and when they connect to their ISP service.
When not in use, a dynamic IP address will be assigned to another device. This feature makes this type of IP address more suitable for home networks than large corporations.
Pros of Dynamic IP Addresses
- The biggest advantage is cost savings, since dynamic IPs are included at no extra charge. These IP addresses are typically automated, saving you a good amount of money.
- Dynamic IP addresses change with every reset of the devices, so they are more difficult to track. This reduces the risk of attackers targeting business networks.
- Dynamic IP addresses are automatically assigned by a DHCP server, removing the need for manual setup. It also reduces the misconfiguration risk, which causes trouble for employees trying to access networks or applications.
- Different devices are assigned a new IP address every time they join a network, and they can reuse addresses, which prevents address conflict issues.
Cons of Dynamic IP Addresses
The constantly changing nature of Dynamic IPs can cause DNS mismatches. As a result, they’re not ideal for hosting servers & websites and tracking geolocations.
Another issue with dynamic IP addresses is session interruptions and connection dropouts. So, these IP addresses can’t be used for intense online activities where a vast amount of data transfers take place, such as conference calls, online gaming, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Users with dynamic IP addresses may find problems using the internet from devices outside their primary network. This is due to the frequent changes in IP address, which make remote access to networks a challenge.
Which IP Address is Safer for Cybersecurity?
After comparing static vs dynamic IP, it’s time to find out which is safer for cybersecurity. To get an answer, it’s important to understand what cybercriminals want. Attackers look for a predictable and unchanged environment. A static IP address ticks both these features, making it easier for attackers to track and exploit.
So, the answer to this question is ‘Dynamic IP Address’. It’s safer due to its continuously changing nature, which makes it difficult for hackers to track and target the devices or network.
Dynamic IP addresses can offer more anonymity and privacy. Attackers won’t be able to pinpoint their target device or network and exploit vulnerabilities associated with a specific IP.
Conclusion
Dynamic IP is safer for cybersecurity due to its fluid nature. Static IP alone can’t be considered safe from a cybersecurity point of view unless a properly configured firewall and reliable security measures are deployed in the entire network.
