Tracking IP addresses can be a powerful method to gain insight into activity, geolocation, and security. This method helps businesses to monitor suspicious behavior, analyze user traffic, and deliver personalized content. 

On the other hand, it raises concerns about privacy and possible misuse, making it crucial to understand the mechanism and how to protect yourself. In today’s article, we’ll dive deeper into tracking IP addresses: how it’s done, what are its legitimate use cases, and how you can protect yourself. 

Let’s get started! 

What is an IP address?

An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a numeric label assigned by your internet service provider (ISP). It’s used to send and receive data over the internet or a local network. While IP addresses don’t reveal exact location or personal details, they provide valuable information like general geographic area, network activity, and your Internet Service Provider. For businesses, this data is essential for cybersecurity, fraud detection, and network management.

IP addresses follow the internet protocol framework, which governs how data moves across networks. As connectivity demands grew, IPv4 and IPv6 emerged to accommodate the increasing number of devices.

Types of IP addresses

There are two main types of IP addresses: public and private. Public IP addresses are visible to external networks and are required for internet access, while private IP addresses are used within local networks, like in homes or offices.

IPv4, the original protocol, uses a 32-bit format (e.g., 192.168.0.1) but has a limited number of addresses. IPv6, a 128-bit format (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334), was introduced to address this limitation and offers better efficiency and security. Both versions coexist today to support diverse network needs.

Tracing vs. tracking an IP address: Is there a difference?

In the context of IP addresses, you’re likely to run into two different terms “tracing" and "tracking". These terms are often used interchangeably and while the terminology may vary, the concept remains the same, making both terms valid. Both describe the process of identifying information like general location, ISP, and network details linked to an IP address. 

Reasons for IP tracking

At first glance, IP tracing may raise some concerns and seem invasive. However, it does have legitimate use cases. Tracking IP addresses helps businesses and organizations improve security, optimize operations, and analyze user behavior. Let’s take a look at specific examples: 

• Cybersecurity monitoring: IP address tracing helps detect and block unauthorized access or hacking attempts, protecting sensitive information.

• Fraud prevention: Monitoring multiple IP addresses can uncover unusual patterns, such as repeated transactions from someone’s IP address, reducing fraudulent activity.

• Geolocation-based content delivery: Tracking enables region-specific services, like local offers or language preferences, and ensures compliance with geographic restrictions.

• Network troubleshooting: IT teams trace IPs to identify connectivity issues or misconfigurations, ensuring smooth network operations.

• User behavior analysis: Businesses use IP tracking to understand website traffic and tailor content, improving user experience.

How are IPs tracked? 

Now that we went through the “why” IP addresses are tracked, let’s get into the “how” of it all. Basically, there are two methods to track IP addresses: 

From email  

View the email header in your client to find fields like "Received" or "X-Originating-IP," which may reveal the sender’s IP address. Use an IP lookup tool to analyze the IP and gather information like geographic region and ISP.

Using command prompt

Open Command Prompt or Terminal and use the ping command to retrieve an IP address. You can also run a traceroute to trace the path packets take to their destination, revealing key network details.

Is it legal to track IP addresses?

Tracking IP addresses  may be legal if done in compliance with applicable laws (for example, but not limited to privacy laws like GDPR or CCPA) and when used for legitimate purposes like fraud prevention, cybersecurity, or analytics. Businesses commonly use this practice to enhance user experiences or protect their networks. However, unethical uses, such as unauthorized surveillance or stalking, are prohibited in most jurisdictions. 

How to hide your IP address

Hiding your IP address helps protect your privacy and reduces the risk of being tracked. Tools like virtual private networks (VPNs) or the Tor browser anonymize your connection, masking your IP and encrypting data.

Proxies are another effective solution for changing your IP. Acting as intermediaries, they conceal your original IP while enabling secure browsing. Oxylabs offers a range of proxy solutions, including Residential, Mobile, and Datacenter Proxies (featuring a free option).