What is an IP Address: Detailed explanation by Digimagg

Explanation of what an IP address is

An IP address serves as a distinct identifier for a device within either the internet or a local network. The abbreviation "IP" stands for "Internet Protocol," which defines the guidelines for data formatting transmitted over these networks.

Essentially, IP addresses facilitate the transmission of information among networked devices by containing location details and enabling device accessibility for communication purposes. Given the vastness of the internet, distinguishing between various computers, routers, and websites is essential. IP addresses fulfill this role, constituting a fundamental component of internet functionality.

What exactly is an IP address?

An IP address comprises a sequence of numbers separated by periods. It typically consists of four numbers, like 192.158.1.38, each ranging from 0 to 255. Therefore, the complete range of IP addresses spans from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255.

These addresses are not arbitrarily assigned. They are systematically generated and allocated by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), a branch of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN, a nonprofit organization established in the United States in 1998, plays a crucial role in ensuring the internet's security and accessibility. Whenever someone registers a domain online, they engage with a domain name registrar, who remits a nominal fee to ICANN for domain registration.

Learn more about IP addresses, their importance, and how to safeguard them from hackers by watching this informative video.

How exactly do IP addresses function?

Understanding how IP addresses function can be beneficial if you encounter connectivity issues with a device or need to troubleshoot network problems.

Just like any language, Internet Protocol (IP) operates by adhering to predefined rules for transmitting information. Devices communicate, locate, and exchange data with one another using this protocol, enabling seamless interaction between computers regardless of their location.

The utilization of IP addresses often occurs in the background. Here's how it works:

• Your internet traffic flows through the ISP, which routes it back to you using your IP address. As the provider granting you internet access, it's their responsibility to allocate an IP address to your device.
• At home, this network is typically your Internet Service Provider (ISP), while at work, it's your company network.
• Your ISP assigns an IP address to your device.
• Your device connects indirectly to the internet by first linking to a network that is connected to the internet, thereby granting your device internet access.
•  However, your IP address can change. For instance, switching your modem or router on or off can result in a new IP address, or you can request your ISP to change it.
• When you're away from home, your IP address doesn't accompany you. Instead, you'll utilize another network (such as Wi-Fi at a hotel, airport, or coffee shop), and your device will be assigned a different (and temporary) IP address by the ISP of that location.

As suggested by the process, various types of IP addresses exist, as we delve into below.

Varieties of IP addresses

There are various classifications of IP addresses, each containing different types within its category.

IP addresses for individual users

Every individual or business subscribing to an internet service plan will possess two kinds of IP addresses: their private IP addresses and their public IP address. The distinction between public and private pertains to the network location, wherein a private IP address is utilized within a network, while a public one is employed outside the network.

Internal IP addresses

Every device linked to your internet network possesses a private IP address. This encompasses not only computers, smartphones, and tablets but also Bluetooth-enabled devices like speakers, printers, or smart TVs. As the internet of things expands, the quantity of private IP addresses in your household is likely increasing. To distinguish these items individually, your router requires a method, and many devices necessitate a means to recognize one another. Consequently, your router generates private IP addresses, serving as distinct identifiers for each device, enabling differentiation within the network.

External IP addresses

A public IP address serves as the primary address linked to your entire network. While individual devices on the network possess their own IP addresses, they are encompassed within the main IP address for your network. As previously mentioned, your ISP assigns your router the public IP address. ISPs usually maintain a substantial pool of IP addresses that they allocate to their customers. Your public IP address is the one used by devices outside your internet network to identify your network.

Understanding Public IP Addresses

Public IP addresses exist in two variations – dynamic and static.

Exploring Dynamic IP Addresses

Dynamic IP addresses are subject to automatic and regular changes. ISPs purchase a sizable pool of IP addresses and assign them automatically to their customers. Periodically, they reassign these addresses and return the older ones to the pool for allocation to other customers. This strategy is aimed at cost savings for the ISP. By automating the regular rotation of IP addresses, they eliminate the need for specific interventions to re-establish a customer's IP address, such as when relocating. Additionally, there are security advantages; a dynamic IP address makes it more challenging for malicious actors to infiltrate your network interface.

Exploring Static IP Addresses

Unlike dynamic IP addresses, static addresses remain unchanged once assigned by the network. While most individuals and businesses typically do not require a static IP address, it is indispensable for businesses intending to host their own server. A static IP address guarantees that websites and email addresses associated with it will maintain a consistent IP address, essential for ensuring other devices can consistently locate them on the web.

This brings us to the next topic – the two types of website IP addresses.

Two varieties of website IP addresses exist

For website owners who do not manage their own server and instead depend on a web hosting package – which is the norm for most websites – there are two kinds of website IP addresses: shared and dedicated.

