A public IP address is a series of decimals and numbers that identify your gadget and location. Whenever you browse through the internet, your IP address informs servers where to transmit the data you request.
An IP address is unique, and everyone on the internet can see it, which means cybercriminals can use it to track you. You can even be blocked from accessing content on the internet.
Some websites log IP addresses and spy on you, often to deliver personalized ads, and convince you to spend money. Many people today are seeking for ways to hide their IP addresses. Read on for tips on how to go about it.
Use Tor
Tor is a free network that consists of volunteer-operated server nodes. It hides your online identity through numerous encryption layers. Once users access Tor through the free Tor browser, their traffic is transmitted and encrypted via an array of three relay nodes.
Each of these nodes decrypts a single encryption layer to understand the identity of the successive node. Once your traffic exits the final node, it is fully decrypted and transmitted to its final destination. The relay method in the Tor network conceals your IP address, but there is a drawback.
Seeing that the Tor network encryption system is thorough, your traffic takes longer to be transmitted. To enjoy your online anonymity, you will have to cope with slow speeds. If you only need to conceal your IP address, then you may want to choose a faster and more convenient method.
How Tor Hides Your IP Address?
Every relay node on your internet traffic’s path across the Tor network only learns the node’s IP address right before and after it. Let us assume a cybercriminal was to seize your traffic in between the final node and your target server. They would have difficulties parsing your original IP address then.
Use a VPN
A VPN is one of the best methods you can use to conceal your IP address. A virtual private network encrypts all the data transmitted to and from the internet and directs it to a VPN server in another region.
The virtual private network server acts as an intermediary between the internet and your gadget. In this case, online apps and websites will only view the Server’s IP address and not yours.
Many VPNs are subscription services that allow you to access numerous servers across the globe. All you need to do is sign up and download the applications for your gadgets. After that concealing your IP address becomes easy.
Many commercial VPN providers use similar IP addresses, meaning that all users within the same server are concealed under the same IP address. Check out these free trial VPNs. VPN’s that utilize shared IP addresses conceal your real IP address and make it hard to differentiate you from other users.
Features of an Effective VPN
VPNs safeguard internet data moving to and from your gadget. However, sometimes they might leak, and when they do, they can expose your IP address. Find a VPN that features IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak prevention. Your VPN should also come with private DNS servers. DNS translates domain names into IP addresses that your gadget can leverage to communicate. They act like the internet’s phone book.
Often, internet users use DNS servers run by Google or their ISP. These providers can view your IP address every time you request a website, whether you are connected to a VPN or not. Due to this, it is critical to use a VPN that runs individual DNS servers to avoid exposing your IP address.
Use a Proxy Server
A proxy server manages internet traffic on behalf of the user. It lies before a client or chain of clients and transmits its requests while receiving and conveying responses from servers. Many proxies neither encrypt your internet traffic nor will they conceal your IP address from characters that can block your traffic from your gadget to the proxy.
Some proxy servers, especially free web-based options, are less reliable compared to VPNs. As a result, proxies are ideal as a temporary solution.
How a Proxy Hides Your IP Address
Some proxy servers can shield your IP address with a counterfeit one. You will seem like you are in the same region as the proxy server. If you are using a proxy to conceal your IP address, it is critical to understand that not all proxies offer equal security. There are different types of proxies, as seen below.
- Transparent proxies which do not hide your IP address or your proxy server activity
- Anonymous proxies that hide your IP address but not your proxy server activity
- High anonymity or elite proxies conceal both the use of a proxy and your IP address
Take Away
If you want to browse anonymously, then these methods will help you conceal your IP address.