IP address definition
An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to each device connected to the internet or a local network. “IP” stands for “Internet Protocol,” the set of rules for sending data between devices on networks.
What is an IP address?
An IP address is a string of numbers separated by periods. IP addresses are expressed as a set of four numbers — an example address might be 192.158.1.38. Each number in the set can range from 0 to 255. So, the full IP addressing range goes from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255. IP addresses are not random.
Each device connected to a network must have an IP address to send and receive information. This numerical identifier allows your device to communicate with other devices on the internet or within a local network. Without an IP address, devices would not be able to find each other or exchange data effectively.
How do IP addresses work?
An IP address is a unique number assigned to your device by your internet service provider (ISP). It allows your device to communicate over the internet by routing your activity through the ISP. The ISP can change your IP address periodically, providing a new one as needed.
Your ISP, which stands for internet service provider, is the company that provides your internet connection. When you connect to the internet, your device first connects to a network, like your home Wi-Fi or your company’s network, which then grants access to the internet. This network assigns your device an IP address, serving as a return address for your online activities and ensuring that data can find its way back to your device.
This system works much like sending and receiving mail. Your device sends a request, similar to mailing a letter, and the response, like a reply letter, is directed back to your IP address. This process allows seamless communication between your device and other devices on the internet.
Your IP address can change in several scenarios. For instance, turning your modem or router on or off can assign a new IP address. When you travel and connect to different networks, like hotel or coffee shop Wi-Fi, you’ll use a different IP address assigned by the local ISP. This ensures that your device remains connected no matter where you are.
ISPs manage large pools of IP addresses and can reassign them as needed. This dynamic allocation helps optimize resource use and ensures that IP addresses are available for all users.
Types of IP addresses
To change your private IP address, you’ll need to renew your IP address through your router’s admin panel or operating system. Here are a few ways to change your public IP address:
- Disconnect and reconnect your modem to see if you have a new IP address.
- Contact your ISP to change your IP address.
- Connect to a different router for a different IP address.
- Mask your IP address with a proxy server or TOR connection.
Types of IP addresses
Understanding the different types of IP addresses is essential for managing network security and ensuring proper device communication.
What is a consumer IP address?
A consumer IP address is an IP address used by individuals and businesses to access the internet. These can be public or private. Devices use private IP addresses within a network and a public IP address to communicate with external networks.
What is a private IP address?
Each device in a local network has a numerical label generated by your router for identification. Here are some examples of devices in your home or office with private IP addresses:
- Desktops
- Laptops
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Printers
- Webcams
- Smart TVs
- Smart appliances
- Voice assistant devices
What is a public IP address?
A public IP address is an IP address assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) that can be accessed directly over the internet. It is used by your network router to communicate with external networks, while your personal devices use private IP addresses that remain hidden.
Types of public IP addresses
What is a dynamic IP address?
A dynamic IP address isn’t set and can change. ISPs typically assign dynamic IP addresses to their clients because they’re easier and more cost-effective to manage. For example, home internet users often have dynamic IP addresses. You can request your ISP to assign a static IP address instead of a dynamic IP address, though not all ISPs offer this service.
What is a static IP address?
A static IP address doesn’t typically change unless the device is retired, there are changes to your network infrastructure, your DHCP lease time expires, or the ISP has suffered a network failure. Businesses and servers often use static IP addresses for reliable access.
You may use a static IP address for the following benefits:
- Help others locate you on a network by sharing your IP address.
- Gain stability by having the same IP address every time.
- Add a security clearance for your specific IP address when connecting to a network.
The advantages of having a static IP address can also be problematic. While friendly people can locate you more easily, so can threat actors. A snooper may also track your activity more easily, knowing that your IP address is almost permanent.
IPv4 vs IPv6 IP addresses
Computers, smartphones, tablets, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices are all fueling demand for more IP addresses. The initial 32-bit version of Internet Protocol was called Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4), with the potential for over four billion IP addresses.
