Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Hosting Security and Technology : Purpose of recording the IP of new signups?

[vito]

I've seen many hosting sites that record the IP of the visitor during the signup process. It'll say on the screen "Your IP address has been recorded" as if it is an effective tracking device (in the event of fraud, I suppose).

But what good is that IP address, really? I remember in the past I've asked about how to track someone down based on the visitor's IP, and I was told it can't be done. It just narrows down to an IP block.

Can you in fact trace an IP back to a specific user? If so, I would really want to know how...

Vito

[Jim_UK]

It's just another thing to check. I always make sure every new order has a trace done on the IP to make sure it matches up with the address.

Also, the IP is checked against the IP reading Paysystems take again with the name/address checked also.

I know it's not foolproof and there are issues with IP's sometimes innocently not tracing right back but every little helps

[vito]

Thanks, Jim. So is it just a general trace or can you pinpoint a user? I have an IP of one visitor who I would love to be able to track down...

Vito

[Jim_UK]

Just a general trace here just to make sure it goes back to the stated state/city/country.

As mentioned it's not always 100% accurate but it makes it worthwhile when an order comes in from a US state from an IP which traces out to Asia somewhere which turns out to be suspicious (customer emailed, no response, etc).

I'm not sure if a specific user can be traced without getting the records from the ISP... rather you than me on that one

[vito]

Thanks. Pity about not being able to trace a specific user.

I appreciate the info.

Vito

[Luke]

Yup, its also important to have it recorded for legal backup. IPs are traceable by the originating ISP to the very house it connects from; and this can be obtained by a court order. Also, if you know any administrators from certain companies such as AOL or Sprint, you can ask them to run a location check, although it would strictly not be legal so I wouldnt recommend it .

Unfortunately, I only have contact with an AOL admin, so unless its from there, you're out of luck.

Luke

[vito]

Thanks, Luke2.
Heh, good to have someone on the inside, isn't it?

Vito