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What is static IP? How it differs from dynamic IP?

IP (Internet Protocol) addresses work like digital street addresses that let devices find each other on the internet. Every internet device has a unique IP address. All of these addresses can be converted into text formats via the Domain Name System (DNS) format. This forms the basis of the World Wide Web.

There exist two types of IP addresses: static and dynamic. Both versions have specific roles. Both have strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to choose the right type for your networking needs. This article will explain how they work and help you choose the right one for your needs.

What is a static IP address?

The word “static” means unchanging, and this is a good description of how a static IP address works. The static IP meaning refers to an IP address that is assigned to a device and remains constant, as opposed to a dynamic IP address that changes each time the device connects to the internet. Users assign them to individual devices or resources. The address then applies for as long as users desire.

Static IP address types are typically found in devices like web servers. This form of IP address is usually utilized by businesses that need to communicate globally and want a fixed identity.

Because they are finite and must be assigned individually, static addresses come with monthly fees. This is not the case with a dynamic IP address.

Benefits of static IP addresses

  • DNS functionality. Website managers need to couple IP addresses with DNS information. A static IP address provides a better fit for DNS servers because it never changes. The DNS server can connect consistently with the same static IP address, resulting in smoother operations.

  • Website hosting. A static IP address comes into its own when used with web servers. With a static address, site visitors will find it easier to locate a website on the internet. Connection speeds may also be slightly quicker. This can be an advantage in areas like finance where rapid transactions make a major difference.

  • Voice communication. Voice-over-IP (VoIP) works much better with static IP addresses. This benefits companies that rely on teleconferencing or any type of video transmission.

  • Remote access benefits. Static IPs make it possible to establish consistent connections between remote workers and central networks. Wherever employees need to work, they can use the same IP address. This identifies their devices to network servers – a simple remote work solution.

  • Reliable geolocation. Static addresses make it easier to identify where you are. This is a big advantage to any services that depend on geolocation, such as weather or traffic updates.

  • IP allowlisting. If remote workers have a static IP address, security teams can use that address to filter legitimate traffic. Allowlisting supplements firewalls and VPNs. It effectively hides network resources from outsiders whose IP is not allowlisted. As a result, it also promotes better data security.

How to set up static IP addresses

Users can easily set up a static IP address in Local Area Network by changing their network settings. However, you will need to request a static address from your ISP if you want to have fixed external IP.

After the request, external fixed IP will be assigned and the setup will automatically be applied on your router. If you manually configure the settings on your devices, you will need to enter the assigned IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information into the network settings for each device that will use the static IP address.

Alternatively, if you use a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol reservation, you can set up your router to assign the static IP address automatically to a specific device on your network. This method ensures that the device always receives the same IP address, even if it is restarted or disconnected from the network temporarily.

Note that this isn’t the same as configuring a private IP address that is reserved for use within a private network, such as a home or office network.

What is a dynamic IP address?

Dynamic IP addresses constantly change. The IP address is not connected to an individual user or company.

There is usually no financial charge for using a dynamic IP address. ISP servers assign them as needed. Using a dynamic IP address is generally cost-effective for service providers compared to assigning static addresses.

Dynamic IPs are the standard identifier for consumer devices. They are routinely used in home networks to identify tablets, laptops, and digital boxes. But a dynamic IP address is not always the best option for businesses, who may prefer an IP address that does not change.

Benefits of dynamic IP addresses

  • Cost. A dynamic IP address is usually cheaper to use than static alternatives. There is no regular fee. Addresses are assigned in the background as part of ISP packages.

  • Simple configuration. Users do not need to manually configure a dynamic IP address. The address changes without users knowing. DHCP will automatically switch addresses, leaving users with no additional admin tasks.

  • Fewer device conflicts. Static IPs can conflict if used for one or more devices. For example, you may add extra workstations to a corporate network. Dynamic addresses are unlimited and reusable. So any new devices will immediately gain unique identifiers.

  • Security benefits. Hackers may obtain static IPs and use them to breach network resources. Because a dynamic IP address changes regularly, it presents a moving target. This makes life harder for potential attackers, especially when combined with VPN protection.

  • Privacy. Static IPs provide constant evidence of your physical location. This can be useful for external snoopers and thieves. With a dynamic IP address, it’s harder to pin down your device location. This results in enhanced physical security.

