Identifying High-Risk ASN Networks: A Must-Know for Fraud Prevention Teams

Introduction

Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) are unique numbers linked to autonomous systems which provide routing information important for controlling data traffic over the Internet. ASNs can be used by businesses to prevent fraud through ASN lookup tools which identify High-risk ASNs. After identification, businesses can then implement several fraud preventive measures. The tools used for the detection of High-risk networks are outlined in this guide.

What is an Autonomous System Number (ASN)?

Autonomous System Number (ASN) is a unique number assigned to an autonomous system by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). Independent systems on the internet use ASNs to control the routing information within their networks and exchange routing information with other internet service providers.

Which Organizations use ASNs?

1. Internet Service Providers

One of the most common users of ASNs are the Internet Service Providers (ISPs), like Comcast, Virgin Media, Vodafone, or Telefónica. An RIR gives each ISP a block of unique IP addresses which are then given to individual users.

2. Hosting Providers

Web Hosting Providers also allocate IP addresses to each of their customers and they would need a lot of IP addresses. Whenever a customer launches a server with a public, it would be assigned an IP address from a larger broader range.

3. Other Organizations

Organizations that need large blocks of IP addresses also need ASNs. Some of these organizations are Netflix, Apple, Microsoft, and smaller organizations.

Importance of ASNs

ASNs are important for the following purposes:

1. Security

ASNs improve the security of businesses as they prevent scams through IP address theft, and attacks on the business network and data, and assist businesses in detecting unusual traffic.

2. Detection of illegal access

One important information provided by ASN is the location of users. Together with geolocation data, it tells the internet service providers or organizations that are accessing the website.

3. Detection of malicious IP address

Through ASN data, businesses can easily detect malicious IP addresses by identifying IP addresses with a high number of login attempts. Also, if the IPs are linked to ASNs with a history of malicious activity, then it is of high risk.

4. Routing Control

Routing control is the regulation of traffic flow between autonomous systems to ensure efficient and secure transfer of routing information. Through ASN, businesses can control routing within their network and also exchange information with other networks.

ASN Lookup Tools

There are several tools used for ASN lookup, some are;

Greip ASN lookup

Greip uses advanced technology to detect and track the IPs of AS Numbers providing more information to businesses on the network infrastructure of each AS Number. With Greip ASN Lookup, businesses can monitor network activity, detect suspicious behaviour, and block traffic from malicious sources

Whois ASN lookup

Whois Lookup is a tool used to find the Internet service provider, hosting provider, and contact details for an IP address quickly and easily. It queries the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) to find which Regional Internet Registry (RIR) to get more information from.

Cymru

Cymru is a free and easy-to-use tool that provides detailed information on autonomous system numbers (ASNs). It provides information about ASN number, name, country, and IP address range.

PeeringDB

PeeringDB is commonly used by network providers, it assists ASN owners in deciding which ASNs to peer with each other so that they can exchange traffic.

What is a High-risk ASN?

A High-risk ASN is an Autonomous System Number (ASN) which is most likely to be used for fraudulent activities according to its recent actions or patterns which are illegal.

How to Identify High-Risk ASN?

Some important factors that help identify high-risk AS Numbers are:

1. ASN Reputation Scores

Several security tools provide information on the history of IPs in certain ASNs and when the score is high, then the ASN is of high risk.

2. Blacklisted IP Counts

IP addresses are blacklisted when they are linked to spam or other illegal activities. Tools like Greip ASN Lookup help to identify blacklisted IP addresses and detect high-risk ASNs.

3. Threat Intelligence Data

Threat intelligence data feeds provide information about potential attacks from fraudsters and with this information, organizations can keep their security systems updated and ready for any form of attack.

4. Investigating IP Addresses

Whenever suspicious IP addresses are encountered, it is important to look up the ASN linked to it to see if they have a good reputation and are free of scams.

5. Known Bad Actors

To effectively identify High-risk networks, preparing a list of blacklisted IP addresses and their ASNs can make the process faster.

Conclusion

ASN Numbers are important to customers and businesses, as they improve the security of customers and help businesses maintain a good reputation. To effectively prevent fraud, businesses need to detect and flag IP addresses linked to malicious ASNs and this is effectively done by using tools like Greip ASN Lookup.

FAQs

What is ASN Reputation?

The ASN Reputation provides information about the authenticity of the IPs connected to a particular ASN. It can be calculated from the information on blacklisted IPs.

Who Assigns ASN numbers?

AS numbers are assigned by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) to Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) which then assign the AS Numbers to network operators according to the RIR policies.

References

What is an autonomous system? | What are ASNs?

What are Autonomous System Numbers?

Why ASN Lookup Matters for Businesses: Improving Routing, Network Performance, and Security