Leveraging External IP Addresses for Security

Tyler MacDonald Updated by Tyler MacDonald

At shopVOX, we offer a robust security feature that allows users to enhance their protection by utilizing the External IP address. Whether you're operating within a corporate environment or from the comfort of your own home, our platform enables you to enforce stringent security measures.

With our system, administrators can input approved IP addresses into a whitelist. This means that only devices accessing shopVOX from these designated IPs will be granted entry, bolstering your defense against unauthorized access.

By leveraging the External IP address, you can ensure that your shopVOX account is accessed solely from trusted locations, safeguarding your sensitive data and operations. Trust in shopVOX to provide you with the tools you need to maintain the highest levels of security, regardless of where you work.

Securing External IP Addresses entails a two-step process.

Let's proceed methodically. First, we must execute two actions to activate this function. Step 1 involves inputting the External IP Address, while Step 2 requires enabling it at the user level. Both steps are indispensable for seamless functionality.

Exclusion of Owners and Administrators:

It's crucial to understand that the security feature excludes team members designated as Owners or Administrators. This ensures their unrestricted access and ability to make necessary configuration adjustments as required.

Understanding External IP Addresses

When you work in a building, the entire building is typically connected to the internet through a network. This network is managed by a router or server, which assigns IP addresses to each device connected to it. So, all the devices in the building share the same external IP address assigned by the internet service provider (ISP). This is because they are all connected to the internet through the same gateway.

When you work from home, you also connect to the internet through a router provided by your ISP. This router assigns internal IP addresses to the devices connected to it, such as your computer, smartphone, or smart home devices. However, to the outside world (the internet), all the data from these devices appears to be coming from a single IP address—the external IP address of your home network.

So, whether you're working in a building or from home, you're essentially using a single IP address to connect to the internet, even though multiple devices may be connected to your network internally.

Step1: Adding External IP Addresses to shopVOX

Incorporating the External IP address feature into shopVOX is a breeze. Allow me to guide you through each step with precision and clarity.

  1. Go to "Settings"
  2. Then select "Security" from the left hand side
  3. You will see this Security screen, from here we can add IP Addresses
  4. In the center of your screen, you'll find the External IP Address displayed in green. Whether you're accessing shopVOX from a corporate office building or the comfort of your home, this External IP Address remains the focal point. Regardless of your location—be it the office or your residence—the relevance lies in this singular External IP address.
  5. To add an IP address to the list simply type it into the "Allowed IP Addresses" field.
  6. Should the need arise for multiple IP Addresses—perhaps due to a scenario where some individuals work within an office building while others operate remotely—simply employ a comma and append the subsequent External IP Address. For this example I will add in the following additional IP Addresses.
    1. 104.16.249.249
    2. 185.60.218.35
    3. 74.125.24.101
    4. 52.85.101.103

Step2: Adding Sign In Only From Static IP - For each User

With the permitted external IP addresses successfully added to our whitelist, the next step is to navigate to each user and activate the feature, limiting their access exclusively to a single static IP.

  1. Go to "Settings"
  2. Then select "Team" from the left hand side
  3. Select the Team Member you wish to restrict to their static External IP Address
  4. Scroll down and find "Allow Sign In from Only From Static IP"
  5. Click the check box for "Allow Sign In from Only From Static IP"
  6. Select "Update User" when completed
  7. This is what someone will see when they log into shopVOX with an address that is not added to the white list

Best Practices for Maintaining Security in Your shopVOX System

Should you opt to integrate this feature as a security measure for your shopVOX system, it's advisable for an Administrator to review this list at least quarterly. This ensures that no unauthorized IP addresses have access. Additionally, it's recommended to refresh the list twice a year, clearing out any old entries, to mitigate any lingering security risks to your system.

shopVOX offers a robust security feature utilizing External IP addresses, ensuring enhanced protection for users regardless of their working environment. Administrators can input approved IP addresses into a whitelist, granting access exclusively to designated devices, thus fortifying defenses against unauthorized entry.

It's essential to note that Owners and Administrators are exempt from this security measure, guaranteeing unrestricted access for necessary configuration adjustments. Understanding the significance of External IP addresses is pivotal, as they serve as unique identifiers for devices accessing the internet, whether from a corporate network or a home setup.

The process of incorporating External IP addresses into shopVOX is straightforward, involving two essential steps: adding the IP addresses to the whitelist and enabling the feature at the user level. This meticulous approach ensures seamless functionality and optimized security measures.

Moreover, implementing best practices, such as quarterly review of the whitelist by Administrators and biannual clearing of outdated entries, further strengthens the security posture of your shopVOX system. By adhering to these recommendations, users can mitigate potential security risks and maintain a secure working environment within shopVOX.

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