As we move more of our daily lives out of "real life" and onto the internet, there are more chances we of getting our private information stolen. Hundreds of millions of dollars are stolen on the internet ever year, and millions of people are affected by cyber crime. It's just one negative side to the convenience of the internet. But as a safety measure, you can hide your IP address. Though much of the threat starts when you connect to public networks (public access wifi), there isn't anything to lose by surfing anonymously at home. If you're from the UK, you may prefer to use a UK IP address for your anonymous surfing session.

Virtual private networks are probably the best way to surf the net anonymously. Why? Well, first, they use SSL encryption. I know it sounds pretty complicated, and to tell you the truth, I wouldn't know where to begin to explain exactly how it works. But I do know that it's the same kind of encryption you use when you sign into membership sites, shop online, or do any kind of banking. Do you trust that little lock next to your URL is keeping you safe and secure? This is the same thing. Two, it uses something called a VPN protocol, or tunneling, to send your information securely to and from a "VPN server", or a network of private servers that stands between you and the internet.

With SSL encryption and VPN tunneling, even your ISP won't be able to see what you're doing online. More so, the websites that you visit won't see your real IP address, or know anything about your identity, including your previous web activity. Most importantly however, third party organizations or individuals, that have no business snooping around your digital ID won't be able to see you (from the VPN tunneling), and won't be able to hack your data (encryption). Sounds pretty cool, right?

Well, in addition to all this serious data protection and IP hiding business going on, you can have some fun with this. Lots of people use VPNs to change IP address. One popular place to change IP to is the UK. The UK has lots of TV streaming sites like BBC iPlayer, ITV, Demand 5, Channel 4, and others. A UK IP means you get access to these sites.

So if you're in The UK, and want to surf anonymously, can you keep your UK IP? Of course! You can be in The UK and use a UK IP address to be anonymous on your computer, laptop, or phone. Nothing goes past the VPN server, and your real IP address is kept a secret.