What is the IP address?

The oxford dictionary defines Internet protocol abbreviated as IP as a unique string of numbers separated by full stops that identify each computer using the internet protocol to communicate over a network.

To break this down a bit more, ‘I’ for the internet would be the communication electronically that connects computers via the network. The ‘P’ protocol would have referred to the guidelines in which the computers are connected by that is the specifics.

The IP address refers to your computer’s personal digital address. The protocol ensures the numerical system assigns you a unique number which makes it easier for your computer to be recognized. Think of it as getting your mails, your mails would be sent to your address which has your street number, street name, city, state, and zip code or postal codes, which makes it easier for the postal agencies to find you. So is your IP address (address) and your network (mailman).

 

What is the function of the IP address?

First, you should know the IP address serves two (2) main functions which are identifying the host and find the location of the host in the network, these enhance the entire possibility of having the network establishing its path to a host.

In exchange data and other services between the various devices, such communication is done around rules provided through the protocol.

 

How Can I Protect My IP Address

This question is asked ever so often and that is understandable. Everyone is assigned a dynamic IP address, what this means is that it changes after a certain period of time by your internet service provider (ISP). A static IP address is achievable by applying for it through your ISP this type of IP address never changes and gives the great opportunity to host web servers from your location (home or office).

There are various steps you may take in protecting your IP address, here are a few.

  • Add Security Layering Or Update Antivirus: This means you would need to ensure that your antiviral software licenses are updated at all times and you also have the updated versions of such licenses. It pays much for you to have additional security with the antivirus protection such as anti-malware protection, this aids in malicious blocks that may affect you from phishing or malicious sites. It has been said multiple times that “protecting your IP address is protecting your identity”.

 

  • Update Router and Firewall Rules: Your data holds one of the most vital roles this is to transfer data between networks, your firewall is graced with the task of preventing unauthorized access. It is advised that you change the administrative password also commonly referred to as the default password on your router since the default passwords are often times hacked. This means your attacker gains access to every detail be it great or small. 

 

  • Change Privacy Settings In Messaging Application: It is quite common for us to select a link from an unknown sender or reply to messages, emails, and other communication medium styles. With this, it is advised that you allow connections only from your contacts. To make it somewhat harder to be found change your settings to private this helps where people who are not aware of you are unable to find your IP address.

 

  • Virtual Private Network Use: By the use of proxy tunneling and encryption the use of your virtual private network (VPN) protects your data online and off. The main function is hiding your IP address and redirecting the traffic through another server, which makes it the best way to hide your IP address. Not all homes are required to have VPN services this can be found online from no cost to a monthly fee for subscription.