Network IP addressing is why you’re able to communicate with others on the internet and do other online activities. But you’re not the only one who’s sometimes asking questions like “what’s my IP address?”. Others might try to determine online identities which do not belong to them, including yours.
The Basics of IP Addressing
IP addresses are numerical identities given by your network provider or ISP which is specific to the internet connection you’re using at a given moment. IP addresses are currently available in 32-bit IPv4 and 128-bit IPv6 versions, and can be static or dynamic.
Apart from providing you with a sort of digital alias, an IP address also tracks your physical whereabouts through geolocation. However, for both practical and security reasons, these tracking capabilities are not 100% accurate, and cannot narrow down results beyond your area code.
Why Others Desire Your Identity
Your IP address is something only you and your ISP have knowledge of. If you don’t know your IP address, you can find out using a Windows command box, searching, or using online tools like DNSChecker.
But because your IP address links you to your network, location, and even your browsing history, others might also be interested in it. Hackers and scammers can employ tactics to determine your identity and access your sensitive data, subject you to harassment, or engage in fraudulent or illegal activity disguised as you.
Not all attempts to uncover your IP address are done with nefarious intentions. Law enforcement agencies might legally obtain your credentials if they suspect you of a crime or as a victim of one. Advertisers might use your address to target their ads to you or determine your search history to gear their campaigns based on your interests.
Your employer might try to monitor your address to find out how much of your time on the internet you’re contributing to the business. While companies that pay for the office Wi-Fi already know the address that multiple employees are connected to, they might try to trace your IP if you’re working from.
Bottom Line
Even such seemingly harmless attempts can be a gross and unnecessary violation of your privacy. People who believe they are innocent of any deliberate wrongdoing or don’t want to be targeted for ads should therefore try and protect their identity in a reasonable manner.
Ways Others Can Find Your IP Address
While determining your own IP address is a straightforward task, finding out that of someone else is a bit trickier as that information is meant to be between you and your network provider. Most simpler ways are through legal measures for surveillance or authorized tracking. On the other hand, cyberattackers might use more drastic techniques to follow your data.
Through Your Own Device
As the easiest way for someone to find a device’s IP information is through the device itself, others can determine your address by borrowing your laptop or mobile phone or by stealing it. For that reason, when you give your device to someone else or leave it unattended, do so at your own risk now that you know what others are capable of.
Web-based Services
Some email services like Microsoft Outlook and Yahoo! Mail might make your address visible by adding it to the header of your sent emails. This feature can be exploited by potential spammers, which might be why Gmail does not disclose such information.
When connecting to social media, online chat rooms, or forums, users are often identified by their IP addresses which are made visible as they log in. This is usually for owners to keep blocked users off their servers. Online stores might use this information to know your location while responding to a delivery request.
Legal Methods
Officers or agents of the law might force your ISP to disclose your information if they suspect illegal activities on your part. On the other hand, advertisers might design ads that reveal your address if you click on them, allowing them to be familiarized with your search history.
Again, while legal, these measures are still invasive and people are allowed and often encouraged to circumvent them however possible.
Illegal Methods
Cybercriminals might employ a number of methods to discover your IP address, like hacking your network device, setting up fake access points, or using ad-click technology. Once successful, they can use your IP to steal your identity or subject you to denial of service (DOS) or other attacks.
Browse Safely!
There are a number of ways to protect your IP address if you value your privacy, like firewall updates, system adjustments, VPN and other protective services, and avoiding links or sites where your address is in clear view. If you’re wondering What is my IP and why do others want it? , hopefully, you’ll have received the answers you seek.
