A Keyword-based IP Tracking Method for Illegal Web Content Distribution Using Port Scanning on HTTP and HTTPS

Abstract

The rapid expansion of online content distribution has led to a significant increase in copyright infringement, where unauthorized works are illegally shared through various web-based platforms. To fundamentally block these copyright-infringing websites, it is essential to accurately identify the IP address or physical location of the original server. However, most illegal content distribution sites utilize advanced security mechanisms, such as DNS resolvers, reverse proxies, and anonymization techniques, to conceal their true IP addresses, making direct tracking increasingly difficult. These evasive tactics allow illegal sites to continue operating while avoiding enforcement measures. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a keyword-based IP tracking method for identifying illegal web content distribution sites by leveraging port scanning on HTTP and HTTPS (ports 80 and 443). The proposed approach systematically detects and analyzes servers that provide unauthorized content by scanning network ports commonly used for web services. By correlating detected IP addresses with keyword-based filtering techniques, this method enables efficient tracking of illegal sites that actively hide their original server’s IP address. Through experimental validation, the proposed method successfully pinpoints the IP addresses of illegal content distribution servers, even when they employ obfuscation techniques to mask their identity. This study contributes to enhancing copyright protection by introducing a web-based detection approach that integrates network security techniques, web engineering principles, and automated keyword analysis. Furthermore, the findings provide a practical solution for law enforcement agencies, copyright holders, and regulatory bodies to combat illegal web content distribution more effectively.