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.
