To begin with, let us define the IP. IP is an acronym for Internet Protocol, which serves as the internet’s foundation and establishes the rules and standards for internet connectivity. At the moment, there are two versions: IPv4 and IPv6. The IP demands that each device have a unique private IP address.
In a nutshell, an IP address acts as a virtual mailbox in the cyber world. What is the purpose of an IP address? Is your Internet Protocol (IP) address secure? How can you ensure the security and privacy of your IP address? Continue reading to get the answers to these questions.
Main types of IP address
The following is a concise overview of the many kinds of IP addresses.
Public vs Private IP address
A public IP address is assigned to your home router by your ISP (Internet Service Provider). A private IP address is the one assigned by your network to each device connected to the internet at the same time.
Each device is assigned a unique private IP address, and many devices may share a single public IP address. The public IP address is visible to the rest of the world, while the private IP address is only visible inside your home or business network.
Static vs Dynamic IP address
Typically, your ISP assigns you a static IP address that stays constant throughout time. A dynamic IP address, on the other hand, is given by the network to which you connect.
When a static IP address is given to a device, it typically does not change. Dynamic IP addresses are the ones that vary with time. The majority of gadgets operate on a dynamic IP address basis. Additionally, static IP addresses are more likely to be used by companies.
What is the purpose of an IP address?
Your IP address is a unique identifier for your online activities. When you connect to a network, your IP address requests access to a particular internet destination, such as a website, social media application, or streaming service. Once the access request is approved, the data will be returned to your IP address. Then you may get the information you need on your device.
How do you determine your IP address?
An IP address search is straightforward.
On a Windows machine, use the Options menu to go to the Network & Internet settings. Check the Network area of your System Preferences on a Mac computer.
Open Settings on an iPhone, choose Wi-Fi, and click the I in the circle next to the network you’re connected to. Then, under the DHCP menu, you will see your IP address. To get your IP address on an Android phone, go to Settings > About Device > Status Information.
Is the IP address you’re using secure?
Several possible security risks to IP addresses are listed below.
Government surveillance
Certain government agencies, such as the FBI, are devoted to government espionage operations. Your government may be able to determine who you are, where you are, and what you are doing based on your IP address.
Online harassment
Your ISP, as well as any websites, applications, or online advertisements you visit, are all capable of tracking your position and seeing your online activity. As you may have seen, internet marketers provide restaurant recommendations based on your location and preferences.
Attacks by hackers
Once hackers have snooped on your IP address, they are interested in more than just monitoring your online activity. They may even understand your true identity and whereabouts unlawfully, which is a grave breach of your privacy. They may conduct an assault on your network or even hack into your device to obtain more information.
How can I ensure the security of my IP address?
Your IP address provides information about your identity, location, and online activity. As a result, it is critical to keep your IP address secret and secure. Three techniques are provided to assist you in securing your IP address.
Using a VPN
VPN services are the best way to safeguard your IP address. When connected to a network, you may connect to one of the hundreds of servers provided by a VPN service provider. Your IP address will change to that of the relevant server after you join. This means that your local private IP address will be effectively concealed.
Indeed, VPNs provide other features in addition to concealing IP addresses. For further protection, a VPN may encrypt your internet data, such as browser history and cookies. Anonymous surfing is no longer a pipe dream. Additionally, a VPN enables you to access region-restricted websites, applications, and streaming content.
Utilizing the Tor browser
The Tor browser is a free and open-source program that allows you to conceal your IP address and browse the internet anonymously. However, it has certain disadvantages. The primary issue is speed. Tor’s anonymity requires a trade-off in browsing speed. It’s so sluggish that you can’t even view videos on YouTube or Netflix with it.
While your ISP cannot see precisely what you are doing precisely, they can see that you are connected to Tor. Then there is the possibility of government monitoring. In comparison to the Tor browser, a VPN is a more effective way to conceal your IP address.
Using a proxy server
Proxy servers provide comparable tasks to virtual private network (VPN) services. When you connect to a proxy server, you use the proxy server’s IP address. That is, the websites and applications you visit will not be able to see your true IP address.
Proxy servers, on the other hand, do not encrypt your internet data. Additionally, they will not conceal your IP address from anybody who intercepts your communication between your device and the proxy servers. Additionally, the pace at which videos are viewed is sluggish. A proxy server is not suggested as a long-term privacy solution.
Conclusion
What is an Internet Protocol (IP) address? An IP address acts like a postal address, granting access to your private information and online activities to the government, ISP, and any websites you visit, applications you use, and online advertisements you view.
For your privacy’s sake, we strongly advise you to conceal your IP address while using any network connection. This way, your online experience will be more private and safe.