7 Ways Hackers Can Use Your IP

7 Ways Hackers Can Use Your IP

The IP address acts as the identifier of the device you use to access the Internet. While it allows you to interact successfully with websites, it can also compromise your privacy. Therefore, it is important to be able to hide it.

What is an IP Address?

An IP address is a unique address of a computer or other device that is connected to the global network Internet or a local area network. In other words, during the current connection, the Internet user has a unique combination of numbers, which no other user in the world has.

Actually, this unique combination of numbers is an IP address. The IP address can be static or dynamic and is assigned by the provider.

The static IP address is constant and does not change each time you connect to the Internet. The dynamic IP address may change when connected to the Internet (the last digit in the IP address changes). Multiple computers can have the same IP address if connected through the same server and will have the same IP address as the server.

The IP address space is managed by the American non-profit organization “Internet Address Space Administration” (IANA). It allocates blocks of IP addresses to regional registrars. They, in turn, share address blocks across large providers, which in turn share addresses among affiliated providers and so on, until a single IP address is issued to you when you go online. So, the question arises, “Is it possible to find a specific person by IP address?”. In most cases, this is possible.

How Can Someone Find Your IP Address?

Attackers can easily figure out your IP address on the network. Here are some of the most common ways:

  • Using torrents. If you are using torrents, keep in mind that your IP address is shown along with the type and version of the torrent client;
  • Electronic messages. Some email services disclose client IP addresses. Often, the recipient sees the IP address of the interlocutor in the header of the email;
  • Maintaining the site and placing it on the home server. This is one of the unconventional methods of detecting an IP address, which is nevertheless often used by hackers;
  • Checking the server logs of the websites you visited. Every website you visit sees and stores your IP address. If there is a data leak on the site, anyone can find out your IP;
  • HTML code errors. Pay attention, please that errors in the use of HTML code in an email may reveal your IP address when you open such emails or images they contain;
  • Access to Wi-Fi access point. Anyone who somehow gained access to your Wi-Fi access point can easily find out which IP is being used;
  • Visiting forums and blogs. Administrators of blogs, forums, game servers, etc. can also easily find person by IP address;
  • Interaction with advertising. When you interact with online ads, be prepared for advertisers to disclose your IP;
  • Following the links. Attackers can use tools to create a link to a legitimate site and share the link with you. Clicking it, as a result, can lead to tracking your IP address.

How Not to Allow Outsiders Determine Your IP Address?

Here are some good ways to hide IP address online so that no one can track down and steal them:

  1. Using VPN. VPN successfully hides your real IP address. All you need to do is connect to the VeePN service, and it will automatically replace your real IP address with its own. The virtual private network is one of the best ways not only to hide IP but also to keep personal data safe. There is a fee to use the services, but the trial version is available completely free of charge. A reliable encryption service will allow you to remain anonymous on the network;
  2. Using a proxy. The proxy can also hide your location online every time you connect. However, this does not provide the same level of security as VPN. VPN mask IP is more reliable and secure;
  3. Switching between Wi-Fi networks. You can also hide IP address online if you have access to several Wi-Fi networks and can switch between them. With each new connection to the next network, you will receive a new IP address;
  4. Using a mobile connection. You can hide your location online simply by connecting to the Internet via your mobile phone;
  5. Contacting an Internet provider. Since your IP address is assigned by an Internet provider, you can ask him to change it.

So, as you can see, there are many ways to hide your IP address. But not all of them provide high security. VPN is rightfully considered the most effective. Therefore, experts recommend using VPN mask IP to ensure anonymity on the network.

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What Can People Do with Your IP Address?

Many people today think about the question, “Is it illegal to get someone`s IP address?”. We want to note that there is no special law that would prohibit someone from revealing your IP address. Therefore, there is nothing illegal in these actions. But still, the one who managed to find out your IP address can use this data for bad purposes. Here are some of the negative consequences of disclosing your IP address:

  • Restrict access to certain services. For example, content providers may use your IP address to geo-block you. This is a content restriction that essentially prevents you from accessing the web page unless the services are extended to your country;
  • Spam with personalized ads. Advertisers track you online and then spam you with advertisements;
  • Add your IP to databases. Hackers can collect IP addresses of network users for the purpose of their subsequent sale on the darknet and making a profit. In addition, they collect an entire database containing user data that they managed to steal from various websites;
  • Get more information about yourself. With the help of an IP address, a cybercriminal can find out who your provider is and use phishing and fraudulent attacks against him, which will lead to the disclosure of your personal data;
  • Carry out a DoS attack on your network;
  • Block you in online games;
  • Sue, you for copyright infringement. There are special agencies that monitor all popular torrents and look for copyright infringers. They just find out the IP and then request personal and contact information from the provider.

So, it is important to hide IP address on the network and ensure the complete security of personal information. Use a VPN or another convenient method and remain anonymous online.

Check the comment section below for additional information, share what you know, or ask a question about this article by leaving a comment below. And, to quickly find answers to your questions, use our search Search engine.

Note: Some of the information in samples on this website may have been impersonated or spoofed.

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Online Threat Alerts Security Tips

Pay the safest way

Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.

Guard your personal information

In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.

Be careful of the information you share

Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with

Know who you’re dealing with

Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.

Check your accounts

Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.

Don’t believe promises of easy money

If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.

Do not open email from people you don’t know

If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.

Think before you click

If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.

Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond

If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.

Be careful with links and new website addresses

Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.

Secure your personal information

Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.

Stay informed on the latest cyber threats

Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.

Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are critical to online security.

Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs

Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.

Update the operating systems on your electronic devices

Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.

What if You Got Scammed?

Stop Contact With The Scammer

Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.

Secure Your Finances

  • Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
  • Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:

Check Your Computer

If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.

Change Your Account Passwords

Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.

Report The Scam

Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.

Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:

  • Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
  • Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
  • Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.

How To Recognize a Phishing Scam

Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.

Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:

Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might

  • say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
  • claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
  • say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
  • include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
  • want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
  • say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
  • offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real

About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)

Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.

By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.

With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.

Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.

Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).

7 Ways Hackers Can Use Your IP