Browsing the Internet is similar to driving a car. Each car has signs that help to locate it. So on the Internet, instead of signs, there are the addresses IP to every online device.
Whenever you use programs like web browsers to connect to a web site, browsers give you enough information about you on the server that exists on the web page.
Each connection reveals the IP address of the device on the server, and in return it will display the IP address of the server.
The same applies to other types of Internet connections. An e-mail client like Outlook or Thunderbird to connect to mail servers shares the device components you use with the hosts and other users. Basically, the IP address is revealed on every connection made by a device.
An IP address, like a car license plate, does not necessarily disclose the driver but only the owner of the connection.
The IP address reveals public information. It can be used to teach someone the Internet service you are using, but it can not be used by a neighbor to reveal the address of your home.
Things are, of course, very different for requests sent by authorities to Internet companies. Providers keep all additional information such as date, time, IP addresses, and clients used with these addresses.
If the authorities request information for an IP address, they can associate the data, and find out much more information, since your ISP knows your home address and the account owner.
There are two main methods for protecting you on the Internet:
1. Use an Internet connection that can not be associated with you. This can be done using public WiFi.
2. Use a proxy server or a VPN server. This places a security grid between your IP address and the Internet. So all connections seen by the servers come from a proxy or IP VPN. There are of course ways of locating and linking the connection but it does not need more than a request to your provider.
George is still wondering what he is doing here….
