Hiding IP Addresses For Greater Security On The Web
Posted on June 24th, 2009
Websites can track who you are and where you might live according to your IP address. If that sounds scary, it most certainly is, and even possibly dangerous! You should keep updated on how you use your IP address to make sure you are safely browsing the Internet.
It’s so easy to check your own IP address that you can visit a website and it can instantly tell you what IP address you are broadcasting. The IP address may or may not be specific, since some locating technologies aren’t exactly without problems. IP checking websites are good for when you successfully stealth your own IP address so that others won’t know your information.
Two types of IP addresses exist: static and dynamic. A static address will not change, while the dynamic address will do so. Dynamic addresses will change each time you connect to the network, so changing your IP address is as simple as disconnected your network connection and plugging it right back in. Changing a static address is harder to do, but is still possible.
We have all heard of web proxies that allow students and workers to get past network restrictions. Proxies work by hiding the real IP address, and instead giving the IP address of the Internet server that runs it. A list of public proxies can also be obtained so that you can run a program from your desktop to hide your IP address. This method is more versatile, but can also cost money.
Through networking address translation, or NAT, everyone on your network can have the same theoretical IP address. In fact, this is common practice in order to conserve on the amount of IP addresses that can be distributed among the world of devices. NAT also helps secure your real credentials, as it acts as a buffer between you and the outside world. NAT is typically enabled on networks these days, so you don’t have to worry about enabling it for most cases.
IP addresses are easy to change and edit, or even mask, but MAC addresses are a different story. A MAC address is based on the hardware level, so you would need new hardware to change it or do some creative engineering. Don’t give out your MAC address, since it is the number that points directly to your device and none other in the world. Hiding such information is easy with modern security software.
In Conclusion
You shouldn’t have to fret each time you connect to the Internet and share information with others. Hiding your IP address and keeping your private details safe can be done with software out today. Best yet, programs today come both as open source and paid, so options are definitely present.
Learn more about Check IP and Change My IP Address.
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