What is an “IP Geolocation”?
United States - Dublin Solving location mysteries: what is hidden behind an IP address?
Nowadays it’s impossible to imagine our life without the Internet. We use it for work, communication, entertainment and much more. However, we don’t always realize that every little action we take on the Internet leaves a digital footprint. It can be detected and used.
Thus IP addresses are one of the ways to track digital footprints on the Internet. It can be compared to a personality that it’s impossible to hide from. If you’re interested to learn more about the way it works and what it means for your privacy, keep reading!
What is an IP address?
Internet Protocol Address or IP address is a unique numerical identifier for every device or network that connects to the internet. It consists of four numbers separated by dots, for example, 192.168.0.1, and is used for routing data in the network.
There are two types of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6. Let’s take a look at their differences.
What is IPv4?
This is an older type of addressing system that uses 32-bit addresses and can provide up to 4 billion unique ones. Currently, IPv4 addresses are used everywhere, but due to their limited number, they are gradually running out.
What is IPv6?
This is a new type of addressing system that uses 128-bit addresses and can provide up to 340 sextillion unique addresses. It should be enough for a very long time. However, IPv6 has not yet become widespread and is still not supported by many devices.
What stands behind an “IP Geolocation”?
An IP address can tell more about you than you think. IP Geolocation is the mapping of an IP address to the real-world geographic location of an Internet-connected computing or a mobile device address, which can be used for various purposes. For example, people who are well aware of internet technologies might collect confidential information using IP addresses, or steal user data such as usernames and passwords through public Wi-Fi networks.
However, if a Virtual IP Addressing (VIP) or a Virtual IP Addressing of a network adapter (VIPA) is being used, the location is no longer precise.
It’s important to understand that location related information can be tracked via special programs and services on the Internet, even though you haven’t granted permission to access such data.
What can an IP address tell all the world about you?
Your IP address is not just a digital combination, it can be used for precise localization. Here are some examples of the data that can be revealed based on an IP address:
- Internet service provider and connection type.
- Operating system and browser.
- Country, city and even postal code.
Is it possible to change an IP address?
Yes, for this purpose you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN allows you to connect to the Internet using another address, hiding your real IP address and ensuring data privacy and security.
Advantages of changing an address and hiding a location
Using a VPN service is the key to your data security and protection on the Internet. Some advantages of using such tools are:
- Online protection of your privacy and anonymity.
- Protection against cyber attacks.
- Safe usage of public Wi-Fi networks.
How does a VPN work?
When you connect to a VPN, your computer establishes a secure communication channel that ensures confidentiality and security of data transmissions. Since your IP address is being replaced by the IP address of the VPN server, your online activity cannot be traced, revealing your physical location or identity. All network traffic that you route through this communication channel is protected from interception or modification by third parties.
How is data about your online activities being used?
The websites you visit may receive some information about you from sources like cookies, metadata or browser fingerprints. Has it ever happened to you that the product advertisement that you were looking at just a few days ago suddenly appears on the screen? It’s not a simple coincidence.
Behind the scenes, there is a careful work of analysts and marketers, who actively collect information about your preferences, needs and online activities in order to present their products and services more effectively.
Nonetheless, such information is used not only for commercial purposes. Via an IP address and the user’s activity on the Internet, experienced intruders can hold of personal information, including bank accounts.
Ensure your data security on the Internet
Protection of your virtual activity is not less important than that of your physical security. With only a slight effort, we can provide ourselves with a high degree of protection on the Internet and safely make transactions, not fearing that our personal data might be insecure. Using the VPN Satoshi service you get a safe and reliable access to numerous sites, applications and Internet platforms. You no longer need to worry about your online activity and the use of personal data without your consent.
