Latest news with #IPv4
Forbes
01-08-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Unmanaged Network Resources Are A Hacker's Dream
Vincentas Grinius is a tech entrepreneur and cofounder of IPXO, with a focus on internet infrastructure and sustainable digital innovation. Cybersecurity discussions in today's increasingly connected world often emphasize software vulnerabilities, phishing schemes and ransomware threats. However, a more subtle—and equally dangerous—threat lurks beneath the surface: unmanaged digital infrastructure assets that many enterprises, universities and public institutions unknowingly leave exposed. One of the most overlooked assets is IPv4 address blocks—legacy allocations that, if left unmonitored and unnoticed by management systems, provide a hidden playground for cybercriminals to launch attacks, hide their activities and erode trust in internet systems. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, ransomware damages are expected to cost the global economy $275 billion annually by 2031. Organizations must face a new reality: They jeopardize security and value if they aren't actively managing their network resources. The Hidden Risk Of Idle Infrastructure: How Cybercriminals Exploit What We Ignore The IPv4 address space, which was initially distributed freely during the early days of the internet, has become increasingly scarce and valuable. However, many institutions retain large blocks of addresses without active oversight, making them susceptible to hijacking and abuse. IP hijacking occurs when a threat actor illegitimately takes control of an IP address block, often by announcing false routes to internet routers and redirecting traffic meant for the rightful owner. Because these IPs seem valid on the public internet, attackers can use them to send spam, host phishing sites or create botnets—all while staying under the radar. In many instances, the legitimate owner is unaware that their addresses are being exploited. Cybercriminals often scan inactive IP ranges, using them for various malicious activities. Spam distribution remains one of the most common threats: A 2023 report by Statista indicates that spam emails constituted approximately 45.6% of global email traffic. The U.S. and China have emerged as the primary sources of spam emails, sending close to 8 billion spam emails each day per country. Hijacked IP addresses frequently create new, seemingly clean environments to send these messages before detection systems can respond. Phishing campaigns continue to grow, too. The Cybercrime Info Center reported over 1.8 million unique phishing attacks between May 2022 and April 2023, many of which rely on hijacked or misused network blocks to avoid early detection. Botnet hosting also thrives on unmanaged infrastructure. According to Spamhaus, botnet command-and-control servers increased by 16% in Q4 2023, illustrating how cybercriminals exploit abandoned address space to carry out malware and ransomware campaigns. The command-and-control infrastructure for ransomware is especially concerning. The FBI reported a 9% rise in ransomware attacks on U.S. critical infrastructure in 2024, frequently facilitated by compromised or hijacked networks that lack active oversight. Even cryptocurrency fraud is driven by hijacked resources. The FBI's 2023 Internet Crime Report revealed that cryptocurrency-related fraud caused losses exceeding $5.6 billion, a 45% increase from the previous year, as criminals exploited compromised infrastructure to host phishing websites and steal assets. These realities underscore a hard truth: Unmanaged infrastructure isn't just wasted; cybercriminals actively weaponize it. Leasing As A Security Strategy The traditional view of leasing IP addresses focuses on monetization. However, leasing can also act as a strong security mechanism. When an IP block is actively leased through a trusted, structured platform, it's: • Continuously monitored for abuse patterns and dips in reputation. • Protected by know-your-customer (KYC), anti-money laundering (AML) and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) processes that screen lessees before allocation. • Secured with automated blacklisting detection and rapid incident response protocols. • Actively validated in routing systems, making unauthorized hijacking attempts considerably more difficult. Instead of remaining idle and exposed, the resource becomes a managed and monitored part of the global internet fabric. A New Model For Digital Asset Stewardship Every organization with internet-facing infrastructure must reconsider its stewardship model. It's no longer sufficient to secure servers and patch software—proactive management of network resources has become integral to the cybersecurity mandate. Practical steps forward: • Audit your IPv4 and network assets. Understand exactly what you own, where it's located and if it's in use. • Secure dormant resources. Consider collaborating with reputable leasing platforms that emphasize security, compliance and abuse prevention. • Align IT, finance and cybersecurity teams. Ensure that digital asset management is collaborative, not isolated. • Monitor continuously. Establish real-time visibility over leased or unused space to quickly identify anomalies. Inaction is no longer harmless; it's a liability. Stewardship Or Exposure—The Choice Is Clear The digital economy rewards those who actively manage and optimize their resources. Just as businesses protect financial assets and intellectual property, they must also secure and enhance their network resources. The days of neglecting idle IP address blocks without repercussions are over. Cybercriminals are aware of this. Forward-thinking institutions recognize it. Now, the broader enterprise and public sectors must catch up—or risk facing the consequences. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Scottish Sun
