An IP address is one of those invisible pieces of internet plumbing that everyone uses but few people understand. Yet it’s central to how the internet works—and it’s also where attackers and defenders often focus their attention. This post will explain IP addresses in plain language, show how they’re used in everyday life, and — crucially — point out the security and privacy implications you should know about. If you use the internet (and you do), this matters. What is an IP Address? A simple analogy Think of an IP address like a street address for your device on the internet. Just as your home needs a postal address so letters can be delivered, every device connected to the internet needs an IP address so data packets (the “letters” of the internet) can find it. There are two common IP systems in use today: IPv4 — The older format. Looks like 192.168.1.10 . It’s the most familiar and still the most used. IPv6 — The newer format created because the world needed many m...
Introduction Picture this: you’re logging into your favorite online shop. You type your username and password, hit enter, and in seconds you’re inside your account. But here’s the scary part—while you were typing, someone else could have been watching every single letter you entered. How? Because the website was using HTTP instead of HTTPS . Most people don’t notice the difference, but for a cybersecurity analyst—or a hacker—it’s the difference between a locked door and an open gate. In 2025, when cybercrime is at an all-time high, understanding the risks of HTTP websites is no longer optional—it’s survival. In this blog, we’ll break down: What HTTP really means (in simple terms) Why HTTP is dangerous compared to HTTPS Real-world risks and relatable examples How cybercriminals exploit HTTP traffic What you should do to stay safe online 🌐 1. What Is HTTP in Simple Words? Let’s start with the basics. HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is like a delivery boy ...