IP address or internet protocol address is a unique number assigned to every device connected to the internet. Your smartphone, computer, and other Internet-connected devices have unique IP addresses.
While most of us don’t care about protecting our IP addresses, cybercriminals are more interested in hijacking your IP address. Cybercriminals try to hack your IP address for various reasons.
Hacked IP addresses are often used for illegal activities; they can be used to download unauthorized data from the internet and more. Hackers may even try to hijack your IP address to trace your location for malicious activities in the future.
Considering all these things, it is best to protect IP addresses from hackers. Although there is no sure way to protect against IP address hacking, there are some things that make IP hacking difficult for hackers.
Best Ways to Protect Yourself Against IP Address Hacking
Hence, in this guide, we have listed some of the best ways to protect IP addresses from hackers. These are all basic tips, and you can implement them for good. Let’s start.
1. Use VPN apps
To protect yourself from IP address hijacking, you need to start using virtual private networks or VPN apps. Le VPN is one of the best privacy and security apps that you can use on your computer or mobile.
The VPN hides your real 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 will only be able to access the encrypted IP address provided by the VPN.
Apart from this, VPN apps for Windows also provide additional features such as unblocking blocked sites, WiFi network protection, etc.
2. Secure your network
The second best way to protect your internet from IP address hijacking is to secure your router. You must configure a firewall or anti-virus software on your router to prevent hacking attempts.
Setting up security software on the router secures your IP address and alerts you to possible phishing and spying activities.
Also update the firmware of the router as soon as it arrives. Updated firmware eliminates many security issues and reduces the risk of IP address hijacking.
3. Always use strong and unique passwords
To protect your device from IP address hijacking, you must use a secure and unique password in your router gateway. Also, make sure to use a unique password on your device, as that is the only barrier preventing hackers from gaining access.
The same goes for your online accounts. Setting up a unique password everywhere is a good security practice.
A unique password should consist of a mixture of upper and lower case alphabets, numbers and special characters. This will surely help you to defend your device against possible IP address hacking attempts.
4. Use a dynamic IP address
If you own a website or have a server that powers games, apps, and other things, it’s best to go 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 are constantly changing, which makes decoding difficult for hackers.
So, if possible, it is better to opt for a dynamic IP address instead of a static address. This will greatly reduce the chances of IP address hacking.
5. Do not click on suspicious links in emails
Hackers often use IP address sensors to get your IP details and location. They often send you IP address sensors via email via a link.
Once you click on these links, your IP address and device information is captured and transmitted.
So, when you open an email, pay attention to the content. Only click on links if they seem legitimate and trustworthy.
So, these are just some of the best ways to prevent yourself from hacking an IP address. These are all good security practices that you should follow. If you need more help preventing IP address hijacking, let us know in the comments below. Also check out this guide if you want to learn how to secure your Windows PC.