07-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
First Brits get access to £10 a month ‘superfast internet' trial with Wi-Fi EIGHT times faster than average UK broadband
The trial will run for 12-months, and offer triallists a heavily discounted broadband price of just £10 per month BACK OF THE NET First Brits get access to £10 a month 'superfast internet' trial with Wi-Fi EIGHT times faster than average UK broadband GIFFGAFF has finally launched its trial for a new speedy 500Mbps broadband service in the UK. But in a rare turn of events, initial service speeds appear to be delivering better than the headline rate of 500Mbps, according to ISPreview. Advertisement 1 Faster packages and different pricing are expected to follow the trial Credit: GiffGaff Using nexfibre and Virgin Media's 10Gbps capable full fibre networks, GiffGaff is only the second provider after Virgin to harness nexfibre's new wholesale network. The network is currently available to over 2 million UK premises. However, the trial, which was first confirmed back in mid-April 2025, is only opening up to 500 Brits to begin with. Fortunately, that doesn't include the small pool of trialists that tested the service before. Advertisement The trial will run for 12 months and offer triallists a heavily discounted broadband price of just £10 per month. That's not bad for 500Mbps - which is roughly eight times faster than the average UK broadband speed. According to the first customers, the package gives households a proper IP address, delivers symmetric speeds and some of the exterior kit appears to retain Virgin Media's branding. But there is no IPv6 yet, which offers more built-in security features than the older IPv4 used by the majority of broadband providers, including Virgin Media. Advertisement There is no GiffGaff branded kit to accompany the service yet either. Customers appear to be receiving an Arcadyan Technology-build Wi-Fi hubs, or Amazon's Eero 6+ routers. Soaring temperatures could affect your Wi-Fi, experts warn – how to stop your router overheating & avoid speed slow down It is unclear whether GiffGaff will allow customers to use a third-party router. According to ISPreview, it looks possible to use the hardware you have already installed, just with GiffGaff's new trial service. Advertisement Faster packages and different pricing are expected to follow the trial. Although we don't yet know what those packages will look like, or when they will be available to customers.
The Irish Sun
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
First Brits get access to £10 a month ‘superfast internet' trial with Wi-Fi EIGHT times faster than average UK broadband
GIFFGAFF has finally launched its trial for a new speedy 500Mbps broadband service in the UK. But in a rare turn of events, initial service speeds appear to be delivering better than the headline rate of 500Mbps, according to 1 Faster packages and different pricing are expected to follow the trial Credit: GiffGaff U sing nexfibre and Virgin Media 's 10Gbps capable full fibre networks , GiffGaff is only the second provider after Virgin to harness nexfibre 's new wholesale network. The network is currently available to over 2 million UK premises. However, the trial, which was first confirmed back in mid-April 2025, is only opening up to 500 Brits to begin with. Fortunately, that doesn't include the small pool of trialists that tested the service before. READ MORE ON WI-FI The trial will run for 12 months and offer triallists a heavily discounted broadband price of just £10 per month. That's not bad for 500Mbps - which is roughly eight times faster than the average UK broadband speed. According to the first customers, the package gives households a proper IP address, delivers symmetric speeds and some of the exterior kit appears to retain Virgin Media's branding. But there is no IPv6 yet, which offers more built-in security features than the older IPv4 used by the majority of broadband providers, including Virgin Media. Most read in Tech There is no GiffGaff branded kit to accompany the service yet either. Customers appear to be receiving an Arcadyan Technology-build Wi-Fi hubs, or Amazon's Eero 6+ routers. Soaring temperatures could affect your Wi-Fi, experts warn – how to stop your router overheating & avoid speed slow down It is unclear whether GiffGaff will allow customers to use a third-party router. According to ISPreview, it looks possible to use the hardware you have already installed, just with GiffGaff's new trial service. Faster packages and different pricing are expected to follow the trial. Although we don't yet know what those packages will look like, or when they will be available to customers.
