You may want to hide your IP address to protect your anonymity or to keep yourself safe from people who have malicious intent. Hiding your IP address may also come in handy in circumstances where you want to avoid restrictions that are imposed by various websites as far as your access to certain content is concerned.
Whichever the case, knowing how to keep your IP address completely hidden is a skill that will come in handy in giving you the freedom and peace of mind that you need to explore the internet.
Using a VPN is the best way to completely hide your IP address because VPNs come with a host of powerful security features that guarantee complete anonymity and safety. While using Tor to access the internet offers a more foolproof method of access, it tends to be slow and inconveniencing.
Other methods like using a public WiFi and using proxy servers offer an easier and cheaper alternative, but the level of security that these methods offer is not as strong as the one offered by standard VPN service providers.
Here is what you should know about the different ways through which you can hide your IP address.
Use a VPN
Hiding your IP address with a VPN is the best method that is available in the market. While the best VPN service providers typically charge a small fee for these services, it is usually worth it simply because with this option you will be able to get your safety and privacy protected with advanced security protocols and encryption.
What makes this option even more attractive is the fact that you will be able to enjoy incredibly fast connection speeds. Connection to your desired websites will be hassle-free and you won’t need any advanced skills in order to do so. And this also means that you will be able to circumvent any geo-blocked restrictions without having to jump through hoops.
Given that the best VPN providers have servers in multiple areas, the protection and freedom that is provided by a good VPN are usually limitless. Therefore, while there are free options available in the market, check free VPN service here, it is prudent to always go for premium options if you prioritize world-class protections and trouble-free internet connections.
Use a proxy server
Proxy servers are effective at hiding IP addresses because the proxy makes a request on behalf of the computer making the request, and as such, the website does not receive the request directly from the computer. As a method of hiding IP addresses, it is effective at getting around geoblocking restrictions. And because it hides the source of the request, it is also good at offering a degree of privacy.
However, if you are going to use a proxy server, it is important to note that it does not offer traffic encryption. This means that unlike VPNs, that offer advanced data encryption, your data will be exposed to a given degree of risk.
Furthermore, some proxies are not great at circumventing geoblocking controls. This is because there are websites that actively track proxy-related activities and block them. In such cases, a proxy service can end up failing you. There is also a high possibility of your connection is slower than usual.
Use Tor
If you want absolute anonymity when accessing the internet, Tor is an option that you should certainly explore. Although it is a masking option that is absolutely free, it offers the best privacy protection thanks to the advanced layers of protection that it offers.
This, in addition to the fact that it protects your address by directing your traffic through a network of servers, makes it very hard for people with malicious intent to track your activity or your location.
The fact that Tor is free has made it popular among people who are conscious of their privacy and online security. However, since it usually goes the extra mile to guarantee safety, it typically offers slower internet access speeds.
Use Public WiFi
When you connect your computer to a public WiFi, you will be assigned a different IP address. Any activity you carry out on the network will, therefore, not be associated with your original IP address. Furthermore, since public WiFi is a shared network, it will be challenging for someone to single out your activity. Therefore, it offers a level of anonymity.
However, public WiFi is not safe. Since almost anyone can use it, you will be susceptible to malware and hacking attacks. Furthermore, it is usually ineffective when it comes to bypassing geo-block restrictions.
These are the best methods of hiding IP addresses and protecting your privacy. While each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, using a VPN has the best upside and is therefore recommended.