An IP (Internet Protocol) address can be likened to a home address but only used in your computer. Anyone who wants to connect to the internet needs to have an IP address so that their location can be easily identified. This is often used by websites to protect their information from being accessed from unknown users. An IP Address can also be used to protect users from various online scams. Online stores can identify the actual location of the online shopper and use it for verification purposes in case any questions related to the purchase is made.
Having an IP address in your internet connection clearly has some benefits. However, the requirement of an IP address in various online transactions and activities has also led to serious security problems especially for users. When a person’s specific IP address is revealed to hackers, they can directly attack the computer. Through the IP address, a hacker can monitor the online activities and log the user’s entered information. For example, the hacker can monitor the entered username and password in various websites. Many hackers are even able to record the credit card information without any knowledge from users – all because of an IP address.
Disadvantage of Cookies
The use of IP address is also “exploited” by many online stores by adding cookies in their websites. Cookies are basically loggers implemented with the help of IP address wherein your personal information is stored in your computer. This might sound like a benefit for the user since it allows easier access of the preferred webpage. But hackers can easily retrieve cookies and use it for illegal purposes. Cookies can contain personal information including the preferred websites and their respective username and passwords. Someone might be using your account without your knowledge because the cookies from a particular website were accessed.
Protecting Your Identity through Change of IP
Because of the potential security problems that can happen when your IP address is revealed, it’s just logical for any user to constantly change their IP address. Software or applications were created by various online security companies that change the IP address of users. This will prevent detection of the specific location of the user. There are also online applications that do not only change the IP address but also completely hides this type of information for websites.
Changing and/or hiding your IP address is a must to protect your identity online. Use these tools in important online transactions to avoid becoming a victim of internet fraud.
Recommended IP Changing Tool
Comments