Business Wire
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Turkcell and A10 Networks Collaborate to Develop a Future-ready, Sustainable, and Secure Network Ecosystem
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Türkiye's leading telecommunications and technology company, Turkcell (NYSE: TKC) (BIST: TCELL), and A10 Networks (NYSE: ATEN) have built a long-standing relationship focused on delivering robust, carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT) infrastructure enhanced with integrated security solutions. This collaboration has contributed to Turkcell's ability to support its high-performance network architecture, enabling scalability, reliability, and protection against evolving cyber threats. By combining CGNAT efficiency with integrated features, the relationship continues to set new benchmarks for resilient and high-performing digital connectivity. Our long-standing relationship with Turkcell underscores our commitment to delivering world-class software-based security and infrastructure solutions. Continuing the strategic collaboration in 2025, Turkcell is accelerating the virtualization of its network infrastructure with the support of A10 Networks' advanced software solutions. The transition includes carrier-grade networking, Gi-firewall capabilities, and integrated DDoS protection — all key components for building an agile digital ecosystem. As part of this transformation, Turkcell aims to fully virtualize its carrier-grade NAT services in the short term. Keeping Pace with Subscriber Growth Despite the global shortage of IPv4 addresses, Turkcell has effectively scaled its infrastructure to support growing subscriber demand and an increasing number of connected devices seamlessly. Building on its existing carrier-grade networking deployment, Turkcell is further expanding its virtualized infrastructure using A10 Thunder® software solutions, enabling seamless IPv4 address extension while accelerating the adoption of IPv6. Turkcell has successfully supported millions of subscribers without IPv4 constraints or degraded service quality. The transition to IPv6-ready infrastructure has improved network efficiency and facilitated compatibility with 5G and IoT deployments. Improving Scalability, Agility, and Operations Turkcell leverages A10's unique scale-out architecture to dynamically scale its services in response to growing traffic and subscriber demands, ensuring seamless service continuity while paving the way for next-generation, high-performance network evolution. By leveraging A10's advanced telemetry and real-time monitoring capabilities, Turkcell adds comprehensive visibility into network performance and operational status. The platform's operator-centric interface facilitates the rapid identification and resolution of issues, streamlines operational processes, reduces complexity, and significantly decreases OPEX by minimizing manual intervention. Additionally, the shift from hardware-based to software-defined infrastructure helps reduce the physical footprint, as well as energy consumption and maintenance costs. "Our collaboration with A10 Networks enables us to respond effectively to the evolving needs of our subscribers, achieving one of the highest virtualization rates globally along with significant gains in operational efficiency, cost optimization, and network performance," said Prof. Dr. Vehbi Çağrı Güngör, chief technology officer at Turkcell. "Our long-standing relationship with Turkcell underscores our commitment to delivering world-class software-based security and infrastructure solutions," said Dhrupad Trivedi, CEO of A10 Networks. "A10's innovative technology helps enhance performance, reduce costs, and improve security, allowing Turkcell to meet its business objectives and positioning it as a leader in digital transformation." About Turkcell Turkcell is a technology and telecommunications company headquartered in Türkiye, offering a unique portfolio of voice, data, and IPTV services over its mobile and fixed networks, along with digital consumer, enterprise, and techfin services. Turkcell Group operates in three countries: Türkiye, Belarus, and Northern Cyprus. Listed on both the NYSE and BIST since July 2,000, Turkcell remains the only dual-listed company on these exchanges. Read more at About A10 Networks A10 Networks provides security and infrastructure solutions for on-premises, hybrid cloud, and edge-cloud environments. Our 7000+ customers span global large enterprises and communications, cloud, and web service providers who must provide business-critical applications and networks that are secure, available, and efficient. Founded in 2004, A10 Networks is based in San Jose, Calif., and serves customers globally. For more information, visit and follow us at A10Networks. The A10 logo and A10 Networks are trademarks or registered trademarks of A10 Networks, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Forbes
10-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Entering The Growing IPv4 Market: What Enterprises Should Do Now
