The internet ranks among some of the most important communication resources in the world today. To be specific, it lets us communicate and share information. However, such interactions make us prone to privacy issues. The good thing is that there are several solutions for enjoying optimal privacy online.
When hiding your IP ensures it won’t be tracked by third parties. Plus, they won’t receive any unwanted target ads, and their connections won’t be intercepted as well. These are all common issues that internet users experience, and Surfshark VPN can be the right solution.
In this guide, we look at how to hide your fake IP with VPN?
What is a VPN?
Based on the definition from wikipedia, a VPN is a unique software you can use to mask their IP address. The IP address is the specific number an internet services provider uses to identify one’s PC on an internet connectivity network. It holds various types of information about the PC, including your location and bandwidth activity. The privacy software masks one’s IP and won’t reveal the original location of the user.
For instance, one might be living in San Francisco, but a VPN may show they live in Beijing. Nowadays, most brands have both desktop and mobile versions of VPNs. Plus, some are dynamic, whereby you can use them to hide your IP only through browsers. You can use a few key factors to judge the performance of a VPN. These include:
- Privacy – the ideal VPN safeguards your information, including during the sign-up process and encryption level. Before signing up for the given VPN service, ensure you check its reputation and performance.
- Server count – it provides users with the freedom to connect to different locations each time. It also helps reduce any traffic and bandwidth complications.
- Interface usability – the software should be simple to use, especially since most people are relatively new to privacy protection programs online.
- Cost – the software should be affordable and relate to each user’s quality of privacy services. And with VPN.Coupons, you can save more on your next purchase by using discounts.
- Grade of encryption – this factor determines whether a user will experience any IP leakages when browsing online. The common ones include L2TP/IPsec and PPTP.
- Multi-user support – the privacy software should also accommodate several users at the same time. In most cases, this function comes as part of a premium service package.
How Do I Use A VPN?
Since VPN is a software, there are few critical steps involved in using it the right way. Below are some of these steps:
- Visit your preferred site – the number of VPN service providers are many. A reputable service is important for hiding the fake IP address.
- Sign up for a user profile – the user profile includes all the useful information a user needs to login into your account and accesses the services. A user may also have to add some payment details.
- Choose a service package – most VPN services have different service packages to suit your budget. Each package’s price depends on the number of days the user will need it, the security protocol, and server locations.
How Can a VPN Hide My IP Address?
The software provides a user with a connection to a different server network, and it regulates their online traffic based on the location of that network. It works by masking your fake IP with one that exists in their server. The software adds a layer of encryption to one’s internet connection to route their traffic to third-party servers.
Therefore, using a VPN does not necessarily hide one IP, but it “masks” the address.
More so, your information goes through an encrypted platform that exists between internet services and devices. Thus, the user’s computer can block any individual that wants to intercept their online traffic. Plus, some of the advanced types can use varying techniques to help avoid issues such as IP leakages.
That said, a VPN is not the only option to hide your IP address. If your needs are smaller, you can even use a proxy instead of a VPN. For specific activities like web scraping, you might find that it is easier to web scrape with a premium proxy.
Tips When Using A VPN
A VPN is a software internet users’ setup to hide your fake IP from various parties online. Remember that one’s IP is a string of decimals and numbers that indicates your location and device. It’s assigned automatically when they use a device to connect to the internet. The IP address is visible to everyone, so they can use it to track your activity online.
Internet users that want their activity to be private use a VPN. While it won’t necessarily make their traffic private, it will help mask their IP address with the ones that exist in servers. Below are some few tips to make the most out of VPNs:
Use a Reliable ISP
Internet users need a reliable internet service if you want to make the most of VPN software. Why? It’s because using a VPN, especially those with advanced security protocols, is likely to slow down your internet. An internet service with low bandwidth is likely to cause the VPN to be prone to IP leakages.
Choose the Correct Protocol
VPN software services operate through different protocols, which are added layers of encryption to your internet connection. Users that want high levels of security go for advanced protocols such as L2TP and PPTP. However, the only issue is that you will have poor bandwidth, but with high-security levels. Plus, if advanced security is not a priority, consider using low-level protocols such as SSTP. The good thing is that users will enjoy improved bandwidth when compared to using the advanced protocols.
Invest in a Premium Package
Why should you get a premium in a service package? Well, it has all the “bells and whistles” an internet user would need to make their traffic private. The premium package is an all-inclusive service where you can access various privileges. Most people prefer packages that come with several server locations. These might include unlimited data, multi-user accounts, and advanced security protocols. One might also get it at a discount, especially when purchasing those that last for several months.
Check Your IP Before You Start Browsing
Before you start browsing, counter check the IP well to avoid leakages. A VPN user might have failed to choose the correct settings or locations in your software. Before using the VPN, the first step is to check your location on the website. Always check your masked IP on different IP checker websites to confirm you are safe. Type on a search engine query, “what is my IP.” Once you connect the VPN software, recheck the IP, and determine your location.
You might come across a result such as 123.56.23.65.” This is an IPV4 type. However, some internet users might be using IPv6 types, which have not been fully embraced by internet users.
Hiding Your VPN vs. Using Tor Browser
It’s good to learn about the facets associated with hiding your fake IP with a VPN. Also referred to as the “deep” web, TOR provides the advantage of letting you access websites which are not accessible by most browsers. These sites are referred to as “onion” sites and can have unique internet addresses than most types of internet users have come across.
While TOR is free and readily accessible, it has become synonymous with various cybercrime types, such as the sale of drugs and weaponry. More so, they won’t provide users with customized IP addresses, making it difficult to access some services.
The other major drawback of TOR vs. VPN is that the onion browser loads exceptionally slow. The reduced loading times relate to the immense traffic and lack of customized data routes. Users also don’t get the privilege of customizing security protocols, which can be important in using sites that experience traffic regulations.
What are Some of the Problems of Using VPNs?
While using this type of privacy software to mask your IP, you have to ensure you use it the right way to avoid any IP leakages. In some cases, the user may forget to launch the VPN software before browsing. Negligence is one of the major issues associated with using VPN software. An internet user might have to conduct additional research into using this software for the best results.
Users can choose a VPN with a good reputation since some VPN brands are prone to IP leakages. Getting a dedicated IP when using this privacy software is also not easy, as it changes based on a unique algorithm. The only way to get a dedicated IP would be to use RDP. However, using a VPN is legal because privacy is a right of every internet user.
Privacy is an essential resource, especially when using resources such as the internet. Whether you are running a business and want to spy on competitors, VPNs can be handy. The good thing is that the software is legal to use and readily available. The software operates based on different protocols, often dictating the price you have to pay for each package. Remember that using a good VPN is also much more useful than the TOR browser, which has become famous for hosting illegal activities.
A VPN is an excellent way to hide your IP, thereby ensuring your sensitive data is safe from illegal access.
