WDH-054 Websites, Domains & Internet Infrastructure
Does a residential IP address mean the website operator lives there?¶
No. A residential IP may identify the subscriber and premises using the connection at a particular time. It does not identify the individual controlling the website.
The connection may be used by family members, tenants, visitors, employees or remote users. A device may be compromised. A proxy, tunnel or misconfigured router may also be involved.
Questions to answer next¶
- Which device received the traffic?
- Who configured the router?
- Who controlled the domain or dynamic-DNS account?
- Who held the files and administrator credentials?
- Who received payments or communications?
Timing is essential because residential addresses may change or be shared.
Key takeaway
A residential IP may lead to a premises. Attribution requires evidence from the router, devices, accounts and wider website activity.