IP addresses and networks

What an IP address can and cannot tell you: geolocation, ASN, reverse DNS and exposed services.

Geolocation is approximate

IP geolocation usually points to the provider’s city or region, not to a person. Hosting, VPN and mobile addresses say almost nothing about who is behind them.

ASN and ownership

The autonomous system (ASN) shows which organisation announces the address block. Its abuse contact is the right place to report problems.

Exposed services

Services indexed by search engines such as Shodan show open ports and software versions. Treat them as hints and check versions before assuming a vulnerability.

NextUsernames and email addresses

Use public sources only, for lawful purposes. Verify every finding independently.