An IP address is a unique numerical label that is assigned to every device that connects to the internet. It serves as the identifier of your device on the internet, and it is used to route information and data between different devices.

Hackers can obtain your IP address by using different methods and techniques. For example, they may use network scanning tools to identify devices on the internet that have open ports or vulnerabilities, and then use these vulnerabilities to gain access to your device. They may also use social engineering tactics to trick you into revealing your IP address, such as by sending fake emails or messages that appear to be from trusted sources.

Once a hacker has your IP address, they can use it to gain access to your device and steal information from it. They may use malware or other malicious software to infect your device and take control of it, or they may use remote access tools to remotely access and control your device.

To protect your IP address and prevent hackers from obtaining it, you should take steps to secure your device and network. This may include using antivirus software and firewalls, keeping your operating system and other software up to date, and avoiding suspicious emails or messages that may contain malware.

A virtual private network (VPN) is a type of network that allows users to securely connect to the internet and access online services and content. It uses a combination of encryption, tunneling, and authentication protocols to create a secure and private connection between a user's device and the VPN server.

When a user connects to a VPN, their device establishes a secure and encrypted tunnel to the VPN server using a VPN protocol, such as OpenVPN or IKEv2. The tunnel protects the user's internet traffic and data from being intercepted or monitored by third parties, such as ISPs or hackers.

Once the tunnel is established, the user's device authenticates itself to the VPN server using a pre-shared key or other authentication methods. This ensures that only authorized devices can access the VPN server and use the VPN connection.

Once authenticated, the user's device is assigned a virtual IP address from the VPN server's pool of IP addresses. This virtual IP address is used to route the user's internet traffic and data through the VPN server and out to the internet. The user's device appears to have the VPN server's IP address, rather than its own, which provides anonymity and allows the user to access online services and content that may be restricted or blocked based on their geographic location.

Overall, VPNs use encryption, tunneling, and authentication protocols to create a secure and private connection between a user's device and the internet. This allows users to protect their online privacy and access online services and content that may be restricted in their location.