What is an IP Address — Definition Explanation and Threats

Definition of an IP address

An online or local network device may be recognized by its IP address, which is a special address. “Internet Protocol,” or IP, is the name given to the set of guidelines defining the structure of data transferred via a local or wide-area network.

What exactly is an IP address?

A series of integers separated by periods makes up an IP address. Four digits are used to represent IP addresses; for instance, 192.158.1.38 may be one such address. The range of each integer in the set is 0 to 255. Therefore, the complete IP addressing range is 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255.

How IP addresses function

Like any other language, Internet Protocol communicates by following predefined rules to convey information. This protocol is used by all linked devices to locate, send, and share information with one another. Any computer, wherever, may communicate with any other computer by speaking the same language.

The use of IP addresses typically happens behind the scenes. The process works like this:

1. Your device indirectly connects to the internet by connecting at first to a network connected to the internet, which then grants your device access to the internet.
2. When you are at home, that network will probably be your Internet Service Provider (ISP). At work, it will be your company network.
3. Your IP address is assigned to your device by your ISP.
4. Your internet activity goes through the ISP, and they route it back to you, using your IP address. Since they are giving you access to the internet, it is their role to assign an IP address to your device.
5. However, your IP address can change. For example, turning your modem or router on or off can change it. Or you can contact your ISP, and they can change it for you.
6. When you are out and about — for example, traveling — and you take your device with you, your home IP address does not come with you. This is because you will be using another network (Wi-Fi at a hotel, airport, or coffee shop, etc.) to access the internet and will be using a different (and temporary) IP address, assigned to you by the ISP of the hotel, airport, or coffee shop.

IP address security threats

Different methods might be used by cybercriminals to get your IP address. The two most typical ones are internet stalking and social engineering.

Attackers may trick you into disclosing your IP address via social engineering. They may locate you, for instance, by using Skype or a comparable instant messaging program that communicates using IP addresses. It’s important to be aware that if you use these apps to chat with strangers, they can see your IP address. Attackers can access the Skype Resolver tool and use your username to determine your IP address.

Online stalking

Simply following your online activity can lead criminals to your IP address. Your IP address can be revealed by a variety of online activities, including playing video games and leaving comments on blogs and forums.

Once they have your IP address, attackers can enter it into a website that tracks IP addresses, such as whatismyipaddress.com, to determine your location. If they wish to confirm that the IP address belongs to you directly, they may then cross-reference additional open-source data. They can then check if the location provided matches what is displayed on LinkedIn, Facebook, or other social networks that display your residence.

Cybercriminals can attack you or even pose as you if they have knowledge of your IP address. Understanding the risks and how to reduce them is crucial. Risks consist of:

Downloading illegal content using your IP address

Hackers are known to download illicit materials and other things they don’t want associating with them using compromised IP addresses. For instance, criminals could download pirated movies, music, and videos using your IP address, violating the terms of service of your ISP, and much more seriously, content relating to terrorism or child pornography. This could imply that, through no fault of your own, you might catch the eye of the police.

Tracking down your location

Hackers can utilize geolocation technology to determine your area, city, and state if they have access to your IP address. They can easily find your house on social media with a little additional research, and they could even break in while you are gone.

Directly attacking your network

Your network may be specifically targeted by criminals who then conduct a number of attacks. Among the most well-known is a DDoS assault (distributed denial-of-service). This kind of cyberattack takes place when criminals utilize compromised computers to overwhelm the targeted server or system with a large number of requests. As a result, services are interrupted because the server cannot handle the increased demand. In essence, it disables your internet. While this attack is frequently directed at companies and online gaming services, it can also target a specific person, although this is much less common. Due to the fact that their screens are visible while streaming, online gamers are especially at risk for this.

Hacking into your device

Your IP address and ports are used by the internet to establish connections. Every IP address has hundreds of ports, and a hacker with knowledge of your IP address can try those ports in an effort to force a connection. For instance, they may access your phone and seize your data. If a thief manages to access your device, they could infect it with malware.

