ESET explains IP address functions and cybersecurity risks

Cybersecurity firm ESET has provided technical insights into the function and risks associated with Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. An IP address serves as a unique digital identifier for devices connected to the internet, acting much like a postal code to ensure data reaches the correct destination.

There are two primary types of IP addresses: public and private. A public IP is assigned by an internet service provider and identifies a connection to the external internet, making it visible to websites and servers. A private IP is assigned by a local router to identify specific devices, such as smartphones or smart TVs, within a closed internal network, and remains invisible to the outside world.

While having an exposed IP address does not guarantee an immediate attack, security researcher Mario Micucci of ESET warns that it creates a surface of contact for cybercriminals. Exposure can allow bad actors to determine an approximate geographic location, identify the internet service provider, and potentially use this information to plan or execute cyberattacks.