What Is an IP address?

Internet protocol addresses, often referred to as IP addresses, are unique strings of numbers and letters that serve as digital addresses, enabling devices to communicate over the internet. Understanding IP addresses is vital as it serves as the backbone of network connectivity, enabling data routing, device identification, and location tracking.

What is an IP Address?

An internet protocol address is a unique identifier for each device connected to the internet or a local network. It allows data packets to be routed between devices, whether they’re halfway across the world or just across the room.

How does an IP address work?

IP addresses function as mailing addresses for devices on the internet. When you send or request data, your IP address is used to direct that data to and from your device. Just like a letter needs a return address to get a response, devices need an IP address to communicate.

IP Address: IPv4 and IPv6

Two versions of IP addresses are currently in use: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 is the older version, utilizing a sequence of four sets of numbers from 0 to 255. Due to the global amount of devices increasing, IPv4 addresses are running out, leading to the development of IPv6. IPv6 uses a combination of eight sets of both numbers and letters, providing a virtually unlimited number of unique addresses.

Types of IP Addresses

• Public IP addresses

These are globally unique IP addresses assigned by the Internet Service Provider (ISP) and are used to access the internet.

• Private IP addresses

These are used within private networks and are not routable on the internet. Devices within the same network can communicate using these addresses.

• Static IP addresses

These addresses remain constant, are manually assigned to a device, and are commonly used for devices requiring consistent accessibility, such as servers and printers. Static IP addresses are more susceptible to attacks but offer benefits like faster download and upload speeds.

• Dynamic IP addresses

Dynamic IP addresses change each time a device connects to the internet, they are less vulnerable to data breaches. ISPs typically assign these addresses. 

IP addresses and security threats

Since IP addresses serve as unique digital identifiers for devices, they can become targets for cybercriminals and hackers. Therefore, understanding and appropriately managing IP addresses is integral to a robust IT security strategy. 

• Location tracking

IP addresses can be used to pinpoint a device’s approximate geographical location, potentially leading to privacy issues.

• Hacking

Cybercriminals may use an IP address as a starting point for malicious activities, such as hacking or DDoS attacks.

• Identity theft

Access to your IP address can allow hackers to may gain access to personal information, leading to identity theft.

How to protect your IP Address

• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN masks provides a secure tunnel for data transmission, effectively masking an IP address and safeguarding it from potential threats.

• Use a proxy server

A proxy server can request resources on behalf of another server, effectively concealing the Internet Protocol address of the client; however, they do not provide the same level of encryption or data security as Virtual Private Networks, making them a less secure option.

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks

These networks are often unsecured, making it easier for hackers to intercept data and potentially obtain your IP address. 

• Apply firewalls

Configuring firewalls can offer an additional layer of protection as they monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, shielding the IP address from unwanted access.

• Regularly update the router’s firmware

Regular updates ensure that the device has the latest security updates, reducing the risk of cyber attacks targeting the internet protocol address.

• Disabling remote management settings on routers

While a powerful tool for IT administration, remote access to routers could allow hackers to alter Domain Name System (DNS) settings, redirect traffic to harmful sites, or install malicious software on routers.

How to look up an IP address

1. Begin by opening the device’s command prompt by typing “cmd” into the search bar of the operating system and selecting the resulting Command Prompt application.
2. Once the command prompt is open, type in the following command: “ipconfig” for Windows users or “ifconfig” for Linux and Mac users. After typing in the command, press the enter key.
3. Upon pressing enter, a list of information will appear on the screen, including details about the various network interfaces on the device.
4. Look for the section that corresponds to the network connection currently in use. This could be labeled as an “Ethernet adapter” for wired connections or a “Wireless LAN Adapter” for wireless connections in the case of Windows. For Mac and Linux, look for “eth0” for wired or “wlan0” for wireless.
5. Within this section, locate the line that begins with “IPv4 Address” for Windows or “inet addr:” for Linux and Mac. The series of numbers following these labels is the device’s IP address.

This process provides the private IP address of the device within its local network. To look up a public IP address, you can use online tools that will display your public IP address and its associated geolocation information.

IP addresses for internet communication

Understanding the nature of IP addresses is essential in today’s digital age. While they facilitate internet communication, they also pose potential security threats if not adequately protected. By being knowledgeable about IP addresses and taking necessary precautions, we can ensure safer and more secure digital experiences.