How to Hide Your IP Address with a VPN
In today's world, where we do almost everything online—work, shopping, streaming content—an internet connection is essential, but so is protecting yourself from cybercrime. One of the most effective tools for safe online activity is a VPN! This post will explain how to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to hide your IP address and browse the internet securely, along with recommendations for top VPN services.
What is an IP Address?
Every computer connected to the internet has a unique address known as an ‘IP address.’ Just as you need a home address to send letters or a phone number to make calls, computers need IP addresses to communicate with each other. We all have IP addresses.
The simplest way to check your IP address is to search for it on an internet portal like Naver by typing ‘check IP address.’ Alternatively, you can instantly check your IP address by clicking here!
Risks of Exposing Your IP Address
Just as it’s dangerous to have your home address or phone number exposed, having your IP address exposed comes with various cybercrime risks. Here are some examples:
- Personal Information Leak: An IP address can reveal information about your location, the devices you use, and your internet usage patterns. If exposed, this information can be misused.
- Hacking Risks: Many people work using free Wi-Fi in public places like Starbucks. But did you know that hackers can intercept data in these open network environments?
- DDoS Attacks: A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack involves remotely controlling numerous PCs to simultaneously access a specific website, causing it to overload and crash. If your IP address is exposed, you could be targeted by a DDoS attack, which is particularly damaging for public institutions or business websites. We can help you!
Protecting Your IP Address with a VPN
“Can I just use incognito mode to surf the internet safely?” you might wonder. Unfortunately, incognito mode does not hide your IP address. Want to test it out?
![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/jd0fxfd9/production/d06558496ef0eb0a8024f4b0f38aec10a8360237-2422x1870.png?auto=format)
We accessed the BlancVPN website in incognito mode. Shockingly, the IP address and location appeared at the top of the page immediately! Clearly, incognito mode isn't enough.
So, what is the best way to protect your IP address? The most reliable method is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Here are the benefits:
- Personal Information Protection: A VPN creates an encrypted IP address through a virtual location, making it impossible to trace. Think of it as a hidden ‘tunnel’ that prevents others from tracking your online activities or linking them to your device or data. It ensures safe and private online activity.
- Data Protection: Since all data is encrypted through a secure tunnel, it’s virtually impossible for third parties to monitor or decode your online activities. Even when using free Wi-Fi in public places, a VPN creates a firewall between your data and potential thieves.
- Bypassing Location Restrictions: In countries where access to certain websites is blocked, a VPN can bypass these location restrictions, allowing you to access blocked websites and content. For example, YouTube Premium has different subscription fees based on location, and many people use VPNs to access it from different countries. This is possible because a VPN creates a unique tunnel for internet traffic and changes the IP address to match the VPN server's location. For example, if you connect to a server in the US, your device will appear to be in the US.
6 Criteria for Choosing a VPN
With so many VPN providers out there, how do you choose the right one? Here are six tips to help you decide:
- Security as the Top Priority: Are free VPNs good? The saying "there’s no such thing as a free lunch" holds true. Free VPN services need to make money somehow, often by selling user data. Invest in a service that offers high-quality security.
- Fast Speed and Performance: Speed is crucial, especially if you plan to stream or download large files. Choose a provider that offers high-speed servers in various locations.
- Multi-Platform Support: If you use multiple devices, ensure the VPN provides the same strong protocol and uptime across all devices to prevent security breaches.
- VPN Protocols: Multiple protocols ensure the best experience with every login. Verify if the VPN provider offers various VPN protocols.
- Responsive Customer Support: Check if the provider offers 24/7 live support and clear refund policies. Good customer support is essential post-subscription.
- Excellent Customer Reviews: Check reviews before paying. Choose a service highly rated and recommended by users.
Meet BlancVPN: Fulfilling All Criteria
- 2Gbps Connection Speed
- Unlimited Devices
- 4+ VPN Protocols
- 24/7 Customer Support
- 4.6 Customer Rating
Connect to servers worldwide with BlancVPN, including Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and East Asia, at 2Gbps speeds. Install it on iPhone, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, Wi-Fi routers, and even VPN-compatible TVs. Start with a 30-day money-back guarantee and experience secure internet browsing with BlancVPN!