Each device has its own unique IP virtual address that serves to identify a device connected to the Internet. An IP address is a sequence of numbers and decimals, specifically four numerological units usually divided by dots. The IP address allows devices to communicate with each other.
There are a few types of IP addresses:
- A private IP address allows all your devices and router to communicate within your private network.
- The public IP address is the main address that your home or business network uses.
- Both private and public IP addresses are either dynamic or static, depending on whether it’s assigned by a DHCP server (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) or assigned manually (static).
Now let’s take a look at how they work and what that means for your online privacy.
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How does the IP address work?
When you enter a website URL into the address bar of a web browser, you submit a request to load the page. Servers search that hostname to find the appropriate IP address, then the request is returned with the information you requested, and you can access the desired site. When you visit a site, your computer knows the IP address of that site, but that site also knows the IP address of your computer.
Although IP addresses don’t include our first and last name, they can reveal important information such as your exact location and all online activity in the past.
It may seem harmless to browse the newspaper or read some interesting things, but your ISP and various third parties can always monitor you. Because of that, revealing your physical location and search history via IP address has certain consequences.
Essentially, your IP address is exposed whenever you are online, and others can monitor your activities. Also, all the websites use cookies and browser blueprints, servers that collect information about your timezone, language, interests, health issues, love life, important events, etc.
All this personal data can be used and sold to third parties.
Why would you conceal your IP address?
Anonymous and secure internet surfing has become a major need for internet users. Sharing your real IP address with every website you visit can compromise your privacy and anonymity online.
Every site knows from where and through which provider you are accessing, so you might need to protect your browsing by using trusted proxies, secure browsers, virtual networks, and blueprints. Your sensitive data, such as name, bank details, and address, can be easily available to your ISPs and third parties such as:
- Marketing companies
- Cybercriminals
- Social platforms
- Government monitoring agencies
In addition to protecting personal information, you may want to hide or change your IP address to:
- Bypass the bans on access to sites blocked in your country. For example, you can change the geolocation and use a proxy Mexico server to hide your internet traffic.
- Avoid IP blocking on platforms like Netflix and unlock more content allowed in other countries.
- Block targeted ads of advertisers who place marketing content based on your interests and internet activities.
- Travel or buy products at lower prices because different countries have different price-lists
- Protect yourself from government agencies for monitoring citizens, hackers, cyberattacks, identity theft, and the misuse of personal information
Best ways to secure your browsing and hide IP address
Here are a few of the most effective ways to hide your IP address and stay safe and anonymous online.
Use virtual network servers (VPN) for the most secure data encryption
It redirects your network traffic past your ISP and sends it through one of its servers. Your network traffic is anonymous because VPN users share the same server address. That way, your data can’t be distinguished from other users’ data. The VPN encrypts all information sent through your device, so it’s unreadable to all the parties trying to intercept it.
The best VPNs use advanced methods for encryption and security, and even though they require a certain fee, it’s completely worthwhile because they can bypass even the most severe geo-blockades.
Choose reliable proxies
Like VPNs, proxy servers redirect your network traffic through their own servers and mask your actual location. There are two things you need to pay attention to. First, choose proxies from reliable sources because free or unverified proxies won’t only slow down your traffic but can even make you a victim of data theft, security threats, and malware attacks.
Second, if you want fast, anonymous surfing, proxies that are closer to the location you’re targeting – work better. If you take Mexico as your location, make sure to check Mexican proxy servers connections.
Browsing via Tor network
The Onion Router (TOR) is free and provides a high level of anonymity online as your traffic goes through several levels of encryption. This network deletes the IP address and activity history, which makes it very secure, but due to the process itself, it can be quite slow, e.g., for live streaming, video games playing, or downloading complex content like movies or large documents.
Conclusion
Although today there are various regulations and geo-blockades regarding web pages you want to spend time on, fortunately, there are various ways to circumvent the blockades and avoid limited site access. To remain a secure and anonymous user, you must be careful, use reliable ways to hide your IP address, and protect your data well.