How to secure and conceal your IP address

Hiding your IP address is a way to protect your personal information and online identity. The two primary ways to hide your IP address are:

1. Using a proxy server
2. Using a virtual private network (VPN)

A proxy server is an intermediary server through which your traffic is routed:

• The internet servers you visit see only the IP address of that proxy server and not your IP address.
• When those servers send information back to you, it goes to the proxy server, which then routes it to you.

A drawback of proxy servers is that some of the services can spy on you — so you need to trust them. Depending on which one you use, they can also insert ads into your browser.

VPN offers a better solution:

• When you connect your computer — or smartphone or tablet — to a VPN, the device acts as if it is on the same local network as the VPN.
• All your network traffic is sent over a secure connection to the VPN.
• Because your computer behaves as if it is on the network, you can securely access local network resources even when you are in another country.
• You can also use the internet as if you were present at the VPN’s location, which has benefits if you are using public Wi-Fi or want to access geo-blocked websites.

Kaspersky Secure Connection is a VPN that protects you on public Wi-Fi, keeps your communications private, and ensures that you are not exposed to phishing, malware, viruses, and other cyber threats.

When should you use a VPN?

Your online safety is greatly increased by using a VPN, which masks your IP address and routes your activity through a different server. Some scenarios where a VPN could be used are as follows:

When using public Wi-Fi

A VPN is recommended for utilizing a public Wi-Fi network, even if it is password-protected. It is simple for a hacker to eavesdrop on your data if they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The common public Wi-Fi network only uses basic security, which does not offer reliable defense against other network users.

When you are traveling

A VPN can let you access services that might not be accessible in a foreign nation, such as China, where sites like Facebook are prohibited if you are visiting there.

When you are working remotely

In the post-COVID era, where many individuals work remotely, this is extremely important. For security concerns, businesses frequently demand the usage of a VPN when employees use corporate services from a distance. You can gain access to internal corporate networks and resources while away from the office using a VPN that connects to the server at your place of business. While you are out and about, it may perform a similar function for your home network.

When you just want some privacy

Accessing a VPN might be a smart option even while you’re at home and using the internet for regular tasks. Every time you visit a website, the server that you connect to records your IP address and associates it with all the other information the website can gather about you, including your browsing patterns, the links you click, and the length of time you spend on each page. They can sell this information to marketing firms, who can then use it to create adverts specifically for you. Because they are, online advertisements may have an uncomfortably intimate feel to them. Even if your location services are disabled, your IP address can be used to determine where you are. By using a VPN, you can avoid leaving any digital traces.

Other methods to safeguard your privacy

Change privacy settings on instant messaging applications

Your device’s installed apps are a significant point of IP address hacking. Cybercriminals may utilize telephony, instant messaging, and other applications as tools. Using IM apps prevents calls or messages from unknown numbers and only accepts direct connections from contacts. Changing your privacy settings prevents strangers from connecting with you, making it more difficult to locate your IP address.

Create unique passwords

The only thing that can prevent someone from accessing your device is your device password. Some people choose to use the default passwords on their gadgets, which leaves them open to assault. Your smartphone has to have a strong password that is difficult to crack, just like all of your other accounts. A combination of capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters makes for a secure password. This will protect your system from IP address hacking.

Stay alert to phishing emails and malicious content

Phishing emails are a common way for malware and device-tracking software to be deployed. Any website you connect to gains access to your IP address and device location when you do so, putting the website open to hackers. Be cautious when opening emails from unfamiliar senders, and stay away from links that can take you to shady websites. Even if the emails appear to be from reputable companies and well-known websites, pay great attention to their content.

Use a good antivirus solution and keep it up to date

Install thorough antivirus protection, and keep it updated. For instance, Kaspersky’s Anti-Virus protection safeguards your PC and Android devices from viruses, secures and stores your passwords and private documents, and encrypts the data you send and receive online using VPN.