Internet Protocol (IP address) is a binary number which helps to detect the computer and other gadgets on a TCP/IP network. In simple words, without an IP, any device you connect to the Internet cannot receive or send data without an IP address. It can even bring to light the details of your ISP and disclose your location. You may correlate the IP to the ATM pin number that helps in banking transactions or a PAN number that helps to reveal your identity. Imagine what if you display the ATM pin number to anonymous people; you will be driven bankrupt in no time, right? In the same way, it is prudent to hide your IP address to realize Internet security and privacy. Wondering what your IP address is? Key in the words what is my IP address or get my IP address into Google, and you can see the IP address details.
Let us dig deep into the topic and see why it is imperative to hide your IP details?
- Navigate through websites without revealing your identity: Encryption allows to hide your IP address and to stay anonymous when you are browsing. Nowadays, most of the search engines are eager to provide better customer-oriented results at the cost of your privacy. If you don't wish to reveal your search pattern and stay safe from potential future public discomfiture, try hiding your IP details.
- Gain complete access to Streaming: If you are a movie buff, and had to relocate to a location where leading streaming sites like Netflix don't provide access to content, life is going to be bit dry for you. If you are able to hide your IP details, you can gain access to streaming irrespective of the location.
- Make maximum benefit of Public WiFi: Performing banking transactions or checking mails through a public Wi-Fi can result in serious security threats. Hackers might not attempt to breach into an account with hidden IP address, which implies that you can browse with peace of mind.
How to detect a web proxy?
Web proxy is regarded as an undemanding and uncomplicated method to hide the true IP address of a user to realize optimum privacy. Nevertheless, many online swindlers make use of a web proxy to hush up the geolocation details to perform fraudulent activities. For instance, imagine a paid survey job is restricted to users from Germany alone. An individual from Kenya can take part in the job by hiding the IP details. To prevent online frauds as mentioned above, websites need to have proxy detection services like Whatismyip and MaxMind.
By using tools for detecting proxy, one can ascertain if the received IP is a proxy or not. The IP address is sent to the tool that detects proxy and compares with a known record of flagged IPs (which is associated with proxy services).
Top tools for Checking your IP Address
Whatismyip – This efficient and free public IP address lookup tool helps in finding your IP address online details online. It also comes with a proxy check tool. It reveals all the IP related details like ISP, Browser, OS, and geo-locations like state, city, and country. They feature a clean and clutter-less interface that assists in easy checking of IP and proxy details. User can also determine if they are running on an IPv4 or IPv6 using this free tool.
Tools for Hiding your IP address
VPN: Short for virtual private network, connecting to a VPN server not only allows you to hide your IP address but also encrypt all of your Internet traffic. This makes VPN the perfect tool for people who want both Internet freedom and privacy.
Smart DNS: Similarly to VPN, Smart DNS allows you to bypass geographic restrictions, but without the benefit of an extra layer of privacy and security. You can use Smart DNS to unblock geo-restricted streaming channels that would usually not be available in your region.
Tor browser: This is a complete browser committed to ensure your online confidentiality. This can be used in leading OS like Windows and Linux. On the flip side, it can reduce the speed of your internet connection.
Cyberghost: This is available in both free (with ads) and paid mode. It is easy to perform the configuration with this tool. However, you may need to wait for some time to obtain access if you are using the free model.