What Does Your IP Address Reveal?
Every computer using an internet network has an IP address. This is composed of a series of numbers that tells information about the user of the said Internet Protocol address. It usually starts with a binary number followed by a few more numbers. Looking at these numbers as an ordinary individual, you might not really understand what it is all about. However, techies who can decode these numbers will get certain information about you as a user.
This can actually tell exactly your location. It might not point to your specific residential address, but it will give a general view in regards to where your current location is. The first part of your IP address will reveal the number of your internet service provider. The rest will then be codes in regards to countries, cities and states.
Your Internet Protocol address can easily be revealed if you avail of the services of any website. Say for instance you sign up for a forum, the administrators will be able to know your IP address. Kids who are fond of playing games online can also share the Internet Protocol address on the provider of these games.
It is quite unsafe if your IP address is revealed to other people. Aside from the fact that they can determine your current location, there is also a tendency that they will steal other relevant information from your personal computer. There are a few cases of internet thieves these recent times. It is therefore important to select the websites to open or register as they might immediately know your Internet Protocol address and get a lot from you.
Basically, only you and your ISP know about your IP address. They are supposed to keep this information private. It is mandated by the law that they are to protect their clients especially from those who randomly want to get their Internet Protocol address. There are a few exemptions on the case. Say for instance, the government would request for the IP address of the user as he may be tracked down for a crime or something like that. Therefore, the ISP is obliged to give it to the government agency requesting it.
With the information revealed via IP address come the issues on the use of proxy servers. This is where you get to hide your real Internet Protocol address in whatever transaction you are to make. Buy proxy server and will make use of its own IP address coming randomly from any available IP address. This will hide your identity and will safeguard you, especially in certain transactions that you would want to secure. However, you just have to be careful since some proxy servers are also scammers. They might just want to know your Internet Protocol address as well. However, most proxy servers are used also for opening sites that are blocked by a firewall.
Yes, the IP address is not just a set of numbers. It tells a lot about the user and its location. Therefore, you need to be careful with its use and the websites that you visit or you create accounts with.
