The internet uses IP addresses to talk back and forth to your computer and smart devices. It’s how information is sent and received. The most intriguing thing about IP addresses is that they are pretty much public information. That being said, there’s still some information someone can find out about you from obtaining your IP address. They might be able to see what internet service provider (ISP) you use, and hackers can look at your typical internet activity.1 Thankfully, there are ways to stop hackers from ever finding your IP address. Just use a VPN. If you visit any websites, hackers will automatically have access to your IP address. So in reality, it’s pretty much public information. If you enter any personal information on a website, someone could potentially use that information along with your IP address to steal your identity. But in order for someone to find your name or physical address, they need more than just your IP address. When you use a VPN, you’re connecting to another server away from your physical location. This stops people from being able to see your IP address. However, keep in mind that with a VPN, your IP address still exists. It’s just hidden. Also, no matter whether you use a VPN or not, your ISP will always know your IP address. They need to know it in order to provide the internet for you. If you’re not sure about which VPNs to look into, here’s a few great options to start. Besides seeing your IP address, there are many more important things hackers can steal if you’re not using a VPN. For example, whenever you use public Wi-Fi, you’re giving anyone connected to the same network the chance to steal credit card information, personal identity, and bank account information. For these reasons, hiding your IP address shouldn’t be the only thing you’re aware of. PureVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN are some of the best options for privacy. These VPNs use up-to-date encryption software. Find a VPN with a solid no-logging policy. This means that the VPN company won’t be able to store your data or sell it to anyone.
