Nowadays, business organizations are not the only ones using VPNs to protect their personal data from cybercrimes. However, most individuals use a VPN to access better entertainment content. Regardless of why you use a VPN, it is a simple and effective way to protect your identity online and secure your internet connection.
A VPN masks your true IP address, acting as an intermediary to reroute your web traffic. It also encrypts your real internet identity to block the government, internet providers, and hackers to monitor your online footprint. Most free VPNs provide a shared IP address that is used by many people, making it impossible to identify an individual user. Despite its effectiveness, a shared IP address is not an all-in-one solution. Therefore, it is better to use a dedicated IP that is only created for you.
What Is A Dedicated IP Address?
A dedicated IP address is a unique internet protocol (IP) address that is provided by your web hosting company. Unlike a shared IP address that has multiple users, you are the only one using this IP address to mask your online identity. Moreover, a dedicated IP address is not free, and you have to buy it from your VPN provider. That is why you use the same IP address every time you connect to the VPN.
Dedicated Vs. Shared IP Address
Websites read your IP address and use its information, such as area zip code and internet history. As a result, they can track your activity across the internet. Therefore, it is wise to mask your online identity. However, most people don’t know why they need a unique IP address when they can use a shared address for free.
The main reason is that when you are using a shared IP vs. dedicated IP, you can’t control who else is sharing that IP address with you. You can be sharing an IP address with hackers and cybercriminals which can trigger CAPTCHA warnings. Some websites even block shared IPs because of spam activities.
Moreover, you cannot access websites with sensitive security measures such as Netflix. In contrast, a dedicated IP address is exclusively created for you. It is similar to using a real IP address but only better because your connection is secure, protecting your personal information from hackers and websites.
How To Purchase A Dedicated IP Address?
To get a dedicated IP address, you will have to talk to your web hosting services provider. However, some web hosting companies do not offer dedicated IP address services. In that case, your first step will be to find a good VPN provider that offers dedicated IP services within your budget.
After selecting a web hosting company, you will have to subscribe to their VPN subscription account. Then purchase the dedicated IP address service and pay through your credit or debit card. Some VPN providers require you to make a different account to buy dedicated IP. However, you can connect both accounts by emailing the company the details of both accounts.
You will also have to provide basic details about yourself, such as name, country, date of birth, etc. Once the payment is processed, you will receive the dedicated IP address through an email, or it will be assigned to your account. Then you can use that IP to safely browse the internet.
Benefits Of Using A Dedicated IP Address
Purchasing a dedicated IP address is worth your money due to its various advantages. Some of them are:
Clean Online Reputation
Most hackers and criminals use a shared IP address for cybercrimes and spam surfing. Therefore, your shared IP will be blacklisted on a website even if you have never opened that website before. That is why it is better to use a dedicated IP and start surfing with a clean online reputation. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about connecting your data with unknown users.
No More CAPTCHAs
Most people don’t understand why a website is blocking their entry. That is because your IP sharers are conducting suspicious behavior on the website. So, you have to authenticate your identity through CAPTCHA challenges. Fortunately, a dedicated IP removes unwarranted suspicion as you are the only user.
Prevent Data Leakage
Business companies with remote workers must use a secure IP address to protect their sensitive data. Therefore, connecting business software access with a specific IP is a good solution to prevent data leakage. A dedicated IP provides the static IP address you need to encrypt an employee’s desktop, keeping confidential data safe from hackers.
Secure Online Payments
Using a sharing IP to make online payments can block your account because it constantly changes your virtual location. Banks treat this as suspicious activity, locking your account and credit/debit cards. A dedicated IP address solves this issue and allows you to avoid repetitive verification as well.
Conclusion
A dedicated IP address secures your internet connection and helps you browse online without leaving a trail of personal information. It allows you to access all websites which is difficult to do while using a shared IP address. So, check out different web hosting services and purchase a dedicated IP for a better surfing experience.
Caroline is doing her graduation in IT from the University of South California but keens to work as a freelance blogger. She loves to write on the latest information about IoT, technology, and business. She has innovative ideas and shares her experience with her readers.