What is an IP address
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An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to every device connected to the internet or a private network. It allows data to be routed to the correct destination, whether that is a website, application, database or API endpoint. Much like a postal address, a parcel without one cannot be delivered.
Because every connection to an online service carries an IP address, the address can also be used to control who gets in. Businesses use this to secure their platforms through IP allowlisting, where only approved addresses are permitted to connect.
What Is IP Allowlisting?
IP allowlisting, also known as IP whitelisting, is a security control that grants access to a system only to a pre-approved list of IP addresses. Any connection from an address that is not on the list is blocked automatically.
The purpose is to ensure that external connections to your software, data and services are legitimate. With remote and hybrid working now common, businesses need a reliable way to confirm that the people connecting are the people they expect.
Benefits of IP Allowlisting
- Stronger security: Allowlisting works on a 'default deny' principle. Only approved connections are accepted, which restricts unauthorised access to critical assets such as administration dashboards and database servers.
- Secure remote access: Employees can work from home or on the road without internal systems being exposed to the open internet.
- Reduced attack surface: Limiting access to known, trusted addresses shrinks the number of entry points a malicious actor can attempt to exploit.
Allowlisting is most effective as one layer of a wider security strategy. Combined with measures such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), it helps keep your data available to your team and protected from everyone else.
How Does Titanium Enforce IP Allowlisting?
Titanium's software operates on an IP allowlisting basis. To gain access, your IP address must first be allowlisted. Connections from any other address are refused.
How Do I Find My IP Address?
To find your current IP address, go to What Is My IP Address. You can then supply it to your administrator or the Titanium support team to be added to the allowlist.
Why Does My IP Address Keep Changing?
Your IP address may change because it is most likely a dynamic address. IP addresses fall into two types, and the difference has a direct bearing on allowlisting.
Dynamic IP addresses are impractical for allowlisting. Each change requires the new address to be approved and whitelisted again, which creates extra work for everyone involved. There is also a security concern, as a dynamic address can be reassigned to someone else once you no longer use it.
Static IP addresses do not change. Businesses commonly use them for their main offices, which makes them reliable entries on an allowlist.
How Do I Get a Static IP Address?
If you work remotely or in a hybrid arrangement, the simplest route is a VPN provider that offers a static (dedicated) IP service, such as NordVPN. You connect to the VPN, which assigns you the same fixed IP address every time. That address can then be added to the allowlist, giving you access to the services you need wherever you are working. The VPN also adds a further layer of security to your connection.
Alternatively, your internet service provider may offer a static IP address for an additional fee.
Contact our team at solutions@titanium.com.au to find out more about Titanium's software and security approach.