Every device on the Internet is assigned an IP address by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The IP address has simplified web communications significantly (interacting with other devices is seamless and the information is sent precisely where it was intended). However, at any time while surfing the web, you run the risk of your personal information being accessed or stolen by another party via your IP address.

What does this mean?

Anytime you use the internet without masking your IP, your personal information can be tracked by third parties like your ISP, advertisers, government agencies and even hackers. One of the best ways to stay anonymous online is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). But before we go in-depth into what a VPN is, let's see a few reasons why it’s great to browse the web anonymously.

What are the benefits of Online Anonymity?

There are many benefits to browsing the web anonymously. Below are just a few:

• Some streaming sites only allow users from a certain region. By hiding your IP address, you are able to bypass those restrictions without hassles.
• Online anonymity keeps hackers at bay as they will be unable to track or access your credit cards and other valuable personal data. This is especially useful if you use an unsecured connection like a public Wi-Fi hotspot.
• By hiding your IP address, you can hide your online activity from your ISP, who in some cases, are obligated to hold on to your data and online history.
• Keeps your searches and the sites you visit confidential. This way, advertisers are unable to spam you with unnecessary information.

Now that you’ve identified some of the dangers of revealing your IP address, how can you keep it hidden? The short answer: Use a Virtual Private Network.

What is VPN and How does it work?

One of the best ways to maintain your online anonymity is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN helps you to hide your IP addresses so no one can track your activities. Consequently, the internet becomes a safer place for you.

A VPN is a private service created over a public network, but it allows users to browse anonymously while bypassing geo restrictions.

As expected, some websites have developed systems to block prominent VPN providers, although most providers constantly develop new strategies to bypass these blocks.

A VPN is one of the most effective ways to browse the web anonymously. By adding a layer of encryption to all your web communications, it becomes impossible for a hacker, government agency, ISP, or even the websites you visit to keep tabs on your digital footprint.

Your device simply does not exist to other users on the internet when you are connected via VPN. The whole idea is to keep all your web communications “virtual” - a VPN “masks” your IP details by creating virtual point-to-point links, using an array of elements, traffic encryptions, or tunneling protocols.

Another way you can hide your IP address is by using a proxy server which serves as an intermediary between your device and the internet. In addition to hiding your IP address, it can also quicken your internet speed; share an internet connection over a local network and so on.