New developments in data technology have led to some major changes in digital technology. One of the biggest changes has been the need for greater data security.
In order to appreciate the importance of implementing a data-driven digital security strategy, you must consider the weak points in your cybersecurity plan. This entails recognizing the need to protect your IP address as much as possible.
Protecting Your IP Address is Critical in an Era of Growing Data Breaches
IP addresses are quickly becoming a hot topic again, although they’re something that’s been in use for over thirty years with the development of ARPANET. If you’re still new to IPs and the most you’ve done with yours is a quick IP lookup, you’re not alone! However, you can’t afford to relish in ignorance forever, because compromised IP addresses are responsible for many data breaches.
These are the top things you should know about IPS so that you can make the best choices for your digital health and prevent a potential data breach!
What It an IP Address
An IP address is a personal address every device that connects to the internet has to communicate with other devices. Every IP address is unique, and although they may not be static, some are fluid and change for your protection, that doesn’t mean they aren’t important. These can help law enforcement track down criminals, find the locations of missing people, and even alert your bank or financial institution to possible financial fraud being committed against you.
Unfortunately, hackers also recognize the importance of IP addresses and try to compromise them to commit a data breach.
What Devices Have It
As was stated in the last portion: any device that communicates on the internet has an IP address. If you have a smart fridge, this includes that device. Although you may not use it for these purposes and may never be caught searching an IP lookup for your smart vanity mirror, this information can be important to ensure nobody else is on your WIFI network or is using your data.
Do I Need to Protect It?
Yes! You need to protect your IP address for your phone, computer, and any other device you use to connect to the internet and access your information. Although your smart fridge may not need the protection, your tablets, game systems, and laptops do.
Criminals can use your IP address to pin a crime on you or gather your information to steal your identity. Protecting it is the best way to avoid either of these happening.
How To Protect It
Protecting your IP address to prevent a data breach can be done in multiple ways. The biggest is by avoiding clicking on any links or websites you don’t trust or already know. This is important to keep people from gathering your IP information and using it against you to steal your data.
To hide your IP, you have a couple of options, using a proxy, a firewall, or a VPN. A proxy allows you to cover your IP address temporarily, but it’s usually a drain on your speed and may leave you open to viruses. A firewall can help to some degree, but most modems and routers already have one built-in, so there’s not much you can do to strengthen it. A VPN is the best way to protect your IP address and avoid having your data compromised because it completely disguises it and can even have you appear in different cities or countries.
The most important thing to remember about your IP address is that it’s different between devices and can be used against you if you’re not careful. Avoid clicking unfamiliar links or websites, and be careful to keep an eye on your digital health and wellbeing.
Protecting Your IP Address is Essential to Stop a Data Breach
You need to make sure that you do everything possible to stop potential data breaches. One of the most important steps to take is securing your IP address. The tips listed above should help!