Websites can easily pinpoint your location on a map through an address you are broadcasting, even as you read this article. This is done through IP address location techniques, and should be considered a security threat. Knowing what IP addresses are and how they function will make you more aware of your options.

Check your IP address to see what you are broadcasting. Online websites will be able to do a quick check instantly, and for free as well. Websites can also give you helpful information such as where IP technology claims you are located. If it hits too close to home, you should start looking at your options in securing your IP address against location tactics.

The type of IP address you have determines how quickly it will change by itself. A static IP address is one that never changes, unless a specific request is made to your Internet service provider. In that case, your request may not even be approved, even if the nature of your request is not shady. Dynamic addresses instead change each time you disconnect from the network.

Through what is called a proxy, you can hide the details of your IP address and make it appear as if your true location is somewhere else. This is used among users who don’t want their location revealed at will to websites they visit. It can also be used to bypass some network restrictions, although you run the risk in getting caught and getting penalized if you do so.

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.

Security programs can easily mask the IP addresses that we use today. The problem is that IP addresses aren’t the only type of addresses your computer uses. A MAC address is similar, but it is structured different and will not be able to be masked as easily. The address is on the hardware specifically, so it would be a hard task to change it. MAC addresses are not commonly shared, and can be safeguarded through certain programs.

Final Thoughts

Computers contact with IP addresses, so knowing a thing or two about how they operate isn’t such a bad idea. IP addresses can be dangerous to give out at times, but the right software can secure your computer well enough so that you won’t have to worry each time you use the Internet.

Learn more about Change My IP Address and Hide My IP Address.