In today’s hyper-connected digital world, every device interacting on the internet does so through a unique identifier known as an IP address. While most casual users rarely need to think about IP addresses beyond configuring a Wi-Fi router or troubleshooting connectivity issues, they play a critical role in networking, cybersecurity, and digital forensics. Consequently, from securing enterprise infrastructure to tracking down the source of suspicious activity, IP addresses frequently serve as the crucial starting point for any digital investigation.
In this blog, we’ll therefore take a comprehensive look at one such IP address — 185.63.253.200 — exploring not only what it is, but also how to investigate it and what valuable insights can be derived from a thorough IP address lookup
What is an IP Address?
“To begin with, an IP address (Internet Protocol address) is, in essence, a numerical label assigned to every device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. In other words, this address acts as a digital identifier, enabling devices to send and receive information over the internet.
The Two Core Functions of an IP Address:
- Host or Network Interface Identification: As a result, it distinguishes each device on a network.
- Location Addressing: In addition, location addressing indicates where a device is located on the network.”
Types of IP Addresses:
There are two versions of IP addresses in use today:
- IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4):
The most widely used format, consisting of four numbers separated by dots (e.g., 185.63.253.200). IPv4 provides approximately 4.3 billion unique addresses. - IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6):
Developed to address the limitations of IPv4, IPv6 uses eight groups of hexadecimal numbers separated by colons (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334) and offers an almost unlimited number of unique addresses.
For our example in this blog, 185.63.253.200 is an IPv4 address.
How to Investigate an IP Address
Whether you come across an unfamiliar IP address in server logs, analytics dashboards, or cybersecurity reports, it’s good practice to investigate its origin and behavior. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to investigate an IP address like 185.63.253.200:
1. WHOIS Lookup
In particular, a WHOIS lookup retrieves registration information about the owner of an IP address block.” This data can include:
- The organization or individual responsible for the IP range
- The country of registration
- Administrative and technical contacts
- Abuse reporting addresses
Common WHOIS Tools:
- ARIN (American Registry for Internet Numbers)
- RIPE NCC (Réseaux IP Européens Network Coordination Centre)
- APNIC (Asia Pacific Network Information Centre)
Example (Hypothetical) WHOIS Information for 185.63.253.200:
yamlCopyEditNetName: SECURENET-EU
Organization: SecureNet Ltd.
Country: NL (Netherlands)
Abuse Contact: abuse@securenet.eu
In addition, this information helps identify the organization responsible for the IP, while also offering a way to report misuse
2. GeoIP Lookup
Specifically, a GeoIP lookup estimates the geographic location of an IP address by matching it to data within regional registries and databases. While the location provided isn’t always pinpoint accurate, it offers a reasonable idea of where the IP is registered.
Popular GeoIP Tools:
Example Result for 185.63.253.200:
makefileCopyEditCountry: Netherlands
City: Amsterdam
ISP: SecureNet Ltd.
In this regard, GeoIP data can assist security teams in tracing the approximate origin of suspicious traffic or activity.
3. Blacklist Check
A blacklist check verifies whether an IP address is flagged in security databases for activities like spamming, phishing, or participating in botnets.
Trusted Blacklist Checking Tools:
In other words, if the IP address appears on one or more blacklists, it may suggest potential involvement in malicious activities.
4. Reverse DNS Lookup
In other words, a Reverse DNS (rDNS) lookup converts an IP address back into a domain name. In addition, this can provide insights into the infrastructure hosting the IP or the organization responsible for its management.
Example for 185.63.253.200:
yamlCopyEditIP: 185.63.253.200
PTR Record: server-1.securemail.eu
This information is particularly useful in email security for identifying potentially spoofed addresses.
Why This Matters
Investigating IP addresses is essential for:
- Network Security: Consequently, identifying and blocking malicious traffic becomes essential.
- Fraud Detection: In particular, spotting unusual or unauthorized access attempts is critical for security.
- System Administration: Additionally, troubleshooting connectivity issues and auditing logs are essential steps for ensuring smooth network operations
- Legal Compliance: Keeping records of suspicious or harmful IP interactions for potential regulatory reporting.
In other words, by understanding the digital footprint of an IP address, security teams can better protect their infrastructure, enforce policies, and proactively respond to potential threats.
How to Protect Your Network
If your investigation uncovers a suspicious or blacklisted IP address:
- Block the IP using firewall rules or access control lists.
- Monitor system logs for repeated or anomalous connection attempts.
- Report the address to relevant authorities or registries via WHOIS abuse contacts or platforms like AbuseIPDB.
- Update threat intelligence databases with the information for future defensive actions.
Implementing these measures contributes to a more secure, resilient network environment.
Final Thoughts
An IP address like 185.63.253.200 is more than just a random set of numbers — it holds critical clues about the origin and nature of online interactions. Whether you’re a network administrator, a cybersecurity professional, or a curious internet user, being able to trace and analyze IP addresses is a foundational skill for maintaining safety and security in our digital age.
Additionally, it’s important to stay vigilant for common errors and anomalies, such as the frequently mistyped 185.63.253.2001. While this isn’t a valid IPv4 address (since IPv4 addresses range from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255), such typos or misconfigurations often appear in server logs, configuration files, or security reports. Recognizing these inaccuracies ensures the reliability of your data analysis and strengthens your defensive posture.
Moreover, regular IP address auditing and log analysis should be part of every organization’s cybersecurity routine. By consistently reviewing connection records and firewall logs, IT teams can spot irregular patterns — such as unexpected IP addresses or multiple failed login attempts — and take timely action. Proactive IP investigations not only help in incident response but also contribute to stronger, more informed threat intelligence practices.