Every device connected to the internet technically relies on two IP addresses:
192.168.1.5). It only exists inside your home or office network.Your router uses NAT (Network Address Translation) to map all your internal Private IPs to your one external Public IP.
Since browsers cannot securely read your local network configuration, you must check your private IP through your operating system terminal:
C:\> ipconfig$ ifconfig | grep "inet "A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through a server in another location. When you visit websites, they see the VPN's public IP instead of your real ISP-provided IP, protecting your physical location and identity.
Never enter sensitive data on a site without the lock icon (HTTPS). Without it, your ISP or anyone on your local WiFi can intercept your traffic using packet sniffers like Wireshark.
Your public IP points directly to your home router. If a malicious bot scans your IP and finds a router admin panel left on "admin/admin", your entire network can be compromised.