IP address risks

[butterfly]

There was thread dedicated to unwarrented paranoia concerning security culture risks but I can't find it.
I was wondering what someone can do once they get ahold of an IP address?

[LameAssTheMity]

IP addresses can be used in a variety of ways:

one, you can go to websites like whois (dot) net and find out which ISP is providing access for you. Once they have that information they can subpoena the ISP for your user details if they're government agents or just have friends at the ISP.

Two, there are tons of hacker tools that can be aimed at you just by having your IP address. Personally I don't know how to use any of the tools, but I do have access to a set of them and I'm sure anyone who set their mind to it could figure out how to use them.


(sorry for the retarded link, I'm not allowed to post any yet)

[butterfly]

What are those user details comprised of? Can a hacker gain access to your hard drive or Internet history?

[Iron]

a quick questions butterfly? why are you worried? even if your IP is compromised your IP changer periodically every one to two months with most normal broadband ISPs, if you worried about using this forum use a free web proxy, otherwise as long as you have a good firewall(NOT NORTON) installed i wouldn't worry about people knowing you IP unless your into some serious shit

[butterfly]

Actually that was going to be my next question; why should I be concerned? There's quite an emphasis put on security, that at first glance seems undue... so I thought I must be missing something...

[DIzzIE]

Treat your IP address like you treat your home address, for the same reasons. If you care about others knowing your home address, then you should likewise care about others knowing your IP address, and vice versa. It's as simple as that.

If you don't have a problem with pigs, enemies, or anyone bored enough to bother with it, doing shit like having your internet account suspended, getting your home address, poking around files on your computer, implicating you in child pornography rings, and so on, then no, you shouldn't be concerned about anyone knowing your IP.

[apathy maybe]

Except that it isn't your home address. It is a number that changes often (well it might), that is required to do anything at all on the Internet.

If you don't run MS Windows, don't fret so much about security. If you don't do stupid stuff like threaten the US President, then you don't have to worry so much about the filth.

Don't be too paranoid, because if you are, you can't do anything on the Internet. Also, don't trust RevLeft for technical advice, go to a board dedicated to such matters, read up on Wikipedia, and other places.

[rocker935]

I have had the same IP address for about a year now, but then again, there is almost always a computer on in my house. None the less, your really should do your best to keep your IP hidden. If it is compromised, a hacker can exploit your operating system. So I would make sure you have a firewall installed such as the free firewall from Comodo. And make sure your operating system is up to date. If your OS is up-to-date, it would take a pretty skilled hacker to break in. The only other risk I can think of is the possibility of DDoS attacks which really aren't that bad, they just might temporarily take your internet down for a short period of time.

[Lynx]

I found exploring this website helpful:
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2