What’s That Term?: IP Address
You may have heard or seen this term often when logging into a new device or looking up geolocation data but what exactly is an IP address and what is its relation to cyber security?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into IP Addresses by discussing what they are, why you might be familiar with the term, and our security advice surrounding them.
What is it?
IP addresses are critical for internet communication, as they provide a unique identifier for every device that is connected to the internet. When a device sends a request to access a website, send an email, or perform any other online activity, its IP address is used to identify the device and route the data to its destination.
Without IP addresses, it would be impossible for devices to communicate over the internet and access the vast array of online resources available today. In fact, the internet itself is built on the foundation of IP addresses. All devices connected to the internet must have an IP address, whether it is a computer, smartphone, tablet, or any other device with internet capabilities.
In addition to facilitating communication and access to online resources, IP addresses also play a critical role in internet security. IP addresses can be used to identify and track malicious activity on the internet, such as hacking attempts, phishing attacks, and other types of cyber threats. By tracking the IP address of the device initiating these attacks, security professionals can take action to prevent further harm and protect internet users from potential harm.
How do they work?
IP addresses work by assigning a unique numerical identifier to each device that is connected to the internet. When a device sends a request to access a website, send an email, or perform any other online activity, its IP address is used to identify the device and route the data to its destination.
IP addresses are made up of a series of four sets of numbers, separated by periods, such as 192.168.0.1. Each set of numbers represents a range of values from 0 to 255, giving a total of over four billion possible unique IP addresses. These addresses are typically divided into two categories: public IP addresses and private IP addresses. These are the two main types of IP addresses: In addition, there are other versions of IP addresses: IPv4 and IPv6, as well as signifiers known as static and dynamic.
Public IP Addresses
Public IP addresses are assigned by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and are used to identify devices that are directly connected to the internet. These addresses are unique and globally routable, meaning that they can be used to communicate with any other device on the internet. Public IP addresses are typically used by servers, routers, and other networking equipment, as well as by individuals who need to access the internet from their home or office.
Private IP Addresses
On the other hand, private IP addresses are used to identify devices on a local network, such as a home or office network. These addresses are not globally routable, meaning that they cannot be used to communicate with devices outside the local network. Instead, private IP addresses are used to facilitate communication between devices on the local network. Private IP addresses can be assigned by a router or other network device using Network Address Translation (NAT) or can be manually configured on individual devices.
IPv4 and IPv6
IPv4 and IPv6 are two versions of the IP protocol. IPv4 addresses are made up of 32 bits, which limits the total number of unique addresses to approximately 4.3 billion. With the rapid expansion of the internet and the increasing number of devices connected to it, the number of available IPv4 addresses is rapidly dwindling, which has led to the adoption of IPv6.
IPv6 addresses are made up of 128 bits, which provides an almost unlimited number of unique addresses. This allows for the continued expansion of the internet and the increasing number of devices connected to it. IPv6 addresses are slowly being adopted by ISPs, and many modern devices are capable of using both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.
Static or Dynamic
IP addresses can be either static or dynamic, meaning they can either be permanently assigned to a device or change periodically. Static IP addresses are assigned by the ISP and do not change over time, while dynamic IP addresses are assigned by the ISP on a temporary basis and can change periodically.
Why you have heard it
IP addresses are used in a variety of ways in everyday life, from accessing websites to sending emails and connecting to online gaming networks. Here are a few examples of how IP addresses are used in practice:
1. Accessing websites
When you type a website's URL into your web browser, your device sends a request to the website's IP address, which is used to identify the server hosting the website. The server then sends the website's content back to your device, allowing you to view it in your web browser.
2. Sending emails
When you send an email, your email client uses your IP address to connect to your email server, which is then used to route the email to its destination. The recipient's email server uses their IP address to identify their email client and deliver the email to their inbox.
3. Online gaming
Online gaming networks use IP addresses to connect players to each other and to the game server. This allows players to compete against each other in real time, regardless of their physical location.
4. E-commerce
Online retailers use IP addresses to identify and track their customers' browsing and purchase history. This information can then be used to serve targeted ads and product recommendations based on the customer's interests and preferences.
5. Remote work
With the rise of remote work, many employees use virtual private networks (VPNs) to securely access their company's network and resources from outside the office. VPNs use IP addresses to establish a secure connection between the employee's device and the company's network.
Our Advice
IP address security and privacy are important considerations in the modern digital landscape, as IP addresses can be used to track a user's online activities and potentially expose them to cyber threats.
One of the main privacy concerns related to these is the practice of tracking and monitoring users' online activities using their IP addresses. Advertisers and other third-party entities may use tracking cookies and other techniques to track a user's online activities and serve targeted ads based on their browsing history. This can be particularly concerning for users who are attempting to maintain their privacy online or who may be engaging in activities that they do not want to be traced back to them.
In addition, they can also be used to identify and track users who are engaging in malicious activities online, such as hacking, spamming, or phishing. Law enforcement agencies and other security professionals may use IP addresses to track down individuals who are engaging in these types of activities and take legal action against them.
To protect their privacy and security online, users can take a number of steps, including using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt their internet traffic and hide their IP address, using a privacy-focused web browser, and being cautious about the types of information they share online. It is also important to keep network devices up to date with the latest security patches and to use strong, unique passwords to protect against unauthorized access.
Security and privacy are important considerations in the modern digital landscape, and users should take steps to protect their online activities and personal information from potential threats.
The future of IP Addresses
The future of IP addresses is closely tied to the development of new internet technologies and the continued growth of the internet as a global communication network. Here are some potential trends and developments in the future:
1. Internet of Things (IoT)
The growth of the IoT, which refers to the network of connected devices and sensors, is expected to drive the need for more IP addresses. As more devices become connected to the internet, there will be a greater demand for unique addresses to identify and communicate with these devices.
2. IP address management
As their number continues to grow, there will be a greater need for effective management strategies to prevent address exhaustion and ensure efficient allocation and utilization of addresses.
3. Privacy and security concerns
The issue of privacy and security is likely to remain a concern in the future, as online tracking and monitoring practices continue to evolve. There may be a greater emphasis on the development of privacy-focused technologies, such as encrypted communication protocols and decentralized networks, to help protect user privacy.
Closing thoughts
The role of IP addresses in internet communication is expected to remain crucial in the years ahead, as the global network continues to evolve and expand. As such, the development of effective management and privacy strategies will be critical to ensuring the continued growth and success of the internet as a vital communication and information-sharing platform. If you want to learn more about security and privacy for your business, please contact us today.
Kotman Technology has been delivering comprehensive technology solutions to clients in California and Michigan for nearly two decades. We pride ourselves on being the last technology partner you'll ever need. Contact us today to experience the Kotman Difference.