Internet Protocol (ip Address)

WHAT IS AN IP ADDRESS?

An IP address is a unique numerical identifier assigned to each device on a computer network. It typically consists of a series of numbers separated by periods. This address enables devices to recognize and communicate with one another within the network.

An IP address is composed of four number sets called octets, usually separated by dots, like 192.168.30.251. Each octet ranges from 0 to 255. Generally, the first three octets indicate the network, and the last octet signifies the host within that network. To determine which part of the address represents the network, a Subnet mask is used alongside an IP address. This helps to distinguish the network segment from the host segment. A common Subnet mask representation is 255.255.255.0.

An IP address can be likened to your home address, for instance, "Babalola Drive, House 24." In this analogy, Babalola Drive represents the network, and House 24 represents the host.

CLASSES OF NETWORK:

In the formative years of IP, the decision was made to organize all available addresses into groups known as classes. There are five network classes: A, B, C, D, and E. Class E was reserved for experimental use, while Class D was designated for multicast addresses.

Class A networks have IP addresses ranging from 1.0.0.0 to 126.255.255.255, with a subnet mask of 255.0.0.0. Having a total combination of over 16million possible Hosts for class A networks

Class B networks' IP addresses range from 128.0.0.0 to 191.255.255.255, with a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0. Having a total of about 65,000 possible Hosts for all class B networks

Class C networks' IP addresses range from 192.0.0.0 to 223.255.255.255, with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. With this range a possible 254 Hosts can be achieved in a class C network.

HOW DO IP ADDRESS WORKS?

Internet Protocol works like any other language by communicating with set of guidelines to pass information. All devices find, send and exchange information with other connected devices using these protocols. By speaking this language any device can communicate to one another.

A device indirectly connects to the internet via a Router (provided by an Internet Service Provider ISP, which is a gateway) that directly connects to the internet which then grants the device access to the internet.

IP address is therefore assigned to your device by the Internet Service Provider

Your internet activity is routed through the ISP, which then directs it back to your device using the IP address. Since the ISP provides internet access, it is responsible for assigning an IP address to your device.

TYPES OF IP ADDRESSES

There are different categories of IP addresses and within categories different types.

Consumer IP addresses:

Every individual or businesses with an internet service plan will have two types of IP addresses their Private and Public IP addresses. The term Public and Private refers to the location of the network.

Private IP addresses

Every device connected to a network is assigned a private IP address. This encompasses smartphones, computers, and Bluetooth-enabled devices like printers, speakers, or smart TVs. Within a Local Area Network (LAN), the router assigns private IP addresses to all connected devices. It's important to note that devices in close proximity but on different networks can have identical IP addresses. However, Private IP addresses can not be used over the internet.

Public IP addresses

A public IP address is the primary address associated with a network. While each connected devices have its own IP address, they are also included within the main IP address for your network. Only public addresses can be used over the internet.

It is used for accessing the internet, hosting websites or servers, it allows remote access to devices or networks.

Public IP addresses can either be Static or Dynamic (changes each time you connect to the internet). Example of a public IP address is 192.0.2.1.

SECURITY THREATS OF IP ADDRESSES

Cybercriminals can use different methods to obtain ones IP address, two of the most common are online stalking and social engineering.

Online stalking: Cybercriminals can trace an individual's IP address through their internet activities, ranging from playing video games to posting comments on websites and forums.

A threat actor may use an IP address tracking website to approximate your location and then cross-reference other open-source information to confirm if the IP address is specifically yours. They might also utilize social networks like Facebook and LinkedIn to determine your residence and corroborate the area indicated.

If a threat actor obtains your IP address, they could potentially launch attacks against you or impersonate you.

HOW TO PROTECT AND HIDE YOUR IP ADDRESS

There are different methods of protecting or hiding your IP address some of which are,

VPN (Virtual Private Network) A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it to a secure server, masking your IP address.

Proxy server, it acts as an intermediary, hiding your IP address from websites and online services. The downside to this method is that some of the services can spy on you.

The use of Public Wi-Fi with caution, avoid sensitive activities on Public Wi-Fi, as your data may be vulnerable to interception.

Disable Location services, turn off location services on your devices to prevent IP address tracking.

In conclusion, always use them in combination with other security measures for optimal protection.