Your home IP (Internet Protocol) address is your physical network's digital street address. It identifies your approximate physical location, your internet service provider, and acts as a gateway for hackers to scan your home router for security vulnerabilities.
Common Ways Your IP is Leaked
Your IP address is shared with every single website you load, every game server you connect to, and every torrent file you download. More dangerously, legacy communication protocols like WebRTC (used in web browsers for video calls) can leak your real local and public IP addresses even if you are using a VPN.
Hardening Your Network Endpoint
To shield your home network: Use a high-quality, trusted VPN that has built-in WebRTC leak protection. Configure your web browser to disable WebRTC requests when not in use. Lastly, ensure your home router has its built-in firewall active, keeping your home endpoints hidden from external scanner networks.