Approximate Location Tracking
Your IP reveals your city or region. While it does not give your exact street address, it narrows you down to a geographic area. Combined with other data sources, this can be refined further.
DDoS Attacks
If an attacker knows your IP, they can flood your connection with traffic, making your internet unusable. This is called a DDoS attack and is commonly used against gamers and streamers.
Port Scanning and Exploitation
Attackers can scan your IP for open ports and services, looking for vulnerabilities. If your router has weak security or open ports, this could lead to unauthorized access to your network.
ISP Tracking and Throttling
Your ISP logs your IP and can monitor your browsing habits. In some regions, they may throttle certain types of traffic or sell your browsing data to advertisers.
How to Protect Yourself
Use a web proxy, VPN, or Tor to hide your IP. Run the IP Leak Test regularly to verify your real address is not exposed. Keep your router firmware updated and close unnecessary ports.