When the average person first finds out how important their IP address is, they have a lot of questions and concerns that bubble up. How can they protect it? Does a VPN keep it secret? What items have IP addresses?
If you’re concerned about any of these questions: don’t worry; you’re not alone. IP addresses are incredible things that allow us to connect to the internet on our devices: when used safely, you won’t have to think about them.
These are the answers to some of the most common IP and VPN questions out there.
What Items Have IP Addresses?
Any item that can connect to the internet has an IP address. This includes smartphones and computers, of course, but it also includes devices like smart fridges, camera doorbells, and dozens of other items you may never think of. Although it’s nearly impossible to get any information from those items as a scammer, unless you’re tweeting from your fridge, it’s a good idea to still be mindful of the fact that these connect to the internet when you’re using them.
Does a VPN Hide Your IP Address?
A VPN does hide your IP address! By masking your address with one from another area, country, or service provider, you’re able to effectively make sure that nobody can access your IP address. This is an awesome tool for those who understand the risk and want to move beyond asking, “how do I protect my IP address?”.
Why Would You Need to Hide Your IP Address
Hiding your IP address is something that many people think about but don’t realize the importance of. Our IP addresses give away our general location and let people know what internet provider we use. If someone commits a crime using your device, and police are able to match your computer to the IP address that committed it: you could be in serious trouble.
Spoofing IP addresses, stealing identities, and tons of other crimes can be done by those who have access to these numbers. Nobody wants to be doxxed or have their identities stolen, so it’s vital that you do everything you can to protect yourself and your household.
How Else Can You Protect Your IP Address?
If you’re still nervous or you’re not willing to get a VPN, it’s okay to consider other ways to protect your IP address. One of the main ways that people do this is by changing their online behavior to protect themselves. To do this, you’ll need to pay attention to any links that you’re sent, what emails you click, and what websites you visit independently. Beyond this, it’s also a good idea to be careful about what information you put out there since the internet is forever.
Healthy Online Behavior is a Must
Whether you’re new to protecting your IP address, or you’re looking for a few tips to better protect yourself than what you do now: consider a VPN and better online health. These changes will keep both your identity and your comfort protected.