What does Someone do with Your IP Address?

Undoubtedly, each computing device is assigned a unique IP address. The server can identify and locate the devices on the network by using the address. Similarly, each domain name has a unique IP address. In case you don’t know, then consider that you can use an online My IP Address tool to check your internet protocol address along with other significant details.

The IP address can make a computer device and domain name traceable. A user can derive several types of information from your IP address, including your city, zip code, and area code. Moreover, an IP address also reveals which internet service provider you use.

Therefore, if you know the IP address, you can easily identify the owner of the device, or if someone knows your IP address, they will also check the same things.

What Information Can We Get From an IP Address?

Probably most computer users would like to know, at some point, where a website is located or to trace an IP address to a particular region or country. It may be for various reasons, including curiosity about the origin of a specific company or service, before making a purchase decision.

Moreover, some Internet users don’t know what information an IP address tracks.

IP address tracking is capable of revealing the following information:

• Reverse lookup of your computer name
• Location on the map
• Your registered online services
• Your interests as determined by your website history
• Membership in the organization

What Can Be Done with Your IP Address?

Many Internet users are curious to learn about how to get information from their own IP addresses, but there are also many users who want to track other Ip addresses.

If you think that someone knows my IP address, then be careful as they can do the following things without any hassle:

Monitor your online activities

Advertisers can track your activity by using your IP address. With the help of this information and browser cookies, they can develop a detailed profile of your habits and preferences. This information can then be sold to advertisers or the highest bidder on the dark web.

Get your device hacked

IP addresses are extremely difficult to hack; there are more straightforward methods, such as phishing and smishing, but it is possible. If you have an open port on your IP address, a hacker could brute-force their way into your device.

Using your device’s IP address, cybercriminals can make it appear as if you were involved in illegal activity.

Block access to your website

Websites or online services may restrict access to traffic originating from your IP address if they wish to prevent you from accessing them. Several methods can circumvent that restriction, including obtaining a new IP address, using a VPN, using a proxy server, or using a TOR server.

Locate your physical location

Your IP address is used to provide an approximate location, such as the city in which you live. If you enter the Ip address of your device, your location can easily be located. Using that information, a stalker may be able to narrow down your address even further.

Personalize spam messages

In recent years, advertisers have been able to embed tracking programs into online articles that record the IP addresses of readers. Using the IP addresses recorded by advertisers, they can send targeted browser or email advertisements.

Stop you from playing online games

If you violate specific rules or are unsatisfied with how you play, administrators for gaming platforms might blacklist or ban your IP address. If your IP address is blocked, you will not be able to access the game even if you change accounts.

In addition, other players can prevent you from participating in your favourite game. To attack your IP address, they simply need to find it and execute a DDoS attack.

Finding out personal information

Through IP sniffing and reverse user account lookups, potential hackers can figure out where you live and your name. With the help of this information, a bit of social engineering, and perhaps some phishing, hackers may gather more information about their victims.

Malware can be installed on your device

Hackers could remotely access your router by testing your IP address with different ports, significantly if you did not change your default password.

Once they have gained access to your network, they can install malware that could affect the entire system. Similarly, a man-in-the-middle attack may occur if you are connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Imitate your Internet service provider

If someone has your social media information and your IP address, they will be able to contact you by pretending to be your Internet service provider. Obtaining your trust may enable them to get a great deal of information about you, enabling identity theft.

Conclusion

The article provides an overview of what can be done with an IP address and its potential risks. It highlights that an IP address can reveal information about the device owner’s location, internet service provider, and online activities. It also mentions various activities that can be performed using someone’s IP address, including monitoring online activities, hacking devices, blocking access to websites, personalizing spam messages, and gathering personal information.