How does it work?

When you receive a dynamic IP address, it is assigned by a system called Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

ISP companies maintain reserves of unused IP addresses and assign users the next available IP address when they connect to the internet. The dynamic IP address is re-assigned to someone else when their session ends.

It’s important to remember that DHCP assigns dynamic addresses temporarily. Users “lease” the dynamic IP address on a short-term basis. The same IP address could be reused hundreds of times in a single day.

Dynamic addresses also present a different identity to the services you use. This can cause problems when websites expect a single IP address to identify users. Features like autofill passwords may not function correctly.

Comparison of static and dynamic IP addresses

Static IP address:

  • Doesn’t change

  • Has a higher maintenance cost

  • Used for handling lots of connections simultaneously

  • Helps to maintain uninterrupted access

  • Ensures availability for outside devices and networks

Dynamic IP address:

  • Is continuously rotated

  • Doesn’t additionally increase the cost

  • Used for user devices like smartphones and laptops

  • Helps to maintain online access when changing networks

  • Ensures that all devices are always assigned an IP address

When comparing Static IP vs Dynamic IP addresses, it helps to keep their different features in mind. Here are some handy pros and cons of both IP address varieties:

Static IP pros

  • Geolocation – Static addresses work well with IP-based geolocation services. They are a good fit for users who need to be precisely located.

  • Voice-over-IP – Static IP is preferable for VoIP teleconferencing.

  • DNS hosting – Static addresses are a much better option for hosting DNS-based web assets. Website data will be available to users across the world, with minimal IP address conflict.

  • Security – Static addresses make allowlisting easier, boosting security. Users can route static VPN traffic through a single IP address, protecting traffic and enabling safe remote working.

Static IP cons

  • Hacking risks – Because they never change, static IPs can be prone to hijacks. And static addresses can give away geographical details to snoopers.

  • Ease of Use – Users must configure a static IP address manually after an initial request to their ISP.

  • Costs – Static IP addresses come with an extra charge, so tend to cost more.

Dynamic IP pros

  • Security – Constantly changing IP data makes hacking more difficult. IP address holders are also harder to track down via geolocation tools.

  • Costs – Dynamic IPs are generally free of charge for the duration of contracts from Internet Service Providers.

  • Ease of Use – Dynamic addresses require virtually no configuration, so are generally easier to use.

Dynamic IP cons

  • Reliability – Dynamic addresses can sometimes be unavailable. They do not function well with DNS servers, and they deliver less precise geolocation information.

  • VPN functionality – Virtual Private Networks work much better with static IPs, especially when applied to business settings.

  • Website issues – Using the web may be less convenient. For example, sites may fail to auto-fill fields if IP addresses constantly change.

When to use a static or dynamic IP address?

Comparing static IP vs dynamic IP addresses shows that the two IP address types have very different use cases.

When to use a static IP address

Static IP is generally preferred by businesses. Unchanging IP addresses are ideal for hosting websites because they suit DNS server architecture.

With a static IP, your web or email server will be easier to find. External partners can use a single point of contact to interact with servers or databases. And that address does not change unless you want it to.

If you are planning to connect an email server or are designing a remote work system, static IP addresses will probably work best.

It is also easier to apply IP allowlisting with a static IP address. Allowlisting adds an extra layer of network protection. Security teams can add static addresses to firewall rules, and block everything else. Remote workers can identify themselves easily. Wherever they are, the network will recognize them as authentic users.

Additionally, static addresses benefit users of critical SaaS applications. Companies benefit from more reliable VPN and Voice-over-IP services.

When to use a dynamic IP address

Dynamic IP is generally found in home and consumer settings. The low cost and convenience are a good fit for everyday device usage. Dynamic addresses also have a slight security edge for private settings and organizations that cannot invest in enterprise security solutions.

Some device types also tend to use dynamic IP for reasons of convenience. For instance, routers may not need a static address. Dynamic DHCP-assigned addresses can be cheaper and simpler to configure.

As IPv6 becomes mainstream, the cost of static IPs may come down. The stock of IP addresses has been limited by the Ipv4 format. In the future personal and business use of static IP addresses may well be routine.

