In the age of digital advancement, online security should be our primary concern. Every time we go online, our online activities leave a trail that can be traced by a tech-savvy person. This could lead to potential cyber criminal activities, impersonation, theft, and others. They can also use this to plan a burglary, blackmail you, get your confidential information and data, and ultimately give you a major hit. Therefore, not only understanding the basics of IP addresses but also clearing some common myths about it and exploring the best practices, is equally important to keep oneself safe from such activities.
IP addresses are a set of numbers that generally lie between 0 and 255 such as 192.168.1.1. It is similar to your mailing address but the mode is online. These sets of numbers are assigned to every device and they help websites, devices, and other services to find and communicate with your device via the internet. Now after all this discussion, you might be wondering ‘What is my IP address’ or How can I find my IP address’. If so then simply go to Google and search ‘what is my IP address’. Your IP address will displayed there but other online websites like checkmyiponline will go further and display your ISP’s name, and city along with your IP address.
Your IP address reveals your general geographical location like city, network, device type, and ISP. Now you might be thinking, If an IP address only reveals a general location then there is nothing to worry about. A cybercriminal will further use this general location to find your socials, stalk you down, and picture your exact location. Hence finding where you live is not so difficult by using your general location.
Many people think that their IP addresses are by default hidden or private, so their online activities are private and safeguarded from prying eyes. However this is not the case, your IP addresses are not private or hidden. Simply Google ’ What is my IP address’ and your IP address will be displayed right away. Websites and internet services always keep a log of your IP addresses, beside that your other online activities like online games, interactions on other posts, and messaging apps keep a trace of your IP address. This could further then be used by anyone to trace down your location or launch any cyber attack.
This is another common myth that changing your IP addresses frequently will improve online security. Cybercriminals use advanced methods like sending emails to harvest your IP address as soon as it is opened, phishing, malware, etc which can not be stopped by just changing your IP address frequently. Changing your IP address makes tracking harder but it does not provide strong protection against hackers.
Blocking certain IP addresses is often seen as a perfect way to prevent attacks. But this method has its limits. Hackers can use changing or fake IP addresses to get around blocks. While blocking known bad IPs can help, it shouldn’t be your only security measure.
So there is a common myth among many people that their IP address alone can reveal personal information like their names or exact addresses. This is not true, while an IP address can show your general location and Internet Service Provider, it does not provide any of your details. However, combining an IP address with other data could potentially identify someone like it can be used to find your socials and pinpoint your exact location thereby.
Some believe that having a static IP address (one that does not change) is inherently unsafe compared to a dynamic IP address. While it may be true to some extent as static IP addresses can be targeted more easily if known, proper security measures like firewalls and strong passwords can protect any type of IP address effectively.
Private IP addresses are often considered completely secure. They are safer from external threats due to network isolation, but they can still be vulnerable to internal threats or if the network is compromised. Therefore, internal network security practices are also important.
There is a common misconception that IP address security is only important for large organizations or businesses. In reality, anyone using the internet can be targeted by cyber threats. Personal devices and home networks are equally at risk and should be protected. A hacker can force a connection to your device and steal your important data like ID, bank details, and other crucial information easily.
When you use a VPN, it hides your IP address and your data and goes through a secure server, making it hard for hackers to steal your information. If you search for "What is my IP" or "What’s my IP address," using a VPN can show a different IP, adding privacy and security.
Regularly checking your IP address can help you spot unusual activity. Many online tools can show your current IP address. By searching "check my IP online" or "check IP," you can find websites like "checkmyiponline" that display your IP address. If you see an unfamiliar IP, it could mean unauthorized access.
Firewall software acts as a shield between your internal network and external threats. Setting strong firewall rules will help prevent unauthorized access and protect your network. Make sure your firewall software blocks suspicious traffic and updates its rules regularly.
Old software and systems can have security holes. Regularly updating your operating systems, apps, and security software fixes these vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of attacks.
IP address security is crucial for a safe and private online experience. By Understanding the basics of IP address, and clearing some misconceptions you can greatly improve your online security and privacy.
Date: 15-July-2024
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