How and Why you should hide your IP Address Online

An IP address is a unique string of numbers that is assigned to a computer when it connects to the Internet or another network. This "address," if you will, identifies your computer from the other millions of computers connecting to the Internet.

The IP address is a necessary component to a computer's ability to surf the Internet, however, it can also lead others to finding out information about you.

Why hide your IP address?

There are many reasons for someone to want to hide or conceal their IP address when surfing the Internet. Here are a few more common reasons:

• Bypass any bans to your IP address, like for an online game.
• Access websites banned due to country policies or access websites unavailable certain countries.
• Be anonymous while browsing online.
• Protect yourself when using a Wi-Fi hotspot.

How to hide your IP address

You can conceal your IP address with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN offers connectivity to another network and assigns your computer another IP address. The traffic routes through the VPN which means that your computer's real IP address assigned by your Internet service provider is hidden.

VPNs can be free or paid services. If you can't afford or don't want to use a VPN, another easy, free way to get a new IP address is to connect to a different Internet signal. That can be accomplished as easily as going to Starbucks and signing onto its Wi-Fi.