Should you keep your IP address a secret?
There are millions of computers connected to the internet. Each and every one of them has an IP address. Well, technically anyone can find out anyone’s IP address. But what are the consequences of someone finding your IP address? should you be concerned? Let’s find out!
What is an IP address?
IP stands for “internet protocol”. a computer connected to the internet receives a unique address. It helps the network to decide which computer transfers data to which computer. This procedure makes Each device unique.
An IP address is similar to your home address. The same way we receive letters, the computer receives data. For us, it’s easier to Remember an address by a street name in the same way it is for the computer to Remember an IP address by numbers. ipv4 addresses start with 0.0.0.0 and end with 255.255.255.255.
Every computer and router has an IP address. when you are trying to access a website, your computer sends a request to the IP address of the website you are trying to access. Then the server sends back the requested data. (This procedure is enormous, this may seem to be an oversimplification of events. If you are willing to read more about this procedure, please refer to: <Link> )
What information can be acquired by an IP address?
At first sight, you can’t literally tell anything about the IP address because it’s nothing but a bunch of numbers. (Of course, other than the IP address class, subnet mask and some other major technical data) The easiest way to find information on an IP address is to use an IP lookup tool.
www. whatismyipaddress.com
www.iplocation.net
www.ip-tracker.org
These are some examples of IP lookup tools. Using tools like this, you can get information such as IP addresses, country, Approximate location of the nearest city, internet service provider.
How to find out your IP address?
A computer has two IP addresses which are local IP and public IP. Local IP is used inside your local area network (LAN). outsiders cannot be connected to local IP. public IP varies is on your ISP. The tools I mentioned above are to find your public IP address.
To find out your private IP address, If you are using Windows OS, then press windows key + R. CMD and press enter, then type ipconfig and press Enter.
How helpful is the IP address for legal actions?
Many cybercriminals have been caught with the help of the IP address. the police traces criminal IP addresses and finds out who committed the crime.
There are two types of IP addresses static and dynamic. Static IP addresses never change, but dynamics change from time to time. If you restart your router or turns off and on your mobile data, your dynamic IP changes automatically. I know it seems like it’s hard to find a criminal with an active IP address, but no. your ISP stores all your data. So it isn’t hard for the police to find out the criminal.
What would happen if someone finds out my IP Address?
There are many uses of knowing someone else’s IP address and it’s almost impossible to tell what and whatnot they’d do with your IP address. But in general, finding someone else’s IP address is not that much of a deal. In other words, nothing major would happen as of anyone finding your IP address. However, they can use it to access your camera and much more under given circumstances. Using up-to-date firewall software and/or a VPN can prevent third parties from accessing your IP and much more.
