Confidentiality risks using a public IP address

When you are surfing the internet, you have an IP address provided by the ISP. Your IP address is static or dynamic depending on the subscription plan you agreed on. But, either static or dynamic, the ISP assigns you a public IP address, containing information about you as an internet user. This public IP address is the one that gets registered by the websites you visit and by third parties while browsing the internet. Therefore, you are exposed to confidentiality risks by using a public IP address.

If you care about your online security and confidentiality, then you should always hide your public IP behind another IP address provided by your proxy provider. Maybe you are asking yourself why you should use a proxy. Here are some of the risks you are facing when using a public IP address.

Third parties can easily find your location

When you utilize a public IP address, you are providing your actual location, just as when you give your home address. While the conclusion may be inaccurate, malicious third parties can combine it with additional information, such as GPS movements and browser history, to determine your precise geographical position.

Hackers can get sensitive information about you

Using simply your IP address, hackers or cyber attackers can discover a wealth of useful information about you. It may not be able to reveal anything significant: only your country, Internet Service Provider, and other basic information.

But, good hackers have many tools that will use these findings and other surveillance information to find out a lot of important and personal things about you, including your online habits and even bank accounts.

You are exposed to government restrictions

While using your public IP address, keep in mind that you have restrictions imposed by your government. Without a proxy server, the government can easily spy on and monitor your online activity. Your ISP is controlling your internet access and the government can order your ISP to comply with its regulations.

Your network system is vulnerable

While using a public IP address, it is as if you were surfing the internet barefoot without any protection for your feet. You do not have any protection against cyber-attacks. Also, you are not able to protect your device if you come across some harmful websites along the way. The ISP cannot protect you from this. For this particular issue, you can use Tor. It is regarded as one of the most secure anonymous browsing services available.

Your browsing activity is exposed

The ISP will record your online activity when using its internet network. As the ISP registers its activity online, the government can request this information at any time from the ISP. It means both the government and the ISP are always monitoring your online activities. This includes the sites you access, the videos you enjoy watching, what you are shopping for, or even your messages through web applications or portals.

A plus for the security of business networks

A proxy server can play an active role in improving the security of business networks. For example, admins can configure the network to block employee’s access to sites known to be malicious. Or they can encrypt data transfers so that third parties can not easily intercept sensitive data.

If you know more security risks of a public IP address, you can share them with us in the comment section below.