What is an IP Address – Definition and Explanation

 IP address definition

A device on the internet or a local network can be identified by its IP address, which is a special address. The rules defining the format of data delivered over the internet or a local network are known as "Internet Protocol," or IP.

IP addresses, which carry location information and make devices reachable for communication, are essentially the identifier that permits information to be exchanged between devices on a network. There must be a means for computers, routers, and webpages to be distinguished on the internet. A method for achieving this is provided by IP addresses, which are crucial to the operation of the internet.

What is an IP Address?

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

No two IP addresses are the same. The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), a branch of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), generates and distributes them mathematically. In order to assist maintain the security of the internet and make it accessible to everyone, ICANN was founded in the United States in 1998. Every every time someone registers a domain on the internet, they do so through a domain name registrar, who then pays ICANN a nominal fee to do so.

How do IP addresses work

Understanding how IP addresses function is helpful if you want to troubleshoot why a specific device isn't connecting the way you would expect it to or if you want to figure out why your network might not be working.

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, can communicate with any other computer by speaking the same language.

Most of the time, IP addresses are used invisibly. The procedure is as follows:

• By first establishing a connection with a network that is connected to the internet, your device gains access to the internet indirectly.

• That network is most likely your Internet Service Provider (ISP) when you are at home. It will be your company network where you work.

• Your ISP assigns your gadget a unique IP address.

• Your internet activity is routed back to you by the ISP using your IP address after passing via the ISP. It is their responsibility to provide your gadget an IP address because they are granting you access to the internet.

• Your IP address can shift, though. For instance, switching on or off your modem or router can alter it. Or, you might get in touch with your ISP, who can make the change for you.

• Your home IP address does not follow you when you are traveling or otherwise out and about with your device. This is due to the fact that you will be accessing the internet via a different network (Wi-Fi at a hotel, airport, coffee shop, etc.) and a different (and temporary) IP address that was allocated to you by the ISP of the hotel, airport, or coffee shop.

There are various IP address types, as the procedure suggests, which we examine below.

Types of IP addresses

IP addresses fall into various categories, and within each category, there are various varieties.

consumer IP addresses

There are two different sorts of IP addresses for any person or organization with an internet service plan: their private IP addresses and their public IP addresses. A private IP address is used inside a network, whereas a public one is used outside of one. These phrases refer to the location of the network.

Private IP addresses

A private IP address is assigned to each device that connects to your internet network. This includes any electronic devices that support Bluetooth, such as speakers, printers, smart TVs, as well as PCs, smartphones, and tablets. The number of private IP addresses you have at home is undoubtedly increasing as the internet of things expands. These items need to be able to be recognized separately by your router, and many of them also need to be able to recognize one another. As a result, your router generates private IP addresses, which serve as distinctive identifiers for each device on the network.

Public IP addresses

The main address for your entire network is a public IP address. Even though each connected device has its own IP address, they are all part of your network's overall primary IP address. Your ISP gives your router access to your public IP address as previously said. ISPs frequently have a sizable pool of IP addresses that they assign to their clients. All of the devices outside of your internet network will identify your network using its public IP address.

Public IP addresses

There are two types of public IP addresses: static and dynamic.

Dynamic IP addresses

Automatic and frequent changes to dynamic IP addresses. ISPs purchase a big pool of IP addresses and automatically distribute them to its clients. They redistribute them periodically and add the older IP addresses back to the pool for use by other clients. The goal of this strategy is to save money for the ISP through cost savings. They can avoid taking special steps to re-establish a customer's IP address if they move homes, for example, by automating the regular transfer of IP addresses. A changing IP address has security advantages as well because it makes it more difficult for hackers to access your network interface.

Static IP addresses

Static IP addresses don't change, in contrast to dynamic ones. An IP address is assigned by the network and is assigned permanently. The majority of people and companies don't require static IP addresses, but those that intend to operate their own server really must. This is due to the fact that a static IP address guarantees that any websites and email addresses connected to it will have a constant IP address, which is essential if you want other devices to consistently be able to find them online.

This brings up the following topic, which is about the many kinds of website IP addresses.

Website IP addresses come in two different varieties.

There are two sorts of website IP addresses for website owners who rely on a web hosting package rather than hosting their own server, which is the situation for the majority of websites. These are dedicated and shared.

Shared IP addresses

The majority of the time, shared hosting plans from web hosting companies will host multiple websites on the same server. This frequently occurs with personal or small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) websites, when traffic volume is controllable and site size is constrained. This type of hosting will use shared IP addresses for websites.

Dedicated IP addresses

The option to purchase a dedicated IP address (or addresses) is available with several web hosting options. This enables you to manage your own File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server and can make getting an SSL certificate simpler. This facilitates file sharing and transfer across numerous individuals within a company and offers anonymous FTP sharing alternatives. If you wish to construct and test your website before registering your domain, a dedicated IP address also enables you to visit it using the IP address rather than the domain name.

How to look up IP addresses

Searching "What is my IP address?" on Google is the quickest approach to find out your router's public IP address. The solution will be shown by Google at the top of the page.

You will see the same information on other websites because your router performed a request and disclosed your public IP address when you visited those websites. The website IP Location goes a step further by displaying your city and ISP name.

This method typically just gives you an approximate location, that of the provider, not the precise location of the device. Remember to log out of your VPN as well if you're doing this. A search warrant must typically be submitted to the ISP in order to obtain the real physical location address for the public IP address.