How can Nordlayer help?

Choosing the right IP address format is an important part of network architecture. Businesses can optimize their web presence, improve app performance, and realize security benefits by applying static IPs.

However, these benefits require careful implementation. Nordlayer is ready to help companies as they secure their network assets.

Our dedicated IP services make it possible to conceal traffic and filter access requests. Assign a static IP to your VPN coverage, and block unauthorized traffic without denting network performance. Users can combine static IPs with network segmentation, access controls, DNS filtering, and many other security features.

With Nordlayer, you can build a user-friendly security architecture that makes life easy for authenticated users and blocks malicious traffic when connected to internet gateway. To find out more, contact the Nordlayer team today.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

Legitimate Android app iRecorder turns malicious within a year, spies on its users, ESET Research discovers

  • As a Google App Defense Alliance partner, ESET detected a trojanized app available on the Google Play Store and named the AhMyth-based malware it contained AhRat.
  • Initially, the iRecorder app did not have any harmful features. What is quite uncommon is that the application received an update containing malicious code quite a few months after its launch.
  • The application’s specific malicious behavior, which involves extracting microphone recordings and stealing files with specific extensions, potentially indicates its involvement in an espionage campaign.
  • The malicious app with over 50,000 downloads was removed from Google Play after ESET Research’s alert; ESET has not detected AhRat anywhere else in the wild.

BRATISLAVA, KOŠICE — May 23, 2023 — ESET researchers have discovered a trojanized Android app named iRecorder – Screen Recorder. It was available on Google Play as a legitimate app in September 2021, with malicious functionality most likely added in August 2022. During its existence, the app was installed on more than 50,000 devices. The malicious code that was added to the clean version of iRecorder is based on the open-source AhMyth Android RAT (remote access trojan) and has been customized into what ESET named AhRat. The malicious app is capable of recording audio using the device’s microphone and stealing files, suggesting it might be part of an espionage campaign.

Besides the Google Play Store, ESET Research has not detected AhRat anywhere else in the wild. However, this is not the first time that AhMyth-based Android malware has been available on the official store; ESET previously published research on such a trojanized app in 2019. Back then, the spyware, built on the foundations of AhMyth, circumvented Google’s app-vetting process twice, as a malicious app providing radio streaming. However, the iRecorder app can also be found on alternative and unofficial Android markets, and the developer also provides other applications on Google Play, but they don’t contain malicious code.

“The AhRat research case serves as a good example of how an initially legitimate application can transform into a malicious one, even after many months, spying on its users and compromising their privacy. While it is possible that the app developer had intended to build up a user base before compromising their Android devices through an update or that a malicious actor introduced this change in the app; so far, we have no evidence for either of these hypotheses,” explains ESET researcher Lukáš Štefanko, who discovered and investigated the threat.

The remotely controlled AhRat is a customization of the open-source AhMyth RAT, which means that the authors of the malicious app invested significant effort into understanding the code of both the app and the back end, ultimately adapting it to suit their own needs.

Aside from providing legitimate screen recording functionality, the malicious iRecorder can record surrounding audio from the device’s microphone and upload it to the attacker’s command and control server. It can also exfiltrate from the device files with extensions representing saved web pages, images, audio, video, and document files, and file formats used for compressing multiple files.

Android users who installed an earlier version of iRecorder (prior to version 1.3.8), which lacked any malicious features, would have unknowingly exposed their devices to AhRat if they subsequently updated the app either manually or automatically, even without granting any further app permission approval.

“Fortunately, preventive measures against such malicious actions have already been implemented in Android 11 and higher versions in the form of app hibernation. This feature effectively places apps that have been dormant for several months into a hibernation state, thereby resetting their runtime permissions and preventing malicious apps from functioning as intended. The malicious app was removed from Google Play after our alert, which confirms that the need for protection to be provided through multiple layers, such as ESET Mobile Security, remains essential for safeguarding devices against potential security breaches,” concludes Štefanko.

ESET Research has not yet found any concrete evidence that would enable the attribution of this activity to a particular campaign or APT group.

