Anonymous IP address

An anonymous IP address is a method through which internet users can go about their business on the internet while their identity remains hidden from others. The user controls the information to be revealed on the internet.The information that is protected from the public includes personal details and computer details such as the location.

Anonymous IP addresses have become a common trend in the recent past, and the growth can be credited to security issues. While most surfers prefer anonymous IP addresses for security reasons, others simply don’t want their activities on the internet tracked back to them. Regardless of the reason, one can successfully achieve anonymity while using the internet.

An IP address is a unique number assigned to a user’s computer every time it accesses a network, including the internet. IP addresses can be a great source of information for hackers since the Internet Service Providers may have the user’s personal details.

Reasons Why a User Would Prefer an Anonymous IP Address

A majority of the users prefer anonymity on the internet for security reasons. Since the computer does not have a permanent IP address, it is quite difficult for hackers to access information on your PC. Faceless internet users are in a better position to protect their computer information.

Some users argue that anonymity promotes freedom of speech since one’s opinion cannot be traced back to them. This helps internet users to air their views without worrying about harassment or attack. Anonymity in freedom of speech on the internet has been termed as crucial, especially on forums or discussions involving personal topics. For example, a user is free to ask questions in a medical forum without fear of ridicule. Anonymous IP addresses have also been used to report crimes since the user is assured that the criminals will not trace the source of the information.

Unfortunately, some users seek anonymity in order to commit crimes. Numerous, recent reports have indicated that quite a huge number of anonymous internet users surf pornographic sites, or defraud users in other websites.

How to Get an Anonymous IP Address



Hiding your IP address is quite easy. The first option at your disposal is using proxy servers. These are tools through which one can surf around anonymously. The fact that proxy servers have their own IP addresses make them suitable tools, since the IP address that will appear on all the sites you visit will be that of the server, and not yours.

Though it is a wonderful way to remain anonymous, it is not foolproof. Should you commit crimes using the proxy server’s IP address, yours will be surrendered to the relevant authority in a flash. However, if all you want is anonymity when airing your views in a forum, then this is a great option.

If you want an anonymous IP address for security reasons, then there is a way through which you can achieve that. This second option involves installing a program which blocks all IP addresses from accessing your computer. Though it does not hide your address when you log in to a network, it does keep hackers at bay. It also prevents other users from tracing any internet activity back to you.

This option is great for protection. However, you have to keep in mind the fact that Internet Service Providers share IP addresses among their users. If you are not careful, you may block an address that limits your access to global content. Therefore, you have to carefully select an IP address that allows you access to the World Wide Web, as opposed to content from a specific region.

The third option includes installing firewall programs. Firewalls offer the best protection against hackers who may be after personal information. It is advisable to combine this program with other security measures to create a complex protection program since experienced hackers can break through firewalls.

The best way through which one can achieve anonymity is by the use of privacy software. This option offers both security and hides your IP address. You can combine the privacy software with any of the aforementioned methods for increased security. Most of the virtual private network services provided guarantee anonymity by assigning each user a different IP address everytime they log on to the internet.

Internet anonymity is one of the topics that will give rise to heated discussions in the future. For now, all users who want their internet activities to remain private have an array of options. One of the ways in which a person can remain totally anonymous is by disabling all the cookies in the computer. Some browsers such as Opera and Mozilla come equipped with a setting that allows the user to automatically delete cookies after every session on the internet. To keep your information safe from the prying actions of others, it is important to be cautious about the information you submit online.