you’re able to think of it like a digital fingerprint that identifies your specific unit online.
But does it matter if other people can see your IP address?
And what can they learn about you with it?
So, there is likely a record of your IP number tied to every website you’ve visited.
It can usually indicate what city you’re in, at minimum, though locations aren’t always accurate.
Your IP can also be used to figure out which internet company you use.
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The bottom line is that IPs aren’t some super secret thing.
They’re less revealing than the return address on an envelope.
It’s all pretty standard online grid stuff.
How Concerned Should You Be About Your IP?
If you’re an average internet user, don’t stress too much about people knowing your IP address.
It’s a good idea to know what others can really do if they have your IP address.
Realistically, the worst most people could do with just your IP is adenial-of-service attackto clog up your internet.
But they’d need the proper paperwork (a warrant, typically) to do so.
Regular folks or even good hackers can’t pull that off without legal backing.
A solid option isa Virtual Private data pipe (VPN).
This can help disguise your real IP address from any snoopers.
Look for a trustworthy VPN provider that takes privacy super seriously and uses strong encryption standards.
Ideally, you should pick a VPN provider that doesn’t store records, either.
You may also considerproxy servers.
Proxy servers work as intermediaries between your gadget and the internet, hiding your actual IP address.
However, they may not offer the same level of encryption as VPNs.
Still, it’s an option if you want some extra privacy without paying for a VPN.
Another thing to check out issurfing the internet with Tor surfing app.
This adds extra anonymity, but it may slow down website loading speeds.
Ultimately, try not to sweat it too much if someone casually sees your IP occasionally.
