Internet is a immense network and millions of devices are connected to it through wide-reaching via unique address known as IP (Internet Protocol).
Sometimes we want to know who owns this specific IP Address whether it for interest, safety reasons or professional requirements.
We will discuss down the essential knowledge of IP Addresses, how they are assigned and how to find owners.
What is IP Address?
IP Address is a numerical number assigned to any device connected to a network. This Address helps devices to communicate to each other. It serves two functions:
- Identify the Hosts
- Locations Of the host
Two Types of IP Address
IPv4
- Internet Protocol version four
- It consists of four numbers separated by periods e.g. 0.0.0.0 / 192.168.10.1.
- It can address packets through Uni cast, broad cast and multi cast.
- Its address size is 32 bits
IPv6
- Internet Protocol version six
- It consists of eight groups separated by colons e.g. 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334
- It can address packets through Uni cast, any cast and multi cast.
- Its address size is 128 bits.
IP Address can be Static or Dynamic
Static IP
Static IP address is fixed and cannot be changed. It is usually used to assigned to servers, or work stations which requires connectivity throughout.
Dynamic IP
Dynamic IP address is temporary and can be changed timely by ISPs from pool of address.
Classes Of IP Address
Classes of IP Addressing scheme are as follows:
Class A: First Octet is from 1 To 126
Class B: First Octet is from 128 To 191
Class C: First Octet is from 192 To 223
Class D: First Octet is from 224 To 239
Class E: First Octet is from 240 To 254
If you want to understand the worth of IP address, imagine as the address of your house or name of the person.
How are IP addresses assigned?
IP addresses are Globally assigned by the organizations such as:
IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority)
Covers IP Addressing Globally.
RIRs (Regional Internet Registries)
After IANA address block to RiRs, which will be further assigned to Local internet service providers ISP, and organizations e.g.
- ARIN
- RIPE NCC
- APNIC
- LACNIC
- AFRINIC
When You connect to Internet your ISP Assigns you an IP from their Allocated Pool.
How to Find Who Owns an IP Address?
To Finds Who Owns an IP Address there are many Steps and tools which are as follows:
Perform a WHOIS Lookup
WHOIS stores information about domain names, IP registration. To perform WHOIS Lookup enter IP Address which will gives the:
- Owners name,
- contact information and
- Ranges of IP Addresses they Manage.
For example, Google, Microsoft.
Check ISP Records
In Some cases, you have to contact to ISP for the records specially with a valid legal request, or from court orders.
Use Command Line Tools
Traceroute and ping command can give information about IP & IP address network path. They don’t reveal real ownership.
Who owns an IP address block?
IP Address Block are Allocated to ISP, Corporations, & Government Organizations. Corporation may own Dedicated block to ensure acceptable address for its operations and ISP Owns Mutilple blocks to assign individual addresses to customer.
Some Organizations may public their IP Blocks for Research Purpose and transparency.
Can a hacker trace my IP address with WHOIS?
Yes, Hacker can track your IP address with WHOIS, with limitation. WHOIS reveals information about ISP or organizations, not specific persons.
However hacker can use your IP Address to Gather Information About your Location or ISP Provider, which leads to targeted Attacks. Protecting you IP Will lessen these risks.
Precautions
- Use VPNs.
- Check Unusual Activity.
- Awareness about Cybersecurity.
- Don’t use publics Wifi’s.
Can I change my IP address?
Yes, IP Address Can Be Changed by the Following Methods:
Reboot Your Router
ISP Often Assign Dynamic IP Address That can be change when you restart your modem or router.
Use VPN or Proxy
A virtual Private Network (VPN) masks real IP Address by Assigning a different one adding layer of privacy.
Manually Assign IP
You can manually assign Static IP address through your device network setting.
Can an IP address be traced to a person?
IP Addresses can not be easily traced due to privacy concern. But ISP Keeps the detail log of IP Address assign to Specific user but it can only be reachable with the legal authority via court orders, law enforcement authorities and investigation.
Can your IP address be traced through WhatsApp?
WhatsApp uses encryption and proxy servers to hide original IP address. If hacker tries to tricks you to open a link it can gives them IP address from server logs of linked websites. For example, phishing attacks. Always verify links before clicking from unknown sources.
Does the IP address show the name?
No IP Address doesn’t shows name, it shows ISP Or Corporate Managing Address and Physical Location
The IP Address Connected with the name can only be disclosed under legal conditions such as criminal investigation.
Can you track an IP address to a name?
Yes, IP Address to name can be tracked but it requires legal authority. Internet service Provider (ISP) is the only entity which have the logs of connecting IP Addresses to customer, they will only reveal information under lawful criteria.
In online Fraud and Harassing cases law enforcement agencies uses ISP records to capture Culprits. Without Such, Tracking Name with IP is Nearly Impossible.
Conclusion
To find the owner of the IP is quite useful for Network support specialist, administrator, and cyber security specialist.
With tools like WHOIS which provides public information about IP Address Ownership, tracking IP address, you can track an individual information required legal interference. Hence, protecting your privacy using VPN’s does play a crucial role.
If you get the basic understanding of IP Address and their addressing. It will help you making decision about online privacy and security.
So by staying informed and adopting best and advanced practice will help you understand digital word more confidently and securely.
Also Read: What is 127.0.0.1:62893?