As IPv4 neared exhaustion, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) launched IPv6. This newer Internet Protocol is a 128-bit hexadecimal address and has the potential for 340 trillion trillion trillion unique IP addresses.
The IPv4 vs IPv6 question doesn’t end with IP addresses. IPV6 is also potentially more secure, private, faster, and more efficient.
How to Find Your IP Address
Public IP Address
Quick Online Check: The easiest way to find your public IP address is to type “What is my IP address?” into a search engine like Google. The first result will display your public IP address at the top of the page.
Using Malwarebytes Privacy VPN: Visit the Malwarebytes Privacy VPN page. Your IP address will be displayed near the top of the screen.
Private IP Address
To find the private IP address of devices on your network, you’ll need to access your router’s settings. This process can vary depending on your router’s make and model. Generally, you can enter your router’s gateway IP address into a web browser to access these settings.
On Windows:
- Using Network Settings:
- Click the WiFi network icon on your taskbar.
- Select “Properties” of the network you’re connected to.
- Scroll down to find your IP address details.
- Using Command Prompt:
- Search for “cmd” in the Windows search bar and open Command Prompt.
- Type ipconfig and press Enter to see your IP address details.
On macOS:
- Open “System Preferences.”
- Select “Network.”
- Choose your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) to see your IP address.
On iOS (iPhone/iPad):
- Go to “Settings.”
- Tap “Wi-Fi.”
- Tap the “i” icon next to your connected network.
- Your IP address will be visible under the “DHCP” tab.
On Android:
- Go to “Settings.”
- Select “Network & Internet.”
- Tap “Wi-Fi” and then tap the network you’re connected to.
- Your IP address will be displayed under “Network details.”
How to protect your IP address
Concealing your IP address is essential for protecting your personal information and maintaining online privacy. There are two primary methods to achieve this:
- Using a proxy server
- Using a virtual private network (VPN) connection
Using a Proxy Server
There’s generally no need to panic about IP addresses. It’s not illegal to see someone’s IP address, nor is it illegal to find an IP address.
A proxy server acts as an intermediary, directing your internet traffic through its own network. Here’s the process:
- Websites you visit will see the proxy server’s IP address instead of your own.
- Any data sent back to you from these websites is first received by the proxy server, which then forwards it to you.
Despite the benefits, proxy servers come with some risks. They can potentially track your online activities, so it’s crucial to use a reputable provider. Additionally, some proxy services may insert advertisements into your web browser. Examples of reputable proxy services include HideMyAss and ProxySite.
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VPNs offer a more secure and reliable method for hiding your IP address:
- When you connect to a VPN on your device, it behaves as if it’s part of the VPN’s local network.
- All of your internet traffic is encrypted and securely transmitted to the VPN server.
This configuration allows you to safely access local network resources even if you’re abroad. Furthermore, you can browse the web as if you were in the location of the VPN server, which is advantageous for using public Wi-Fi or accessing geo-restricted content. Overall, using a VPN provides enhanced security and privacy, making it a superior choice for protecting your online identity.
IP address security threats
Online stalking
Online stalkers can use your IP address to track your internet activity and gather information about your online behavior. By monitoring your IP address, they can learn about the websites you visit, the comments you leave, and the games you play. This information can be used to build a profile of your online presence and potentially find your real-world location. Stalkers may use this data to harass you or invade your privacy in more personal and threatening ways.
Tracking down your location
Your IP address can be used to approximate your physical location. While it might not provide your exact address, it can often pinpoint your city or neighborhood. Cybercriminals can use this information in conjunction with data from social media profiles or other public records to find out where you live. This knowledge can be dangerous, especially if malicious actors plan to target you for physical theft, harassment, or other threats.