Vincentas Grinius is a tech entrepreneur and cofounder of IPXO, with a focus on internet infrastructure and sustainable digital innovation. As cofounder of IPXO, an IP management platform, I've spent over a decade in internet infrastructure, watching IPv4 addresses evolve from basic networking tools into valuable financial assets. What began as a simple protocol in the 1980s has become a billion-dollar market, yet most enterprises remain unaware they're potentially sitting on revenue streams worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. With IPv4 addresses now trading at $20 to 30 each and IPv6 adoption progressing slowly, we're in an unprecedented situation where legacy infrastructure has become a commodity. Here's your practical roadmap for evaluating and potentially monetizing these hidden assets. Most organizations lack complete visibility into their IPv4 footprint, particularly those that have grown through acquisitions. Start by gathering documentation from your Regional Internet Registry (RIR), such as the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) in North America and Canada and the RIPE NCC in Europe. Here are some key questions to ask: • Which addresses actively route traffic versus sitting unused? • Do we have proper legal documentation proving ownership? • Are there transfer restrictions or encumbrances? Documentation gaps are endemic. I've seen companies discover forgotten address blocks worth over $1.6 million during routine audits. If records are incomplete, work with your RIR to reconstruct allocation history—missing documentation can be rebuilt but requires time and administrative effort. Geographic restrictions also complicate matters. Some RIRs limit transfers to specific regions, affecting your monetization options. Identify these constraints early to avoid surprises later. Once you understand your holdings, assess whether leasing or selling aligns with your strategic goals. This decision requires input from finance, legal and operations teams. Leasing Considerations: Leasing preserves ownership while generating recurring revenue of $0.30 to $0.60 per address monthly. This suits organizations maintaining a growing cloud infrastructure, as addresses can be reclaimed when needed. Sale Considerations: Selling your IPv4 holdings provides immediate capital but sacrifices future flexibility. This path works for organizations migrating entirely to IPv6 or needing capital for other investments. Risk Assessment Framework: Consider your five-year technology roadmap carefully. Companies I've worked with who sold addresses prematurely later faced expensive repurchasing decisions when IPv6 timelines slipped—a common occurrence given the technical complexity of full migration. Treating IPv4 addresses as financial assets requires proper governance. This means involving legal counsel familiar with internet governance and ensuring compliance with both corporate policies and regulatory requirements. Establish clear ownership documentation. Transfer agreements, RIR records and internal asset registers must align. Any discrepancies can delay transactions or create legal complications. Keep in mind that IPv4 monetization creates taxable events. Whether structured as capital gains (for sales) or ordinary income (for leasing), consult tax professionals familiar with digital asset transactions. Addresses previously used for spam or malicious activities lose value significantly. Implement reputation monitoring to understand your addresses' standing before entering any transaction. The IPv4 marketplace involves technical, legal and financial complexities that most enterprises shouldn't navigate alone. However, not all platforms offer equivalent services or protections. Look for comprehensive due diligence, not just transaction facilitation. This includes reputation monitoring, abuse prevention and technical validation. Platforms handling only financial aspects leave enterprises exposed to reputation risks. Then, assess the scope of provided services. Full-service platforms manage everything from technical configuration to legal documentation, reducing internal resource requirements but commanding higher fees. Limited-service brokers offer basic facilitation at lower costs but require more internal expertise. Partner with organizations providing transparent market data. I've seen IPv4 pricing swing 30% in six-month periods, which makes real-time market intelligence crucial for optimizing timing and pricing decisions. IPv4 monetization represents a unique opportunity in enterprise asset management—digital resources that often appreciate while generating income. However, success demands serious treatment with proper analysis, legal oversight and strategic planning. Organizations approaching this casually often leave money on the table or create unnecessary risks. The companies capitalizing today view digital infrastructure as a strategic asset class, not merely operational overhead. For enterprises discovering significant IPv4 holdings, the question isn't whether to monetize—it's how to do so strategically while maintaining operational flexibility for an uncertain technological future. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