Platforms differ in how to find your private IP address:

Under Windows:

• Make use of the command window.

• Utilize Windows search to look for "cmd" (without the quotations).

• To find the information, type "ipconfig" (without the quotes) in the pop-up box that appears.

With a Mac:

• Select System Preferences.

• Choose network, and the data ought to appear.

Using an iPhone

• Access Settings

• The IP address should be available under the DHCP tab after choosing Wi-Fi and clicking the "i" in a circle () next to the network you are currently using.

Go inside the router to verify the IP addresses of any networked devices if necessary. Depending on the router's brand and software, there are different ways to access it. In most cases, you should be able to access the router by entering its gateway IP address into a web browser connected to the same network. You must then go to a page called "attached devices," which ought to show a list of all the devices that are currently or recently connected to the network, along with their IP addresses.

threats to IP address security

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

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

Attackers may trick you into disclosing your IP address via social engineering. They can locate you, for instance, by using Skype or a comparable instant messaging program that communicates using IP addresses. It's crucial to be aware that if you use these applications to talk 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 harassment

Simply following your online behavior can lead criminals to your IP address. Your IP address can be revealed via 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 whatismyipaddress.com, to determine your location. If they wish to confirm that the IP address belongs to you directly, they can then cross-reference additional open-source data. They can then check if the area provided matches what is displayed on LinkedIn, Facebook, or other social networks that display your residence.

The IP address linked with your machine would probably serve as confirmation of your identification to the stalker if a Facebook stalker conducts a phishing assault against individuals with your name to spread spying malware.

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

use your IP address to download illicit material

Hackers are known to download illegal materials and other things they don't want associated with them using hacked IP addresses. For instance, thieves might download illegal movies, music, and videos using your IP address, violating the terms of service of your ISP, and even more gravely, 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.

determining your location

Hackers can utilize geolocation technology to determine your region, city, and state if they have access to your IP address. When they know you, they only need to conduct a little more research on social media to locate your house and possibly break into it.

attacking your network directly

Your network may be specifically targeted by criminals who then conduct a number of attacks. The most well-known is a DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attack. 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 against companies and online gaming services, it can also target a specific person, although this is considerably less usual. Online gamers are especially vulnerable to this because their screens are visible when streaming, which reveals their IP address.

gaining access to your system

Your IP address and ports are used by the internet to establish connections. Every IP address has thousands 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 might access your phone and seize your data. If a criminal manages to access your device, they might infect it with malware.

How to safeguard and obfuscate your IP address

Protecting your online identity and personal information can be done by hiding your IP address. There are two main approaches to conceal your IP address:

1. the use of a proxy server
2. by means of a virtual private network (VPN)

Your traffic is routed through an intermediary server called a proxy server:

• Your IP address is hidden from the internet servers you access, only their proxy server's IP address is visible.

• When those servers provide you information, it first travels to the proxy server before being forwarded to you.

Proxy servers have the disadvantage that some of the services can track your movements, so you have to believe it. The one you use may also allow them to add advertisements to your browser.

VPN provides a superior resolution:

• Your computer, smartphone, or tablet behaves as though it is a part of the same local network as the VPN when you connect them to one another over a VPN.

• Your whole network traffic is routed through the VPN over a secure connection.

• You can securely access local network resources even while you are in another nation since your computer acts like it is on the network.

• If you wish to access geo-blocked websites or are using public Wi-Fi, you can also utilize the internet as if you were physically present at the VPN's location.

A VPN like Kaspersky Secure Connection guards against phishing, malware, viruses, and other online dangers while you are using public WiFi, maintains the confidentiality of your communications, and protects you from other cyber risks.

When ought to I utilize 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 might be used are as follows:

When utilizing free WiFi

A VPN is recommended for using a public Wi-Fi network, even if it is password-protected. It is simple for a hacker to snoop 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.

By guaranteeing that you go around the ISP of the public Wi-Fi and encrypting all of your communication, using a VPN will give an extra layer of security to your data.

When you are on the road

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 streaming services that you pay for and have access to in your own country are unavailable in another due to international rights difficulties, the VPN will frequently enable you to use them. You can access the service as if you were at home by using a VPN. Because rates might vary from country to region, travelers may also be able to locate cheaper flights when utilizing a VPN.

When operating from a distance

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 company services from a distance. You can gain access to internal company 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 can perform the similar function for your home network. 

When you just want some privacy

accessing a VPN can be a smart option even while you're at home and accessing 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 ads specifically for you. Because they are, internet advertisements may have an oddly 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.

Also remember to bring your mobile gadgets. Additionally, they have IP addresses, and you probably use them in more places than just your home computer, such as public Wi-Fi hotspots. It is advised to connect to a network you might not fully trust using a VPN on your mobile device.

Other methods to safeguard your privacy

Modify the privacy options in instant messaging programs.

Your device's installed apps are a significant point of IP address hacking. Cybercriminals may utilize telephony, instant messaging, and other apps 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.

Make up special 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 strong password. This will protect your system from IP address hacking.

Watch out for phishing emails and other harmful content.

Phishing emails are a common way for malware and device tracking software to be installed. Any website you connect to gains access to your IP address and device location when you do so, making 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 reliable antivirus program and keep it updated.

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.

A key component of safeguarding your online identity is securing your IP address. By taking these precautions, you can protect it against the many attacks carried out by fraudsters.