Downloading illegal content using your IP address
Cybercriminals can exploit your IP address to download illegal content, such as pirated movies, music, or even more severe offenses like child pornography and terrorism-related materials. These activities can be traced back to your IP address, leading to potential legal troubles for you. Even if you are not directly involved, law enforcement agencies may investigate you as the IP address owner, causing significant stress and potential legal costs.
Directly attacking your network
Once a cybercriminal knows your IP address, they can launch direct attacks against your network. One common method is a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, where the attacker floods your network with excessive traffic, overwhelming your system and causing a shutdown. These attacks can disrupt your internet service, affect your work or online activities, and in severe cases, damage your network infrastructure.
Hacking into your devices
Hackers can use your IP address to find open ports and vulnerabilities in your network. By exploiting these weaknesses, they can gain unauthorized access to your devices. Once inside, they can install malware, steal sensitive information, or take control of your system for further malicious activities. This type of intrusion can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and other serious consequences.
Limit access
Some governments that want to control access to sensitive information may use geo-blocking to restrict access for activists and journalists. Streaming services will block users from specific IP addresses to enforce copyright. And websites, gaming servers, and other platforms may ban certain IP addresses too.
What to do if someone has your IP address
There’s generally no need to panic about IP addresses. It’s not illegal to see someone’s IP address, nor is it illegal to find an IP address. Many people can see your IP address through email headers, message boards, peer-to-peer sharing, or multiplayer gaming. Your IP address is also visible to the administrators of websites and other online platforms.
However, if someone with malicious intent has your public IP address, you may need to adopt some safety measures. Set sophisticated passwords and enable multi-factor authentication to secure your accounts. Use cybersecurity tools to protect yourself from malware and scams.
Try to reset your IP address by turning off your router or modem for a few minutes before reactivating the device. If that doesn’t work, call your ISP to change your IP address. For more detailed protection, refer to the “How to protect and hide your IP address” section below.
IP address protection: How to hide IP address
There are several good reasons to learn how to hide your IP address. Someone with your IP address and enough technical skills could find your location, initiate a scam, impersonate you, or even pin you for a crime. Hiding your IP address helps protect your privacy.
VPNs
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) protects your anonymity on the internet by masking your IP address with a virtual one. When you connect to the internet through a VPN, websites see the IP address assigned by the VPN server instead of the one assigned by your ISP. Changing your IP address with an international VPN server can significantly alter your perceived geographical location. For example, if you’re in Canada and connect to the internet using a United States IP address, websites may think you’re accessing them from the United States.
Many services rely on IP addresses to enforce copyright restrictions based on location. Therefore, you could theoretically access Netflix USA from outside the United States using a VPN. Online payment systems such as PayPal may also block access to your account if it detects an international IP address. However, with a VPN, you could access these platforms from countries where they might be otherwise restricted.
Remember, a VPN does not offer absolute privacy. Even though it masks your IP address, websites can still recognize your device through cookies. To further reduce your digital footprint, you should learn how to clear cookies. Additionally, a VPN will not protect your device from malware. If there is privacy-invading malware on your system, you should use a free anti-spyware scanner and removal software.
Public Wi-Fi
A simple way to avoid using the IP address assigned by your ISP at home is to use public Wi-Fi. A public Wi-Fi connection should assign a different IP address to your device. However, we recommend that you avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
Public Wi-Fi connections can typically be found at shopping malls, parks, eateries, and airports. The security measures of a public Wi-Fi connection are usually weak or nonexistent to encourage visitors and travelers to connect. That’s why they’re vulnerable to different types of attacks from hackers, such as man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks. Hackers may also spoof popular public Wi-Fi networks to ensnare unsuspecting users.
We recommend that you use a VPN on public Wi-Fi. With a VPN encrypting your data, you are secure, even on public Wi-Fi.
Tor Browser
You can use the Tor (The Onion Router) browser to hide your IP address. The software hides your IP address by routing your traffic several times through nodes, almost like layers of an onion. However, Tor’s heavy encryption has a downside. Using Tor to hide your IP address will result in a slower internet connection.