IP address

An IP address is a location on where to find a computer on the Internet. When you visit a website, the domain name like google.com is translated into an IPv4 address like 142.250.31.101. There is a newer standard called IPv6 that offers much longer addresses that look like 2607:f8b0:4004:815::200e. The website also sees the IP address assigned to you from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

A computer's IP address is loosely correlated with the location of the computer on the Internet. If an attacker finds your home computer's IP address, they might be able to guess roughly where you are connecting from. Your ISP and law enforcement may also be able to find who you are from your IP address.

You can mash your computer's true IP address by using either a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or the Tor network.