When it comes to your Wi-Fi network, you can remember the witty network name you came up with and the super-secretive password, and that’s all you need to know, right?
Wrong.
It’s also important that you know your IP address.
What is an IP address?
An IP address, also known as an Internet Protocol address, is the string of numbers used to identify each computer using the internet on a network.
If you don’t know what your IP address is, you’re not alone. Luckily, it’s relatively easy to find. One major cyber security tip is to make sure you don’t tell anyone what it is or post it anywhere once you find it. Keep reading to find out why.
Think of your IP address like your home address. In the same way that your street address allows the mail carrier to find your home and deliver your mail, your IP address is how your server is able to find your device among the billions of others that are connected to it.
There are four easy methods of finding what your IP address is, so let’s get started with the first one.
Probably the easiest and simplest way to find your IP address is to Google it.
I know, you’re probably thinking how does Google know my IP address? Well, it’s as easy as searching “what is my IP address” into the Google search bar.
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Voila! Whatever number pops up here is your IP address.
Not everyone is interested in the easiest way to do something, and that’s totally fine! Let’s explore how to find your IP address on your Mac.
First, click at the top of your screen where your Wi-Fi bars are and click Open Network Preferences.
The next screen will show you which Wi-Fi network you’re connected to. Directly under Status will be your IP address.
On your iPhone and in need of your IP address? From Settings, select the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
Next, tap the Wi-Fi network again to see more information.
At the bottom of this next screen, you’ll find your IP address.
I know, I know… not everyone has an iPhone, which is why I have Samsung Galaxy users covered, too.
From the Setting screen, tap Connections.
Then, tap where your Wi-Fi network is listed.
From the next screen, select your Current Network.
This next screen will show you more information about your Wi-Fi network, including your IP address.
Now that you know your IP address, have you ever thought why you should know what your IP address is? And why it’s important from a cyber security standpoint that you should keep it a secret (hence these blurred out screenshots)? Well, that’s simple, too.
If a hacker has access to your personal IP address or your company’s IP address, they can potentially cause damage to the network.
For instance, once someone knows your IP address, they can replicate it and download illegal content that can cause issues with your internet provider, or even something much larger, like instigating a DDoS attack to flood your server with fake traffic.
| Related: Check out these 4 common cyber attacks and how you can further protect yourself. |
It’s also important to consider that if your IP address falls into the hands of a hacker that knows the inner workings of geolocation technology, they can track down the physical location of your company’s office, or your home, and all of the devices connected.
Keeping your IP address secure is just one of the reasons you should be investing in top-notch cyber security providers. If you’re unsure which one would be best for your company, check out our comprehensive list and everything you need to know about your options.
It’s always in your best interest to be aware of the major details of your electronic devices, and that includes the IP address of the network they’re connected to. In the long run, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and that includes keeping your IP address a secret.
Ready to learn more about cyber security? Expand your vocabulary with this roundup of 70+ cyber security terms every internet user should know and then learn how far we've come with the history of computers.
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