Every computer that is connected to a network must have an IP address. This address uniquely identifies the computer over the network in order to transfer information to and from it accordingly. Both local and wide area networks have IP addresses assigned to each computer, or terminal, within the network.
IP addresses can be static or dynamic. Static IP addresses are assigned by the system administrator to each computer and dynamic IP addresses are assigned by another device connected to the network.
When the computer is connected to a local area network (LAN), for example at home or in a corporate network, the IP address is determined when configuring the network and is usually static. Such IP addresses can be, for example, 192.168.0.1, known as private IP addresses. However, when connecting to the internet, the ISP determines the IP address which will identify your PC when connected via modem to the net, known as a public IP address. IP addresses for connecting to the internet, considered a wide area network (WAN), can be static or dynamic, depending on the ISP.
Due to the fact that each computer has an IP address which identifies it, this information can be “seen” by other persons on the network with specialized software that detects IP addresses, or by persons hacking into the network. Even when browsing a website, your IP address can be identified by the site, apart from other information that is vulnerable when surfing the net. The most important data retrieved from internet users are usually IP addresses, surfing habits, and other, more personal information, when possible.
Website administrators and marketing companies can then use this information to target you for adware, junk mail, spam, and other marketing annoyances on the net. Other, more malicious intruders can even use this information to access your PC’s hard drive itself and recover any information on it.
Thus, these vulnerabilities are exploited by any person that has the ability to do so. That is why, when faced with privacy concerns, many internet surfers prefer to use proxy surfers that will hide their IP address. In this way, surfing the internet is anonymous and noticeably reduces security hazards.
John Pachecus is the Security Expert at FindProxy.org, developer of security solutions. If you would like to lear more about internet security visit our website at Fresh Proxy List
Author: John Pachecus
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Netbook, Tablets and Mobile Computing
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