5 Ways to Protect Yourself from IP Address Hacking

Your IP address represents your digital identity online, hacking it not only allows attackers to access your device or your accounts, but it may cause even bigger damage.

Your IP or Internet Protocol address is your digital identity on the internet. It allows your device to connect with the rest of the online world. For most people, IP address is just a numeric identity and they are least concerned about its safety. But in reality, your IP address is as prone to theft as your other information. It does not allow a hacker to access your device or your accounts but it may cause even bigger damage.

Cybercriminals are interested in hacking your IP address for various reasons. The hacked and stolen IPs are often used for carrying out illegal activities. It may be used to download unauthorized stuff or may be used for uploading disputed content on the internet. The intention behind hacking your identity might be to attack your connection with malware or to trace your location for some malicious activities in the future.

Ways of Protecting IP Address from Hackers

Whatever is the intention of cybercriminals behind hacking your IP address it is harmful and troublesome for you. It is always better to take some precautions and protect yourself from IP address hacking.

Change Your Privacy Settings

Most of the apps installed on your device are the main source of your IP address hacking. Especially the calling and instant messaging apps allow hackers to view your connection details and make you an easy victim. It is recommended to keep your privacy settings ‘Private’ for all your apps and avoid receiving calls from unknown Ids. This will create a safety barrier and hackers won’t get easy access to your IP address.

2. Opt for Dynamic IP Address

Most of the gamers and website owners opt for static IP address instead of a dynamic one. A dynamic IP address keeps on changing all the time and is a tough target for hackers. Whereas, static IP address stays the same for days and allows ample time for hackers to decode it. So it is better to choose a dynamic IP address to reduce the chances of hacking.

3. Use a Virtual Private Network

VPN or Virtual Private Network is the most secure way of connecting with the online world. It disguises your original identity and location and allows you to access the internet from a remote server. When your identity is disguised there is no way for the hacker to access your IP address. VPN also provides an encrypted tunnel for all your online activities and closes all doors for spies and cybercriminals. Whether you access the internet with a secure private connection or use public Wi-Fi, VPN ensures your complete online safety. The only drawback is that many free VPNs are not secure as we think. But, with the amount of security and freedom you get with the VPN, it is worth investing your money.

4. Secure Your Router

Your router is needed to be secured in the same way your device requires security. It is essential to install firewall and antivirus software on your routers and keep them up-to-date. Security software not only secure your IP address from theft but it also warns you about any phishing and spying activities on your device. This way you stay informed and safe from any suspicious activities on your connection.

5. Use Strong Passwords

Most people are comfortable with the default password of their internet connecting device and assume it to be secure. In reality, default passwords are the easiest to decode and are more vulnerable to theft than the customized ones. It is recommended to keep changing your device password every now and then. It is also essential to create a strong and unique password instead of opting for names of the family members and important events as passwords. A strong password is a mix of characters, numbers, and upper case and lower case letters and is the most difficult to crack up.

The world of internet is full of cybercriminals and you are at constant risk while being online. But this does not mean that one should stop using the internet due to security threats. The need of the time is to be extra vigilant about your security. It is essential to take measures for the safety of your devices as well as your connection and invest in security software and services.

About Author Biography: Susan Alexandra is a cybersecurity and privacy enthusiast. She writes for publications like GlobalSign, Tripwire, SecurityAffairs, SecurityToday and CyberDefenseMagazine. She is a small business owner, traveler and investor of cryptocurrencies. Susan’s inbox is open for new ideas and stories, feel free to share story ideas to susanalexandra67@gmail.com

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Pierluigi Paganini

(SecurityAffairs – Internet, hacking)

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Pierluigi Paganini

Pierluigi Paganini is member of the ENISA (European Union Agency for Network and Information Security) Threat Landscape Stakeholder Group and Cyber G7 Group, he is also a Security Evangelist, Security Analyst and Freelance Writer. Editor-in-Chief at "Cyber Defense Magazine", Pierluigi is a cyber security expert with over 20 years experience in the field, he is Certified Ethical Hacker at EC Council in London. The passion for writing and a strong belief that security is founded on sharing and awareness led Pierluigi to find the security blog "Security Affairs" recently named a Top National Security Resource for US. Pierluigi is a member of the "The Hacker News" team and he is a writer for some major publications in the field such as Cyber War Zone, ICTTF, Infosec Island, Infosec Institute, The Hacker News Magazine and for many other Security magazines. Author of the Books "The Deep Dark Web" and “Digital Virtual Currency and Bitcoin”.