Helping You Control Your Digital Experience Since 2000
In 2000, a simple question sparked an internet revolution: What is my IP address? When our founder, Chris Parker, discovered there was no quick or easy way to answer this, he didn't just find a solution—he created one.
WhatIsMyIPAddress.com emerged from the need to simplify network creation and management. Our tool didn't just solve the problem; it addressed a growing demand in the rapidly expanding digital landscape. By providing instant access to IP information, we empowered users worldwide to better understand and control their online presence.
From its humble beginnings, our site has evolved into a trusted resource for millions, offering not just IP lookup, but a comprehensive suite of internet tools and educational resources.
Skating to Where the Puck Is Headed
In the fast-paced digital world, we don't just keep up—we anticipate. As online safety evolves, so do we.
By staying ahead of emerging technologies and threats, we empower users with cutting-edge tools and knowledge, always staying true to our core mission: making the complex world of IP addresses accessible to everyone and enhancing online security for users around the globe.
Who We Are
Chris Parker, Founder
Born and raised in Southern California, Chris always had a passion for tinkering and problem-solving. Growing up at the same time as the PC was born, Chris was excited by new technologies changing the world around him. In the early days of the internet, he was frustrated that it should be so difficult to find your own IP address.
As with any successful business, What Is My IP Address focused on solving that problem, and grew into a site that over twelve million monthly visitors rely on for IP address information, online safety tools, and cybersecurity education.
Chris' dedication to problem-solving expanded beyond IP addresses, leading him to launch the Easy Prey podcast in 2020, where he shares valuable insights on avoiding scams, fraud, and cybercrime, further cementing his role as a trusted voice in online safety and security.
In a digital landscape rife with threats, Chris has emerged as a champion for online safety and privacy.
Destined to launch a podcast
Born and raised in Southern California, Chris shows an early curiosity in learning new things and the makings of a future podcaster.
1979
1982
Exposed to exciting new technologies
Growing up at the same time as the PC was born, Chris is excited by new technologies changing the world around him.
Creates and runs a west coast BBS
Chris launches “The Citidel” BBS (Bulletin Board System), allowing techies of the day to share data, news, and messages.
1987
1999
Launched DiscountBibles.com
Chris jumps into the fray in the early days of e-commerce, building and launching an online store selling -- you guessed it -- Bibles at a discount!
Launches WhatIsMyIPAddress.com for fun
Starts a free IP address lookup website, initially as a hobby, that helps people solve a common technical problem—finding their computer’s IP address.
2000
2007
Cottage Industry on Steroids
Chris turns his house into a mini tech hub. Half-rack server setup, T1 line, fixed wireless – the works! Becomes the neighborhood's top electricity consumer. (Sorry, environment!)
Website attracts 1 million visits monthly
The internet discovers What Is My IP Address in growing numbers–we hit our 7-figure mark!
2008
2009
AdSense Extortion
Faced an AdSense extortion attempt. Cybercriminals threatened to report What Is My IP Address to Google for fraud unless given half the ad revenue. This personal experience with cybercrime strengthened Chris's resolve to advocate for online privacy and security.
Google Competition
Google starts answering 'What is my IP' directly in search results. Chris faces an existential threat to his business model and wonders, 'Is this the end of WhatIsMyIPAddress.com?'
(Spoiler: It wasn't.)
2011
2012
The Wrong Kind of Traffic
Site traffic explodes unexpectedly... from adult websites. Chris discovers WhatIsMyIPAddress.com is being iframed on questionable platforms while he's traveling. Talk about an inconvenient tech emergency!
5 Million Monthly Visits
Attained 5 million monthly visitors from over 200 countries, solidifying What Is My IP Address’ position as a global go-to resource for cybersecurity and IP address information.
Goodbye Home Data Center; Hello Big Leagues!
WhatIsMyIPAddress.com moves to a co-location facility. Chris's electric bill plummets, and his neighbors stop wondering about the mysterious hum from next door.
2013
2014
Laid off!
A victim of the economic times, Chris loses his full-time job, giving him the chance (and motivation) to dedicate himself to WhatIsMyIPAddress.com.
Fortuitous Partnership
Chris attends Affiliate Summit West. He learned some things and met some cool people– one of whom (Stephan Spencer, founder of Netconcepts) would become a long-term SEO and content creation partner he refers to his “secret weapon” in building site authority and diversifying revenue streams.
2017
2019
World famous, at least in the local market
Chris is interviewed for a short segment on how to avoid romance scams, a growing topic for his own website’s content.
Go Big or Go Home!
One year Chris and his wife made a sizeable increase in their charitable donations before they had the revenue to justify this level of giving. By the end of the year, it was as if the universe conspired to help them make it happen, because the business started taking off.
Charitable donations to faith-based organizations as well as privacy and cybersecurity non-profits such as EFF remain a priority for Chris and his wife.
Easy Prey hits the airwaves
Easy Prey Podcast explores scams, fraud, and manipulation, helping listeners spot red flags and stay protected. Hosted by Chris Parker, it features expert insights and real-life stories to keep you one step ahead of threats.
2020
2024
New level unlocked
What started as a solution to a personal problem has become a global resource. The website now attracts an impressive 13 million visits every month, solidifying its position as a leading platform for IP address information and online safety.
Now
From Web Pages to Book Pages
Chris takes on one of his biggest challenges yet: authoring a book, PRIVACY CRISIS. This upcoming work tackles the pressing issues of data rights, privacy, and security in the digital age. It's a call to action for individuals to protect themselves in a world where corporations and governments often fall short.
