Going online is becoming increasingly uncomfortable for many users. The thought that someone or the government may be up in your business makes many internet users squirm. Fortunately, it is possible to hide your IP address and use the internet anonymously.
There are a few methods you can use to hide your IP address in 2020. This article details three methods you can use to effectively hide your online activities.
What is an IP Address?
An IP address allows people to see your location. For instance, you can have a free Malaysian IP address and anyone can see you are browsing from Malaysia. However, it does not give away your physical address. All it does is expose your general geographical location.
It allows anyone interested in your online activities to see spy on you. It may also restrict the information that you can access because some of it is not allowed in your location. For instance, you may not be allowed to access streaming services such as Netflix.
Your Internet Service Provider can also use your IP to view the websites you visit and control your internet speeds. A VPN would make things a lot easier for you.
Additionally, government agencies may be interested in your online activities. They can demand information from your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and use it to investigate you. They can also use this information to create a profile on you.
It may, therefore, be prudent to get everyone off your back by going incognito online. The following three methods can give you that much-needed privacy as you browse the net.
1. Download and Install a VPN
A VPN is a popular and convenient method of shaking off online snoopers. It allows you to use the internet anonymously thereby enormously boosting your online security. A VPN helps to:
- Alter your IP Address
- Access effective security encryption
- Access websites hitherto prohibited in your location
- Browse the internet anonymously
A VPN does more than just hide your IP address. It comes complete with effective security features too. A VPN can be downloaded and installed in a few minutes. You will be connected with multiple servers globally as soon as your set up is complete.
Once your VPN is up and running, your original VPN is replaced by a completely different one. Your IP address is hidden instantly and you can carry on your internet activities without anyone spying on you.
All that remains is to choose a VPN that works for you. There are myriads of VPNs on the internet both free and paid. A free VPN may not offer as many advantages as a paid one would. Also, it may be profiting from the service in any number of ways, possibly at your expense.
It is important to check them out carefully before choosing one. Look through their terms as well as reviews to gauge user satisfaction. Most VPNs charge a manageable fee and give you ample protection.
2. The Onion Router (TOR)
This one is free open-source software. Tor enables internet users to enjoy anonymous browsing. You can download the Tor browser for your communication gadgets. It connects internet users to multiple server networks that are operated on a volunteer basis.
It gives you a new IP address enabling you to conceal your location. Tor also allows you to get on websites that are not accessible on normal browsers. As a result, it is also called the dark web.
Tor has quickly become popular with cybercriminals as it is free, broadly accessible, and anonymous. They may carry out nefarious activities such as the drug trade and browse under fake identities.
Also, it is exceedingly slow since it transmits your data via long routes. It relays data packets from across servers until they arrive at their destination. While this helps to hide your internet activities, it can be frustrating when you are browsing.
3. Use a Proxy Server
Proxy servers link your internet data to their different destinations. A proxy server, therefore, acts as a middle-man. They can hide your IP address efficiently because they alter their appearance as they cruise through the proxy.
Proxy servers work by intercepting your traffic and take charge of your connection. One downside is that they are not as fast as VPNs. This can cause some annoyance when browsing or streaming videos.
Additional problems of using a proxy include the following:
- A proxy does not encrypt your data
- They do not come with security controls
A proxy can only intercept your traffic per application. A VPN, on the other hand, protects all information that enters and exits your entire system.
Conclusion
You need not worry about having an audience when you are using the internet. Any of the three options discussed above can help you conceal your internet activities. If speed is important to you, a VPN may be your best option.
