Hiding IP address

[beingbobbyorr]

I was conducting an email dialog (using Yahoo mail, if that means anything) with an acquaintance who is very computer-savvy, and in his email replies, I noticed text beneath his message that read ....

Website:
IP: AA.BBB.CCC.DDD

.... where the letters are standing in for numbers. Damn if that isn't the IP address of my computer!

a) How do I keep someone from being able to read my computer's IP Address? Are there any special settings I can tweak with my existing ....

.... Motorola SB5120 cable modem?
.... Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 software?

Or do I need to buy (and do some special setup on) a "NAT Router"?


b) If I need to buy a "NAT Router", do they only come as set-top boxes that need their own power supply and service 4-5 client computers? i.e., I'll never have more than one computer, and I'd prefer a form factor that looked more like a USB flash drive, but with Ethernet ports at both ends & power supplied by the PC. i.e., I only need the "NAT" part, not the "Router" part.


c) Many years ago, my company implemented DCHP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) that I gathered somehow re-configures the virtual (though obviously not physical) IP address of my work computer, presumably to improve security, anti-phishing, cyber-attacks, etc., Is it something technical or merely economics that keeps my cable company from implementing DCHP, too?

 

[ngrego]

The address you saw was probably his WAN IP if he's not using a proxy. WAN IPs are issued by the ISP and you have no "say" over what it will be (unless you pay for a static IP from your ISP). Your router is assigned a WAN address once it connects to internet, only one WAN address. The NAT on your router "shares" that one address with all pcs connected to your network when they access the internet. The DHCP on your router simply assigns any pc/device a local (to your network) IP address. You router does use DHCP and so does your ISP.
Both NAT and DHCP are network terms and not Security terms.
You could possibly find a smaller router on the market, but it will probably do the same as your Motorola.

 

[beingbobbyorr]

The address you saw was probably [strike]his[/strike] your WAN IP if [strike]he's[/strike] you're not using a proxy. .....

The IP address in question is mine (not his). I can confirm it by .....

i) use Gibson Research's "ShieldsUP!"

ii) go to control panel ---> network & sharing center ---> change adapter settings ---> double-click the LAN icon ---> details



Are you saying that if I use a "proxy", I can make my IP address appear to be different?

Is this "proxy" = hardware, software, or an internet service? Any recommendations on specific brands/products/services?

 

[ngrego]

A proxy server is an internet service.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proxy_server

For someone to find you from your WAN IP they would have to find the ISP which issued the address, then request the information from them. That kind of info is privileged, and can't be accessed by anyone. Someone could find the general area you are in (country) but getting any further would not as be easy.

 

[snowgirly]

Is this "proxy" = hardware, software, or an internet service? Any recommendations on specific brands/products/services?

You can use VPN to hide IP Address is the best way to hide IP Addresses; I use hidemyass.com. It is very reliable and I feel safe while browsing the net.


Hide my IP Address

 

[wacabletech]

He does not have your IP, he inserted some html/javascript/etc and since it webmail it executed, and showed your IP, this is an old trick.

http://www.javascriptkit.com/script/script2/displayip.shtml

So basically he sent some code in his e-mail that show you YOUR IP, it does not show HIM your IP. To prove it go to the local library they have free internet, pull up the email and watch it show you a different IP.


that said the only secure computer is one that does not work.

 

[Greta CHAPPELL]

If somebody want hide their IP, then the best way is use VPN provider, I use this one : http://www.idcloak.com/vpn-price/unmetered-vpn-service-pricing.html bcause it's for free and speed is better then other VPN providers what I use.

 

[Beachnative]

or use Tor for browsing