The myth
There is a common misconception among many internet users, especially younger generation gamers, that someone knowing their IP address somehow gives them the ability to "hack" them. This myth has been spread by non-technical users, social media, and various news outlets. The fact is that every website you visit knows your IP address because it needs this information to send content (text, images, ads, etc.) so it can be displayed on your browser. This is how the internet works, not just websites. In addition to your IP address, your browser provides much more information to the sites you visit than you may realize. Visit this link (https://myip.selvansoft.com) to see some of the details your browser shares with websites, which may surprise or even shock you, but that is a different topic for another blog.
What is an IP address?
An IP address is just a number. Your internet service provider (ISP) assigns one to your internet connection, and it can change over time. Only your ISP knows that it was assigned to you, and they will not disclose your information unless they receive a request from law enforcement accompanied by a proper court order. Being afraid that someone knows your IP address is like worrying that people saw your car’s license plate while you were driving around the city. Unless you have committed a crime and are fleeing from law enforcement, this is not a problem. Similarly, if you have not done anything unlawful online, you have nothing to worry about if someone claims they have your IP address. They cannot do anything with it.
Realistic but unlikely risks
To be complete, there are a few extremely rare scenarios worth mentioning. If you intentionally expose a vulnerable service or enable UPnP on your router, it is possible for someone to attack your machine. Some gamers enable UPnP to run gaming server without fully understanding the impact. Finally, if someone with a deep understanding of TCP/IP networking is determined to attack you for some unusual reason, they could perform a denial-of-service attack on your router using only your public IP address and knock it offline. While this is technically possible, it is not probable.
Stay Informed and Safe Online
If you enjoyed this blog, you'll find many more cybersecurity related microblogs at link below. They offer valuable insights to help you stay informed and safe online. Explore them at https://blog.selvansoft.com. Also, checkout free online security tools at https://selvansoft.com/tools/
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