When you connect to the internet your computer, smartphone or tablet device is assigned with an IP address. You can think of your IP address as a personal identification tag similar to a driving license or passport number. But with criminals lurking online it’s often a good idea that you try and protect your IP address.
What is an IP address
IP stands for Internet Protocol and is a unique string of numbers which identifies each computer, smartphone or hand held device whichconnects to the internet. An IP address contains specific information relating to the device and your location including country and city. Your IP addresses is assigned by ICANN (internet Corporation for assigned names and numbers).
Dangers lurking on the internet
When you are browsing the internet, and visiting your favourite websites, there are many reasons why you would want to hide your identity online. With cyber criminals lurking online and stealing personal identities which can be used in identity fraud, your IP can be used in personal attacks against you or to steal your banking information.
When you hide your identity and IP address behind a VPN (Virtual Private Network) you can surf the Internet behind an additional layer of privacy. A VPN has been designed to make it appear that you are accessing the internet from a different location, often by connecting to a location in another country.
Certain companies such as Netflix often block the content which users can view and only allow people from certain countries to view that content. If for example you want to watch a movie which has only been released in America, you won’t be able to watch it in Australia.