What Is My IP Address?
3.128.201.40
My IP Address Location:
United States, Columbus
Columbus
3.128.201.40
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What Is An IP Address?
An IP address is a unique string of numbers assigned to any device that is connected to the internet, such as your phone, your computer, etc. An example of an IP address is 192.168.1 which consists of the network ID and the host ID. Through IP addresses, computers recognize each other, and communication can be transmitted from one device to the other. Websites also use these IP addresses to permit or even prohibit certain users from getting access to them.
Your home address represents your physical location while your IP address represents your device location. These two are important and can directly or indirectly lead someone to where you are.
IP addresses are indeed essential device identifiers. They are often equated to your mailing address that is linked to your home or your office, and they can pose a possible cybersecurity liability. There are different IP addresses that exist, and we will discuss some of them briefly
IPv4 vs IPv6 addresses
IPv4
is the older internet protocol version that is widely considered the primary Internet Protocol and carries 94% of Internet traffic. It uses a 32-bit address scheme to store more than 4 billion addresses.
IPv6
is a newer and better version of the internet protocol that is intended to resolve the problems that IPv4 has, and it performs better in terms of efficiency and complexity. It has128-bit address space and allows 340 undecillion unique address spaces
Why Does My IP Address Not Match My Location?
When you are connected to a VPN server, you change your address to another one to hide your real location. But sometimes while connecting to the VPN server and having a new IP address, web services may show a wrong physical location, different from the one indicated in the VPN Unlimited application.
There are 2 reasons why your IP location is wrong:
- web services do not update information about the geolocation of IP addresses in their databases in time.
- the service defines its users’ location by cross-checking the area where the IP address is located with the geo-data of devices that use that IP address. If the service detects a significant number of devices using that IP address in a certain area, it will change the listed location for that IP address.
Public vs Private IP addresses
The private IP address
Is the Internet Protocol used to communicate within the same network. These IP addresses are not publicly registered on the internet, and they can only be used internally, such as within the business or home. The IP address is hidden from external access and has a local scope. Sent or received communication takes place within the network. For example, there could be two or three computers connected in an office to only share information between them
The Public IP address
Of a system is the internet protocol address that is used to communicate outside the network. An ISP assigns the IP address to the computer making it possible to access the internet. Since you get this IP address from your ISP, anyone who has access to the internet can see your device. The majority of individuals and households use public IPs
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What can my IP address reveal about me?
Your IP address makes it possible for your computer to be recognizable when you are using the internet. It is an identifier and through it, your online activities can be linked to you by third parties. An IP address is a valuable piece of information, and should someone gain access, the following incidents are likely to occur
Targeted Advertising without your consent
Advertisers will do almost anything to get your attention. They embed tracking programs on certain websites you frequent, and these programs record your IP address and send you targeted ads according to your browsing patterns
Exposing your geographic location
An IP address reveals where you are geographically located. This can attract criminals who may want to invade your home to steal your possessions or even kidnap your family members and demand ransom for their release
Restrictions from accessing websites
Many websites charge different subscription fees to users depending on where they are located. Some countries even block certain regions from accessing their websites for different reasons, such as political intentions. Once your IP address is known, you can be blocked from certain online services that are exclusive to certain countries
Identity Theft
If a hacker gets your IP address, they may track down your ISP and manipulate their way into the ISP’s records of your online activities. Once your private data lands in their hands, they can steal your identity, commit crimes, and frame you for them. There are no boundaries or limits to how far cybercriminals can go when they have access to your IP address
Track your activity
Some companies track the activities of their employees when they are online to look out for inappropriate conduct. Some ISPs monitor the activities of their users so that they can throttle the internet speed for those who download large files
Why you should change your IP address
Reasons for changing your IP address include evading hackers and other third-party surveillance from knowing your online behavior. The benefits of hiding your IP address include having freedom of speech and the ability to share your opinion online without censorship. To change an IP address, you can use a Proxy or a VPN
Proxy changes the IP address
Proxies operate a bit like VPNs, but they are less secure and versatile. When you are using your devices, your internet connection goes through a middleman server so that your IP address is not seen but is replaced with that of the proxy server.
Proxies are not highly secure and they do not utilize advanced encryption methods that hide your data, and this can expose your IP address and compromise your cybersecurity
VPN changes the IP address
Using a VPN is one of the most secure ways you can change your IP address. This is a highly recommended tool that encrypts your IP address, masking it and giving you the opportunity to be private while online. VPNs are very effective at preventing websites from blocking your device.
Pros and cons for changing your IP address
| Private online browsing | |
| Access websites without being geo-blocked | |
| Shop from other countries and benefit from discounts and sale prices | |
| Be free from government surveillance | |
| Reliable VPNs are not free and cost some money | |
| With some VPNs, your connection can be slower |
FAQs
Who can use my IP address?
Without a VPN, anyone can use your IP address to access your sensitive data. Hackers have quick ways of getting your IP address and using it to determine your location and track your online movements.
Can your living address be determined by your IP address?
No, your IP address gives information about your geographic location, such as your postal code and your city. Although your direct living address cannot be revealed by an IP address, it leads hackers closer to your address and makes it easier to track you through mediums such as social media.
Can a person be identified by an IP address?
No. Although the IP address does not give anyone your full name and exact location, it can lead hackers to your ISP. The ISP has information about who you are and where you are based. In rare instances where the government may issue a court order mandating your ISP to share your information, your ISP may be forced to disclose your information.
How can I protect my IP address?
You can protect your IP address by using a secure VPN. There are many VPN services available, and VPN Unlimited is one of the safest options for hiding your IP address.
Must I check my IP address?
You do not have to check your IP address. However, you must ensure that it is hidden by using a secure and reliable VPN.
Why is the location of my IP address incorrect?
Some geo-location services rarely update their IP databases. This causes your virtual IP address to appear as if it is located in a different country than the one you select.
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