This numeric address puts you in a vulnerable situation each time you go on the Internet, from checking your social media to playing games and chatting with friends, and YOU ARE IDENTIFIABLE!
An utter lack of privacy, identity theft, spyware and spam all comes when you’re browsing from almost anywhere in the world, but you do have an option to be incognito. Hide your IP address! With a few simple steps, you can safely browse almost any site from anywhere in the world, even if you’re using a more public Wi-Fi connection.
IP stands for Internet Protocol, and put simply, it’s a way for one computer (or tablet or phone) to communicate with another one on the internet. It literally connects you to all of the other digital devices online right now. Your IP address is four numbers, and they contain one to three digits each. So it could be something like 76.103.2.567 or 98.102.56.32. No matter what yours actually is, though, it’s those four numbers that allows you to send and receive data online.
IP addresses are either static or dynamic, which means they either change or don’t change. Static IP address remain the same all of the time, and they always tell where you’re located. Dynamic addresses, though, are borrowed from a pool of options every time you log on.
Every Computer and Internet powered Gadgets assigned Unique IP address to Connect to the Internet by ISP. When you visit a website, your IP address will be logged in those servers. Whenever you use the internet to access websites, your Internet activities are recorded and logged using the Public IP Address.
Why Do You Need The Invisibility Cloak?
Cybercriminals can download illegal content under your IP address’ identity. They can download pirated movies, music, and videos—which would get you in trouble with your ISP.
When given an IP address, an attacker can use geo location technology to identify what region, city, or state you’re in. They use this to decide if your area is a worthy target for future attacks. For instance, they may be looking for IP addresses in wealthier locations or less security-literate areas to receive more payoff from an attack or penetrate a system more easily.
Consider Hiding Your IP Address as a Priority
Criminals can not only use your IP address for larger-scale attacks, but also to directly target your network and launch a variety of assaults. One of the most popular is a DDoS attack (distributed denial-of-service). This type of cyberattack occurs when bad guys use previously infected machines to generate a high volume of requests to flood the targeted system or server. By doing so, it creates too much traffic for the server to handle, resulting in a disruption of services. Basically, it shuts down your Internet.
Online gamers are at particularly high risk for this, as their screen is visible while streaming (on which an IP address can be discovered).
Malware Infection? Beware!
Cybercriminals can be awfully crafty to find your IP address. Here are some of the ways attackers drill down to see that magical number.
Attackers can use social engineering to fool you into revealing your IP address. For example, they can find you through Skype and other instant messaging applications, which all use IP addresses to communicate. If you happen to chat with strangers using these apps, it’s important to note that they can see your IP address. Attackers can use a tool called Skype Resolver, where they can find your IP address when all they know is your username.
In addition, criminals can track down your IP address by simply following your online activity. Any number of online activities can reveal your IP address, from playing video games to commenting on websites and forums.
VPN – A Safe Heaven for an IP Address
It all tapers down to the steps you take to secure your IP address. Here’s how you can keep your IP address out of the hands of criminals.
Using Virtual Private Network will protect your data online by the use of encryption and proxy tunneling. It hides your IP address and redirects your traffic through a separate server, making it much safer for you online. VPN services are without question the best practice for hiding your IP address. They can be found online with monthly service charges, however, the price might not be worth it for every home user. There are free VPN services out there, but don’t expect them to be fast enough for any streaming or gaming.