Exploring Shared IP Addresses

Websites utilizing shared hosting plans from web hosting providers are often among numerous websites hosted on a single server. This is common for individual websites or small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) websites, where traffic levels are moderate, and the websites themselves are relatively small in scale. Websites hosted in this manner share IP addresses.

Exploring Dedicated IP Addresses

Certain web hosting plans offer the opportunity to acquire a dedicated IP address (or addresses). This simplifies the process of obtaining an SSL certificate and enables you to operate your own File Transfer Protocol (FTP) server. This facilitates file sharing and transfers among multiple individuals within an organization and supports anonymous FTP sharing options. Furthermore, a dedicated IP address permits access to your website solely using the IP address, bypassing the need for a domain name — a handy feature for development and testing purposes before domain registration.

How to search for IP addresses

The easiest method to determine your router’s public IP address is by searching "What is my IP address?" on Google. Google will display the answer prominently at the top of the search results.

Similarly, other websites can provide the same information since your router discloses its public IP address by making a request upon visiting the site. IPLocation, for instance, goes a step further by revealing your ISP's name and your city.

Typically, using this method only provides an approximate location — indicating the location of the provider rather than the precise device location. It's essential to log out of your VPN when doing this. Obtaining the actual physical location address associated with the public IP address usually requires a search warrant submitted to the ISP.

Finding your private IP address depends on the platform:

- In Windows:
  - Access the command prompt by searching for "cmd" (without quotes) using Windows search.
  - Type "ipconfig" (without quotes) in the resulting pop-up box to view the information.

- On a Mac:
  - Navigate to System Preferences.
  - Select Network, where the information should be visible.

- On an iPhone:
  - Go to Settings.
  - Select Wi-Fi and tap the "i" in a circle () next to the network you're connected to; the IP address should be visible under the DHCP tab.

To check the IP addresses of other devices on your network, access the router. The method to do so varies based on the brand and software it uses. Typically, you can type the router's gateway IP address into a web browser on the same network to access it. From there, navigate to something like "attached devices," which should display a list of all devices currently or recently connected to the network — along with their IP addresses.

Security risks associated with IP addresses

Cybercriminals employ diverse methods to acquire your IP address, with two prevalent ones being social engineering and online stalking.

Through social engineering, attackers can manipulate individuals into disclosing their IP addresses. For instance, they may locate you via Skype or a similar instant messaging platform that utilizes IP addresses for communication. It's crucial to recognize that when conversing with strangers on such apps, they have the ability to view your IP address. Attackers may utilize tools like Skype Resolver, enabling them to retrieve your IP address based on your username.

Criminals can trace your IP address simply by monitoring your online behavior, a process known as online stalking. Various online activities, such as gaming or commenting on websites and forums, can inadvertently expose your IP address.

Once obtained, attackers can visit an IP address tracking website like whatismyipaddress.com, enter the IP address, and gain insight into your approximate location. They may further cross-reference this data with other publicly available information to confirm your identity. Platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook, which disclose your residential details, can be particularly useful in this regard.

For instance, if a Facebook stalker launches a phishing attack targeting individuals with your name to install spying malware, your system's IP address would likely confirm your identity to the stalker.

If cybercriminals possess your IP address, they can carry out various attacks against you or even impersonate you. It's crucial to understand these risks and take steps to mitigate them.

Illegally acquiring content through the use of your IP address

Hackers often exploit compromised IP addresses to download illegal content anonymously, shielding themselves from detection. For instance, by leveraging the identity associated with your IP address, criminals may unlawfully download pirated movies, music, and videos, violating your ISP's terms of service. More significantly, they could access content related to terrorism or child pornography, leading to potential scrutiny from law enforcement agencies, inadvertently implicating you even if you're not at fault.

Tracing your whereabouts

With access to your IP address, hackers can employ geolocation technology to pinpoint your region, city, and state. By conducting additional research on social media platforms, they may uncover your home address, potentially enabling them to burglarize it when they ascertain that you are away.

Launching a direct assault on your network

Criminals possess the capability to directly target your network and initiate various forms of attacks. One of the most prevalent methods is a DDoS attack (distributed denial-of-service). This type of cyberattack involves hackers utilizing previously compromised machines to generate a substantial volume of requests, overwhelming the targeted system or server with excessive traffic. Consequently, the server becomes unable to handle the influx, leading to service disruptions and effectively shutting down your internet connection. Although DDoS attacks are typically aimed at businesses and online gaming services, they can also target individuals, albeit less frequently. Online gamers, in particular, face heightened vulnerability, as their IP address can be discovered through their visible screen while streaming.

