Do You Need An IP Stresser For Hacking Purposes?

· 5 min read
Do You Need An IP Stresser For Hacking Purposes?

We review the best IP stresser including features, pricing, interface, and more.

Introduction

The term “stresser” covers all forms of software designed to subject your Internet Protocol (IP) address to a variety of tests, usually with the purpose of detecting potential threats.

While traditional stressers are usually designed to work independently of one another, these days they are more often than not, integrated as a part of a larger security solution. This makes them even more useful, as they can now be managed as a group and configured to work in concert.

What is an IP stresser?

An IP stresser is a type of Internet threat software used to check your network's IP traffic for signs of possible attacks. Essentially, it simulates real-life conditions to see how your Internet connection will hold up under stress.

This software exists to find any vulnerabilities in your network that could be used by an online attacker to gain access to your computers or other connected devices. As a security researcher who has encountered countless vulnerabilities over the years, I myself have benefited from using an IP stresser to find issues in my own networks before they were ever found and exploited in the wild.

Why should you use an IP stresser?

There are numerous reasons why you might want to use an IP stresser. Perhaps the most interesting one is that they can highlight potential vulnerabilities that would otherwise remain hidden for weeks, months, or even years before they are discovered and patched.

When using an IP stresser, you are testing the limits of your Internet connection to find out where it breaks down. For instance, you might want to use a UDP-based stresser to find out if your Internet connection is capable of handling large file transfers or constant Internet connections.

Additionally, network stressers can help you to pinpoint the exact location of a DDoS attack or other types of network problems by subjecting your network to simulated conditions that most closely resemble those encountered during a real attack.

What types of networks can be tested with an IP stresser?

Whether or not you want to use an IP stresser to test your home or office network, there are numerous types of networks that can be examined and tested with these types of applications. For example, you can use an IP stresser to test your Internet connection to various websites, your router's connection to the Internet, and even your local area network (LAN) to see how well it stands up against a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) or other types of attacks.

A few examples of potential tests that an IP stresser could perform include:

  • UDP packet loss
  • Connections to servers
  • File transfers
  • Ping response time
  • RSSI (Receiving Signal Strength Indicator)
  • Tunneling protocols (like VPNs, SSTP, L2TP, IPSec)
  • HTTP response codes (like HEADERS)
  • Browser compatibility (like IE, Chrome, Firefox)
  • Bandwidth testing (like BitTorrent, Steam, etc)

Depending on your specific needs, you can choose from a number of different types of IP stressers to suit your needs. This is important, as each one of these applications offers something different that could make it more useful and convenient for you to use. For example, some applications are more suited for web-based attacks and tests, whereas others focus more on DDoS attacks and traffic generation.

Do you need an IP stresser for ethical hacking purposes?

To be clear, you do not need an IP stresser for ethical hacking purposes. However, if you are looking for a specialized tool used for attacking networks and systems for the purpose of finding security flaws and vulnerabilities, then you can certainly consider purchasing one.

Keep in mind that a number of these applications include a “black box” design that makes it difficult to trace your activities and any potential misuse. Therefore, make sure that you are comfortable with what you are about to use and consider the possible ethical implications.

How does an IP stresser work?

Once you have purchased and installed the IP stresser software on your system, you will need to configure a series of options presented to you during the setup process. This is generally done by opening the application and entering your network's information into the appropriate fields.

Typically, you will have the option of configuring the application to test several different types of networks and platforms. For example, you can choose to test your connection to various websites or social media accounts, your Internet connection's speed, your IP address, or any of the other items listed in the help menu.

Once you have entered this information, click the “Start Test” button to begin performing the tests.

As of April 2018, here are the most popular IP  stresser s according to BuiltWith (https://builtwith.com/). Keep in mind that these applications are not ranked in any particular order.

  • SolarWinds IP Scanner – Free, Open Source
  • Unbound - Free, Open Source
  • CobraX GPL v3.0 - Free, Open Source
  • Freenet - Free, Open Source
  • Asterisk PBX - Paid
  • Fritz - Free, Open Source
  • Pulse - Open Source
  • Web MitM Proxy - Paid
  • OpenNTPD - Free, Open Source

It is important to remember that not all free and open source IP stressers are created equal, and you should do some research before committing to any package. Additionally, some free and open source packages come with caveats that you should be aware of before using them (like the fact that they are often not well-maintained or that they have a limited feature set).

What sets the premium versions of IP stressers apart from the free versions?

The most popular and best-selling IP stressers are generally the ones that are “paid” offerings. These applications typically include additional features that the free versions do not have and cost money. In some cases, they also include support for additional platforms and networks. There are several different premium versions of IP stressers that can be purchased. Here are some examples:

  • CobraX Pro for the next generation - 4.9 stars based on 119 reviews on BuiltWith (https://builtwith.com/)
  • Fritz! - 4.6 stars based on 82 reviews on BuiltWith (https://builtwith.com/)
  • Freenet Plus - 4.6 stars based on 74 reviews on BuiltWith (https://builtwith.com/)
  • Asterisk Plus - 4.5 stars based on 69 reviews on BuiltWith (https://builtwith.com/)
  • Pulse Pro - 4.5 stars based on 66 reviews on BuiltWith (https://builtwith.com/)
  • Web MitM Proxy - 4.5 stars based on 48 reviews on BuiltWith (https://builtwith.com/)
  • OpenNTPD - 4.4 stars based on 44 reviews on BuiltWith (https://builtwith.com/)

What makes one IP stresser better than the next?

Depending on your needs and the platforms and networks that you test, you will be able to find a suitable IP stresser. Simply perform a quick internet search to find the best one for your needs. Additionally, make sure to follow the reviews and comments left by previous users to get an idea of how others rated their experience with that product.

While you're at it, make sure to leave your own review too! And don't forget: happy customers are what makes this industry go round. Happy customers leave reviews, and those reviews help others find the best product for their needs. So by leaving a review, you're actually helping others, even if it's just one person reading it.