Internet protocol (IP) geolocation is the process of determining the location of a device that has made a connection. This could include locating a client or remote server. Browsers that access websites are considered clients. Geolocation of a remote server is important for a critical transaction. Securing both types of IP geolocation are essential for successful business operations.
Challenges to Geolocation Security
There are several challenges to securing a geolocation solution. The World Wide Web Consortium recognizes privacy as one of the most critical issues. Geolocation services are often targeted to circumvent authentication or to access copyright protected material. Without a secure IP geolocation solution, business operations can become futile efforts.
Another issue manifests once coordinates have been forged. Tabulation and direct browser queries are two distinct methods that respond differently to geolocation manipulation. It is important for companies to address vulnerabilities in terms of proxies and anonymizers.
Geolocation Techniques
IP geolocation lookup API services vary widely. Methods used to discover location varies by browser preferences. Some of the most common techniques include:
- WiFi Positioning System (WPS)
- IP-address-based location lookup
- cell-tower triangulation
- network measurement-based techniques
- GPS
Geolocation security for a browser (client) involves intensive user activities. Uses of IP geolocation lookup data for these purposes are plentiful. It may involve securing authentication, social networks, access, fraud prevention, and more.
Critical transactions require higher levels of security. Copyrighted material falls in this area as well. To meet the needs of organizations wishing to maintain data sovereignty and/or secure e-commerce, geolocation security must address a broad spectrum of tactics. Client presence and server location verification techniques operate in real-time. They secure against geolocation manipulation that use VPNs.
Inferring geolocations greatly improves security. HTTP headers and relative location interpolation are dynamic security measures currently used by some of the better solutions. They leverage languages and WiFi access points to make assertions about valid locations. Techniques based on network measurements and GPS improve upon standard solutions and can be easily set up with a IP Geolocation API.
Network Measurement-based Techniques
Landmarks are used by network measurement-based techniques to estimate device distances of both clients and servers. Network delays provide the essence of this technique. This type of geolocation mapping offers an improvement over IP tabulation methods. However, it is not as accurate as GPS-based measurements. Network attacks that increase or decrease delay times can be quite problematic.
GPS-based Techniques
GPS geolocation can be a highly accurate solution. It is dependent upon factors like satellites, atmospheric conditions, and receiver connections. Consider how a tunnel might affect a handheld device. This is one of the reasons why the best geolocation solutions employ layered security. Augmented systems can achieve real-time positioning within centimeters.
Final Thoughts
The location of clients and servers must be a priority for the long-term success of online businesses. There are several options available that vary in their level of security. A tailored approach for organizational objectives is considered the preferred solution.
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