Gaining unauthorized access to your device

In addition to your IP address, the internet utilizes ports to establish connections. Each IP address has thousands of ports, and a hacker with knowledge of your IP can attempt to establish a connection by trying different ports. For instance, they could compromise your phone and pilfer your data. If a criminal manages to gain access to your device, they could install malicious software (malware) on it.

Methods for safeguarding and concealing your IP address

Concealing your IP address is a crucial step in safeguarding your personal information and online identity. There are two primary methods to achieve this:

1. Proxy Servers:
   - A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet servers you access.
   - Internet servers only see the IP address of the proxy server, not your actual IP address.
   - However, some proxy services may have the capability to monitor your activity, so trust is essential.
   - Depending on the proxy service, ads may be inserted into your browser.

2. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs):
   When you connect your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) to a VPN, it operates as if it's on the same local network as the VPN.
   - All your network traffic is transmitted over a secure connection to the VPN.
   - This allows you to securely access local network resources even when you're in another location.
   - Additionally, you can browse the internet as if you're located at the VPN's server location, which is beneficial for using public Wi-Fi or accessing geo-blocked content.

Kaspersky Secure Connection is an example of a VPN that provides protection on public Wi-Fi, ensures privacy in communications, and guards against phishing, malware, viruses, and other cyber threats.

When to utilize a VPN

Utilizing a VPN obscures your IP address and reroutes your traffic through a distinct server, significantly enhancing your online safety. Instances where you might opt for a VPN include:

When connected to public Wi-Fi networks

When utilizing public Wi-Fi networks, including those with password protection, it's wise to use a VPN. Hackers sharing the same Wi-Fi network can easily intercept your data. The standard security measures employed by most public Wi-Fi networks offer inadequate protection against other users on the same network.

Employing a VPN adds an additional layer of security to your data. It bypasses the ISP of the public Wi-Fi and encrypts all your communications, thereby safeguarding your information.

When traveling, it's prudent to use a VPN

When visiting a foreign country, such as China where websites like Facebook are restricted, employing a VPN can facilitate access to services unavailable in that region. A VPN can also enable the utilization of streaming services that are accessible in one's home country but restricted abroad due to international licensing constraints. By utilizing a VPN, travelers can access these services as if they were at home. Additionally, travelers may discover potentially lower airfare prices through a VPN, as costs can differ depending on the region.

When engaging in remote work

This is particularly pertinent in the post-COVID era, where a considerable number of individuals are engaged in remote work. Frequently, employers mandate the use of a VPN to securely access company services from remote locations. By connecting to your office's server, a VPN enables access to internal company networks and resources even when you're not physically present in the office. Similarly, it extends the same functionality to your home network while you're on the move.

When seeking privacy

Even when you're in the comfort of your own home and using the internet for routine tasks, employing a VPN can be advantageous. Whenever you visit a website, the server you connect to logs your IP address and associates it with other data it gathers about you, such as your browsing patterns, clicked links, and time spent on specific pages. This information can be sold to advertising firms, enabling them to personalize ads directly to you. This is why internet ads sometimes seem eerily tailored to your interests—it's because they are. Your IP address can also be utilized to trace your location, even if your location services are deactivated. Using a VPN prevents you from leaving digital footprints on the internet. 

Don't overlook your mobile devices, as they also possess IP addresses and are likely used in various locations beyond your home computer, including public Wi-Fi hotspots. It's wise to utilize a VPN on your mobile devices when connecting to networks that you may not completely trust.

Here are some additional measures to safeguard your privacy:

Adjust privacy settings on instant messaging apps
Instant messaging and calling apps can be exploited by cybercriminals to obtain your IP address. By configuring these apps to only accept connections from known contacts and ignoring calls or messages from unfamiliar individuals, you make it more challenging for attackers to discover your IP address.

Create strong, unique passwords
Your device's password serves as the primary defense against unauthorized access. Avoid using default passwords and opt for strong, unique combinations of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. This adds an extra layer of protection against IP address hacking.

Be cautious of phishing emails and malicious content
Many malware and tracking software are distributed through phishing emails. Clicking on suspicious links can expose your IP address and device location to hackers. Exercise caution when opening emails from unknown sources and refrain from clicking on suspicious links, even if they appear to be from reputable sources.

Utilize reliable antivirus software and keep it updated
Deploy a robust antivirus solution and ensure it is regularly updated. Solutions like Kaspersky Anti-Virus offer comprehensive protection against viruses on both PC and Android devices, safeguarding your passwords, documents, and online data with features like VPN encryption.

Protecting your IP address is essential for safeguarding your online identity. Implementing these measures enhances your security against various cyber threats.