For more technical information about the malicious iRecorder app and AhRat, check out the blogpost “Android app breaking bad: From legitimate screen recording to file exfiltration within a year” on WeLiveSecurity. Make sure to follow ESET Research on Twitter for the latest news from ESET Research.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About ESET
For 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services for businesses and consumers worldwide. With solutions ranging from endpoint security to encryption and two-factor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use products give individuals and businesses the peace of mind to enjoy the full potential of their technology. ESET unobtrusively protects and monitors 24/7, updating defenses in real time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company. Backed by R&D facilities worldwide, ESET became the first IT security company to earn 100 Virus Bulletin VB100 awards, identifying every single “in-the-wild” malware without interruption since 2003.

New Enhancements to Remote Assist

Last October, JumpCloud introduced Remote Assist to our open directory platform. The initial release of JumpCloud Remote Assist delivered attended access for macOS and Windows, and was rapidly adopted by thousands of customers that rely on remote help to securely offer support. Now, Remote Assist is receiving customer-driven upgrades to support even more systems with expanded administrative options for remote access and control.

IT teams and managed service providers (MSPs) often use remote assistance solutions on a daily basis, but it’s typically an additional cost to them. That’s why we made it a point to offer JumpCloud Remote Assist as a free offering to all organizations and MSPs without any restrictions on time, number of devices, sessions, or technicians. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and MSPs that use JumpCloud have the assurance that they can keep their remote assistance/support cost down, working from a unified console, even as the number of end users increase. 

What’s New

JumpCloud Remote Assist is the product of valuable feedback, insights, and requests from our customers. Our customer-driven roadmap helped us to understand what features would make a useful and robust solution for IT admins and MSPs. Those conversations continue and we have a clear direction on what we would like to build in our 2023 Product Roadmap that will be exciting and useful to our customers. We’re pleased to introduce some of the most sought-after requests from our customers on remote assist will ship this May.

New capabilities include:

  • Linux support: Deploy remote assistance to Linux user devices direct from your browser (support for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari). JumpCloud supports these Linux distros.
  • Consent-based attended access: Allow end users to join sessions by accepting consent prompts before IT can access or control their devices.
  • Unattended access: Authorized technicians have the option to access and control a remote device without the user’s presence, while aligning with company’s security and compliance needs.
  • User notification: End users are shown an on-screen notification whenever their devices are part of a remote session to ensure transparency. 
silent assist screenshot
Silent Assist (unattended access) allows IT to access and control a remote device without the user’s presence.

Get JumpCloud Remote Assist for Free

JumpCloud is the only platform that consolidates live remote support with centralized identity, device management and Secure, Frictionless AccessTM to all company resources, with the best authentication method available to connect to each resource.

You can still use JumpCloud Remote Assist for free even if you are using a different vendor for identity and device management! It’s free to your organization to use, at any scale, for any number of devices, without any limits on time. Learn how you can get started with JumpCloud Remote Assist or simply sign up for a free account today.

JumpCloud offers a variety of Professional Services to help ease the load your employees face. Learn more or schedule a free 30-minute technical consultation.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About JumpCloud
At JumpCloud, our mission is to build a world-class cloud directory. Not just the evolution of Active Directory to the cloud, but a reinvention of how modern IT teams get work done. The JumpCloud Directory Platform is a directory for your users, their IT resources, your fleet of devices, and the secure connections between them with full control, security, and visibility.

SafeDNS: Ensuring the Most Sustainable Web Filtering Infrastructure

Recently, renowned researchers from Tel-Aviv University and Reichman University conducted a groundbreaking study on DNS resolvers and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Their research uncovered a severe complexity attack called NRDelegationAttack, which poses a significant threat to DNS resolvers. This attack can exhaust CPU resources and cause denial of service to legitimate users.

The study identified major resolver implementations, including BIND9, Unbound, and Knot, as vulnerable to NRDelegationAttack. The researchers issued three common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) related to this attack. Testing on 16 open resolvers confirmed their susceptibility.

SafeDNS stands out as the web filtering solution with the most sustainable infrastructure, as confirmed by the provided data. In comparison to other major DNS resolvers, SafeDNS demonstrates exceptional performance in maintaining low latency and minimizing latency increase percentages.

According to the test results, SafeDNS exhibits remarkable consistency, with a mere 4.65% increase in latency from the first NXNS Attacker. This outstanding performance significantly outperforms many other resolvers, ensuring users experience minimal delays and enjoy a seamless browsing experience.

