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October 6th, 2023
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned that identifies each device connected to a computer network. This can also tell where someone is from and if someone you are talking to is lying, which is why we want to teach you how to find someone’s IP address on Instagram. However, there is no real way to find an IP address through Instagram so we have alternate ways you can find someone’s IP address instead!
The internet is an intricate part of our daily life and an extension of our physical world. We sometimes forget that our online existence predisposes our online identity or in other words our IP address. When we post on social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter, do banking transactions, shop, etc.; it all becomes part of our permanent record. You are never really anonymous online.
Why Would You Want to Find Someone’s IP Address?
There are multiple justifications for this inquiry, including experiencing harassment or fraudulent activities, or other forms of harmful behavior directed towards you. Additionally, advertisers and service websites may obtain your IP address if you visit their site or click on their ads.
On the other hand, the scam artist may be looking for your address to commit the acts above against you. Once you have someone’s IP address, you can access various personal and private information about the user and build a profile of your interests and activities gaining such knowledge as their location, name banking information as well as credit card numbers, etc. The fact is that anyone with a little knows how can view, find and capture your IP address, all without your knowledge or permission.
Ways Someone May Access Your IP Address
Tapping into Your Wireless Network
If your network is not secure, a stranger can tap into your wireless network and will know your IP address.
They Take It from Your Email
Most internet/emails providers no longer include the IP address of someone sending an email for this specific reason, but some less sophisticated internet providers or if someone sets up their email server, might still reveal the IP address.
Through an Email HTML Bug
The bug is not a virus but merely a piece of code embedded in an image that is included with the email you read. Just by opening the email, the bug tells the sender you read the email and provides your IP address.
From Web Server Logs
Every time you visit a website, you leave your IP address. It is your digital pass to connect online. A site can scour their Web server to review all the IP addresses that have visited.
Through Social Media
Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat do not read IP addresses between users, but the site administrators do certainly know your IP address.
From Messaging Apps
Your mobile phone uses an IP address every time you engage someone through a messaging app. Messaging is an app that is multiplying. Your IP address is invisible to the person you message, but if you click on a link in a message, the website you sent to, now has access to your IP address.
Your Work Email
The email header in your office’s email could reveal your IP address, and it can easily be used to find your location.
Court Order
Interestingly, in 2016 a new law went into effect, Rule 41, which gives the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, much more leeway while investigating online activity. The request for subpoenas to get IP addresses is much easier now.
In a nutshell, you are fighting a losing battle when it comes to preventing someone from capturing your public IP address. It is not that people can use your IP address, but by knowing your address, they can track you, block you or target you. There are ways to protect your IP address such as by using a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, which is a fee-based online service that masses your actual IP address and routes you through another network with a different IP address. Again, this works both ways for the good guys and the scam artists.
In this internet world, we live in; there will always be risks and consequences of our online activity. If you feel that someone is looking over your shoulder and that your IP address is in jeopardy, contact Social Catfish to utilize their skills and resources to assist you in your IP address concerns. As always, use caution and think about your actions when using the internet. Happy and safe surfing!
