How to Protect Your IP Assets from Fraud and Hijacking

by | Oct 3, 2025 | Blog, Our Thoughts

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Owning IPv4 address space provides value in today’s Internet economy. But with that value comes risk—fraudulent activity, hijacking attempts, and misuse of IP resources are growing concerns. If your IPv4 addresses aren’t properly secured, your organization could face financial loss, reputational damage, or even compliance violations.

In this blog, we’ll cover practical steps businesses can take to safeguard their IP assets and minimize the risk of fraud and hijacking.

Understanding the Risks

  • IP Hijacking: Unauthorized parties may announce IP prefixes through Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), effectively taking control of your addresses and using them without consent.
  • Fraudulent Transfers: Attackers may attempt to exploit weak processes to move IP blocks through illegitimate transfers.
  • Reputation Damage: If your IPs are used for spam or malicious activity, they may end up blacklisted, reducing their value and usability.

Steps to Protect Your IPv4 Assets

1. Maintain Accurate RIR Records

Ensure your contact details and ownership records are current with your Regional Internet Registry (ARIN, RIPE, APNIC, etc.). Outdated registry information can make it easier for fraudsters to impersonate legitimate owners.

2. Monitor Your IP Space

Use IP monitoring tools or services to watch for unusual activities, such as unauthorized BGP announcements or unexpected routing changes. Early detection allows you to take swift action if your space is hijacked.

3. Implement Routing Security (RPKI)

Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI) is an increasingly adopted standard that validates IP route announcements. By creating Route Origin Authorizations (ROAs), you can cryptographically verify which networks are allowed to announce your IP space, significantly reducing hijack risks. If you have IPv4 space that is unused, consider broadcasting it yourself in small subnets via your ISP. Hijackers prefer to squat on unused space.

4. Regularly Audit Your Assets

Perform regular audits of your IP resources to confirm all allocations are active, properly documented, and in your control. Dormant or forgotten IP blocks are often the easiest targets for hijackers.

5. Secure Transfer Processes

When selling or leasing IPv4 addresses, always work with a trusted IPv4 broker. Experienced brokers like IPTrading ensure that transfers comply with RIR policies, verify both parties’ legitimacy, and protect against fraudulent transactions.

6. Monitor Reputation and Blacklists

Regularly check your IP addresses against major blacklists to ensure they haven’t been flagged. Address any issues quickly to protect both the usability and the financial value of your IPv4 assets.

Why Partnering with Experts Matters

The IPv4 market is valuable but complex. Fraudsters often target organizations with limited experience in transfers or routing security. By working with an experienced broker like IPTrading, you gain access to:

  • Expertise in RIR compliance and secure transactions.
  • Guidance on routing security best practices, including RPKI.
  • Monitoring support to help identify suspicious activity.

Protect Your IP Assets with IPTrading

Your IPv4 addresses are too valuable to leave unprotected. By combining best practices in routing security, ongoing monitoring, and trusted brokerage services, you can keep your IP resources secure, compliant, and financially strong.

Visit IPTrading.com to learn how we can help safeguard your IP assets and ensure they continue to serve as a secure, profitable part of your business strategy.