What does IP Spoofing refer to?

IP Spoofing refers to the process of forging an IP address in the packets being sent over a network, with the intention of disguising the sender's identity. This technique is often exploited by malicious actors to make it appear that the packets are coming from a trusted source or a legitimate address, which can facilitate various types of cyberattacks, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks or unauthorized access to systems. By masking their true IP address, attackers can evade detection and make it more challenging for defenders to trace the source of the malicious traffic.

In contrast, using a legitimate IP address for secure communication does not involve any spoofing. Monitoring network traffic for anomalies refers to security practices aiming to detect unusual activity but does not involve altering packet headers. Intercepting packets to analyze network health pertains to legitimate network management and monitoring practices, which are fundamentally different from the deceptive nature of IP Spoofing.