Re: https://<FQDN>:<port> vs. https://<IP address>:<port>.

[Gareth Evans <donotspam@fastmail.fm>]

> On 10 Apr 2023, at 20:30, peter@easthope.ca wrote:
> 
> Noticed this oddity when working with the new service.
> 
> $ nslookup hornby.islandhosting.com
> Server:         192.168.0.1
> Address:        192.168.0.1#53
> 
> Non-authoritative answer:
> Name:   hornby.islandhosting.com
> Address: 158.69.159.172
> Name:   hornby.islandhosting.com
> Address: 2607:5300:203:66b5::
> 
> $ nslookup mail.easthope.ca
> Server:         192.168.0.1
> Address:        192.168.0.1#53
> 
> Non-authoritative answer:
> mail.easthope.ca        canonical name = easthope.ca.
> Name:   easthope.ca
> Address: 158.69.159.172
> 
> As expected, login at https://hornby.islandhosting.com:2096 and at
> https://mail.easthope.ca:2096 appear equivalent.
> 
> But for URL https://158.69.159.172:2096 Firefox warns,
> 
> "Warning: Potential Security Risk Ahead
> 
> Firefox detected a potential security threat and did not continue to
> 158.69.159.172. If you visit this site, attackers could try to steal
> information like your passwords, emails, or credit card details.
> 
> What can you do about it?
> 
> The issue is most likely with the website, and there is nothing you
> can do to resolve it. You can notify the website’s administrator
> about the problem."
> 
> What is the risk from an IP address?  Misconfiguration at Island Hosting
> as Firefox suggests?
> 
> Thx,                             ... P.
> 

What reason is given for the warning?

There's usually an "advanced" or "more info" etc button underneath the message you quoted.

Thanks,
Gareth