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If your computer server has recently crashed or experienced unusual traffic spikes, there’s a possibility it could be related to an IP spoofing attack. IP spoofing occurs when a malicious actor falsifies the source IP address in data packets to impersonate another computer, server, or trusted system.
However, enlisting the help of one of the best VPNs can help protect you by encrypting your internet traffic and replacing your visible IP address with that of the VPN server. This enhances privacy and protects your data while it’s in transit.
Here’s what you need to know about IP spoofing — including how it works, why it’s used, and how a VPN can best protect you.
What is IP spoofing?
Internet Protocol (IP) spoofing occurs when a fraudster uses a false source IP address to impersonate another computer or system. It's typically used for malicious purposes to steal your data or crash servers.
According to Kaspersky, this works when data is transmitted over the internet is first broken into multiple packets, and those packets are sent independently and reassembled at the end. Each packet has an IP (Internet Protocol) header that contains information about the packet, including the source IP address and the destination IP address.
In very simple terms, it’s like sending a letter with a fake return address. A hacker sends internet data packets with a false source IP address to pretend to be someone else.
A hacker then uses these tools to modify the source address in the packet header to make the receiving computer system think it's from a trusted source, such as another computer on a legitimate network, and accept it. This occurs at the network level, so there are no external signs of tampering.
It’s different to IP masking, which replaces the user's real IP address with a different, often virtual, IP address.
A VPN can protect you against IP spoofing by encrypting your traffic and masking your real IP address with the server's IP
| SORA | GB NEWSHow a VPN can help protect against IP spoofing
A VPN can protect you against IP spoofing by encrypting your traffic and masking your real IP address with the server's IP, making it much harder for attackers to see your actual location and tamper with data in transit.
One thing to note is that it's not a complete solution for every type of spoofing or network-level attack. For instance, A VPN creates a secureconnection between your device and the VPN server, but it does not verify the authenticity of emails, websites, or devices beyond that point — meaning it does not stop you from visiting a fake, malicious website.
If you're in search of a VPN that will help protect your privacy and is a highly recommended service, we recommend ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN is an award-winning VPN with gongs from the likes of Techradar, CNET, and Tom's Guide, with praise for its servers dedicated to fast, reliable streaming from anywhere in the world.
Monthly prices start from £1.74 a month, and unlock ExpressVPN across up to 14 devices. Once installed, you can connect to a UK server from ExpressVPN's network of over 3,000 servers across 105 countries.
The service uses proprietary Lightway protocol for enhanced speed and reliability, ensuring smooth streaming of festival performances.
Protect yourself from online spoofing with a subscription to ExpressVPN
Protect your personal information and encrypt everything you do online for just £1.74 with the latest ExpressVPN deal. This blockbuster sale trounces NordVPN, its biggest competitor.
ExpressVPN adds military-grade encryption across up to 10x devices, including iPhone, Android, Linux, Windows, Mac, Fire TV, and dozens more, to secure your internet traffic from prying eyes, advertisers, and governments. You'll benefit from an extra 4 months free with a two-year plan
ExpressVPN
$9.99
$1.74
The service works across all your devices — Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, smart TVs and streaming devices like Fire TV Stick. You can even use ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer feature to watch on devices that don't normally support VPNs, such as PlayStation or Xbox.
ExpressVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to watch the entire festival risk-free and recover your investment if you're not satisfied with the service.
VPNs are not illegal and are often mandated by companies to improve online security for employees. However, it's your responsibility to ensure that you're using these popular apps for legal purposes. Always check the terms and conditions of the streaming service.
Virtual Private Networks, like ExpressVPN, mask your real location by routing traffic through servers in different countries, tricking services into thinking you're elsewhere | EXPRESSVPN PRESS OFFICE Benefits of ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is particularly well-suited for streaming as it boasts VPN server locations in 105 countries, providing access to global coverage.
It offers ultra-fast speeds on a 10-Gbps network, essential for high-quality streaming without buffering. With military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and features like split tunnelling and a kill switch, your online activity stays private.
Based in the British Virgin Islands — outside Five Eyes jurisdiction — it avoids mandatory data retention laws, which means that even if the company were collecting data (it's not), law enforcement from the UK and US would be unable to compel ExpressVPN to hand over any information about its subscribers.
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ExpressVPN supports a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and routers. There's no limit on the number of ExpressVPN apps that you can download on your devices, and with a single subscription, you can connect to the VPN on 10x gadgets at once.
It also has a dedicated team that optimises the service for major streaming platforms. Round-the-clock customer support is available if you encounter any issues during race weekend.
ExpressVPN isn't the cheapest VPN. However, its 30-day money-back guarantee makes it a risk-free choice for privacy-conscious users and frequent streamers. It should also give new customers the confidence to subscribe to one of its longer contracts, which unlock the biggest discounts.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is software that protects and anonymises everything you do online. | UNSPLASH What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is software that protects and anonymises everything you do online. VPNs can conceal your online activities by routing traffic through an encrypted tunnel that connects to secure servers worldwide.
The most reliable cheap VPNs or even free VPNs employ the same encryption standard as governments in the United Kingdom and the United States, ensuring that even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) connected to Wi-Fi cannot record the websites you visit, the duration of your sessions on each site, or your current location. This protection extends to advertisers, trackers, and hackers, preventing them from monitoring your online behaviour.
Furthermore, personal information entered into online forms and sensitive data transmitted to and from your device will be safeguarded from hackers using strong encryption provided by a VPN.
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