What is a VPN IP, and Can it Change Your IP Address?

What is an IP Address?

Information flows across the internet at incredible speeds; small packets of express delivery goods fly out of a device, and returning information is imported in response.

Internet protocol (IP) addresses are part of those information packets. Like addresses on physical mail, they refer to two “locations”—one being a sending device, the other, a receiving device. These device roles are interchangeable, depending on the interaction being performed.

Every physical device that connects to the internet has an IP address. IP addresses are also part of every virtual connection, interaction, and gateway that structures the internet. Your router, server, network, security gateways, and websites have unique IP addresses.

What is an IP's Active Role?

IP addresses interact by sending and receiving information from other IP addresses. IP addresses can be thought about in two ways; on the one hand, IPs are unique ID numbers—so they resemble personal identification numbers; on the other hand, IPs are also receipts of behavior.

Imagine that one needed a passport to explore the internet—the IPs of interacted devices would be the passport stamps. Anyone can track every website, every request, and every interaction via a device's IP address. If someone wanted to, they could map out another person's regular activities.

Why Do I Need to Protect My IP Addresses?

Some readers may wonder why exactly an IP address should be hidden or protected. The short of this reasoning is that IP addresses can provide a treasure trove of personal information about you. For example, with only an IP address, anyone can:

• Find the general location for a physical endpoint device. That means a broad area for wherever your physical machine is located (and you, by extension).
• Send you personalized spam, viruses, and malware. If this happens, your computer will likely become hacked, exposing you to identity theft or other consequences.
• Make your computer part of a larger organism botnet. These networks are webs that hackers use to manipulate the resources of one computer to harm another.
• Impersonate you online by stealing your identity and do illegal activities. These possibilities include buying guns, drugs, child pornography, bombs, and more.
• Additionally, companies harvest information from them; that’s why you get localized ads for singles near you.

How Can I Protect My IP Addresses?

Those looking to protect their IP addresses are in luck; there are four commonly used options for IP security these days. Along with security like utilizing proactive password managers and software, you could also:

• Use the Tor browser: The Tor browser is one of the most popular choices for people looking to hide their IP addresses. The Tor is not built for speed, however.
• Use a proxy server: Run your signal through a set of secondary scramblers for encrypted protections. Never use a proxy by a non-accredited professional.
• Use a public Wi-Fi service: IPs don’t travel; using public devices makes tracking down endpoint users difficult. Never enter personal information on these public servers and connections—recording malware is everywhere.
• Use a VPN: the best choice for anyone looking to hide their private information. IP address VPN works by swapping your actual IP’s appearance out for a disguise. The subsequent sections speak more about this in detail.

What is a VPN?

A VPN is a virtual private network encapsulating all network devices in a bubble. In this bubble, devices have their original IP addresses, and foreign devices are outside the bubble.

Devices on both sides of the bubble must pass through the bubble barrier to interact. Devices within the VPN bubble can see outwards at other IP addresses—but those looking in see a fake IP address.

This could be why an IP address you have researched has strange or inconsistent information. Alternatively, if you have a VPN and do not know what it is, don’t search ‘what is my IP address VPN,’ use a convenient IP lookup tool.

VPN IP addresses project fake information. The best VPN services include encryption tunnels for your internet browsing and interactions.

Does VPN Change IP Address?

VPNs do not change IP addresses. They mask themselves over a static IP, and the VPN fake address looks real to anyone who looks at them. Static IP refers to IP addresses that do not change every time the device is turned on and off.

Static IPs are usually connected to computers, game consoles, networks, routers, and websites. Static IP VPN addresses work the same way as dynamic IPs but do not change after every restart.

Why Would I Want a VPN?

VPNs protect your identity from fraud, the location from malicious agents, and networks from malware—but there are other benefits too. VPNs are some of the most used security defenses utilized worldwide and across industries.

• Secure browsing on public Wi-Fi networks: As mentioned above, public Wi-Fi networks threaten your private information. Having a VPN can help mitigate any risks hidden on the public network.
• Secure data privacy from your ISP: Your internet service provider (ISP) is your highway to the internet—too bad they can see your data. Comcast, Spectrum, Verizon, and other internet providers can track your browsing data. Getting a VPN means they can’t see you, track you, or give you targeted advertisements.
• Secure data privacy from the applications and services you use: Every application tracks your actions and data, as long as they are allowed to. Setting up a VPN means that this recorded information is fake, protecting you from the consequences of an exposed IP.
• Expand media sharing potentials: Countries worldwide use location blocking abilities. However, a VPN makes these securities almost useless. In a moment, an endpoint user can access content from Japan or Taiwan—and at the same time, those users can explore American sites.
• Get off your professional or academic networks: Not everything endpoint users do needs to be seen by a boss or colleague. Make sure your activities are anonymous by getting a VPN IP address.