While most of us don’t care about protecting our IP Addresses, cybercriminals are somewhat interested in hacking them. There are various reasons why cybercriminals attempt to hack your IP Address.
Hacked IP Addresses are often used for illegal activities, such as downloading unauthorized data from the Internet. Hackers may even try to hack your IP Address to trace your location for malicious activities in the future.
What can someone do with your IP address?
Your IP Address can reveal sensitive information to others, such as your phone number and geographic location. Hackers can use your IP Address against you. Here’s a list of things people can do with your IP address.
- Hackers can use your IP to find your exact geographical location.
- Cybercriminals can use it to gain your personal information.
- Your IP address and other sensitive data can be sold on the dark web.
- Your IP Address can be used to hack your device.
- Employers can keep track of your activity using the IP Address.
- Advertisers can send you personalized ads and spam.
- Cybercriminals can hit you with DDoS attacks.
Considering all these things, it’s best to protect IP Addresses from hackers. While there’s no sure-shot way to protect yourself from IP Address hacking, a few things make it difficult for hackers.
1. Use VPN apps
To protect yourself from IP address hacking, you must start using Virtual Private Networks (VPN) apps. VPN is one of the best privacy and security apps for your computer or mobile device.
VPN masks your actual IP Address and provides you with an encrypted tunnel for all your online activities. So, even if a hacker tries to hack your IP Address, they can only access the encrypted IP Address provided by the VPN.
In addition, VPN apps for Windows provide extra features like unblocking blocked sites, WiFi network protection, and more.
2. Secure Your Network
Securing your router is the second best way to protect your internet from IP Address hacking. You need to set up a firewall or antivirus software on your router to avoid hacking attempts.
Setting up security software on the Router secures your IP Address and warns you of possible phishing and spying activities.
Also, update the router firmware as soon as it arrives. Updated firmware eliminates many security problems and reduces the risk of IP Address hacking.
3. Always Use Strong & Unique Passwords
To protect your device from IP address hacking, you need to use a secure and unique password in your router gateway. Also, use a unique password on your device, as it’s the only barrier that restricts hackers from accessing it.
The same goes for your online accounts. Setting up a unique password everywhere is a good security practice.
A unique password should contain a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. This will surely help you defend your device against possible IP Address hacking attempts.
4. Use Dynamic IP Address
If you own a website or have a server that powers games, apps, and other things, it’s best to opt for a Dynamic IP Address.
Usually, servers have static IP addresses that stay the same for days, giving hackers enough time to decode them. In comparison, dynamic IP Addresses constantly change, making it tough for hackers to decode them.
So, if possible, opt for a Dynamic IP Address instead of a Static one. This will greatly reduce the chances of IP Address hacking.
5. Don’t click on suspicious links on the Emails
Hackers often use IP Address grabbers to get your IP details and location. They often send you IP address grabbers via email or a link.
Once you click such links, your IP Address and device information are grabbed and forwarded.
So, when you open an email, pay attention to the content. Only click on the links if they look legitimate and are trustworthy.
Also Read: 5 Best IP Address Grabbers
So, these are just a few of the best ways to prevent yourself from IP Address hacking. All of these are good security practices that you should follow. If you need more help preventing IP Address hacking, let us know in the comments below.