Moreover, when facing the NRDelegationAttack Attacker, SafeDNS experienced an increase of 5812.8% in latency, surpassing the performance of several other DNS resolvers. Notably, some of the other resolvers encountered ClientTimeout errors in response to the NRDelegationAttack Attacker, highlighting the robustness and reliability of SafeDNS.

These results underscore SafeDNS’s commitment to providing a sustainable infrastructure that delivers exceptional performance, security, and stability. Users can rely on SafeDNS to navigate the internet securely and efficiently, while experiencing minimal latency and maintaining a seamless browsing experience.

To learn more about this groundbreaking research, including detailed analysis and findings, please refer to the full research article.

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About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About SafeDNS
SafeDNS breathes to make the internet safer for people all over the world with solutions ranging from AI & ML-powered web filtering, cybersecurity to threat intelligence. Moreover, we strive to create the next generation of safer and more affordable web filtering products. Endlessly working to improve our users’ online protection, SafeDNS has also launched an innovative system powered by continuous machine learning and user behavior analytics to detect botnets and malicious websites.

Debunking the DNS Servers for Gaming Myth: Separating Fact from Fiction

In the gaming community, players are always seeking ways to optimize their gaming experience, including reducing latency. One popular topic that often arises is the use of specific DNS servers to enhance gaming performance. In this article, we debunk the myth surrounding DNS servers and gaming, explaining why they have limited impact on reducing ping. We will also provide alternative strategies to effectively improve your gaming experience.

The Myth: DNS Servers and Improved Ping

When it comes to gaming, some individuals believe that by using specific DNS servers, they can significantly reduce latency and enhance their gaming performance. The idea behind this belief is that connecting to nearby or faster DNS servers will result in quicker resolution times, leading to improved connection speeds and reduced ping during gameplay. However, this assumption oversimplifies the complexity of network performance. 

The Reality: Minimal Impact on Ping

While it may seem logical that connecting to optimized DNS servers would lead to improved gaming performance, the reality is that DNS resolution has limited impact on reducing ping or enhancing overall gaming latency. In most cases, the time it takes to resolve DNS queries is minimal compared to other factors influencing latency, such as the speed and quality of your internet connection, server distance, and network congestion.

To put it simply, even if you were to connect to the fastest DNS servers available, the improvements in ping would be marginal, if noticeable at all. The primary focus should be on addressing the factors that have a more significant impact on gaming performance.

Alternative Solutions for Enhanced Gaming Experience

To optimize your gaming experience, consider the following alternative strategies that have a more substantial impact on reducing latency and improving overall performance:

  1. Internet Speed and Quality:

Start by checking the speed and quality of your internet connection provided by your ISP. Ensure that you are subscribed to a plan that offers sufficient bandwidth and low latency for gaming. If necessary, consider upgrading to a higher-speed plan or exploring alternative internet service providers in your area.

2.  Network Optimization:

Optimize your network settings for gaming to reduce latency and improve stability. Here are a few steps you can take:

  • Utilize a wired connection instead of relying on Wi-Fi, as wired connections tend to offer lower latency and better stability.
  • Close bandwidth-intensive applications or downloads running in the background, as these can hog network resources and negatively impact your gaming experience.
  • Configure your router for gaming traffic, which may involve enabling Quality of Service (QoS) settings or prioritizing gaming traffic over other types of network traffic.

By implementing these alternative solutions, you can make significant improvements to your gaming experience without relying solely on specific DNS servers.

While the myth persists that using specific DNS servers can dramatically improve gaming performance, the reality is that DNS resolution has limited impact on reducing ping or overall gaming latency. Instead, prioritize factors such as internet speed and quality, as well as network optimization, to enhance your gaming experience. By focusing on these essential aspects, you can effectively optimize your gaming setup and enjoy a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About SafeDNS
SafeDNS breathes to make the internet safer for people all over the world with solutions ranging from AI & ML-powered web filtering, cybersecurity to threat intelligence. Moreover, we strive to create the next generation of safer and more affordable web filtering products. Endlessly working to improve our users’ online protection, SafeDNS has also launched an innovative system powered by continuous machine learning and user behavior analytics to detect botnets and malicious websites.

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