|
Summary: In some instances, it might be possible for hackers to see data going to and from one's computer. Sometimes it matters, but sometimes it doesn't.
Yes. But most of the time it doesn't matter. On the other hand, there are times when you really need to be careful. • Data traveling on a network such as the internet can be seen by many other machines. Local machines connected via a hub, for example, all see the data being sent to and from all the other machines connected to the same hub. As the data travels the internet, it's quite possible that other machines on the network can also see the data. Sounds scary. The good news is that's really hard find data transmitted to and from a specific machine unless you're on the same network segment. For example if you're connected to the internet via DSL, other machines sharing your DSL could watch your traffic, but machines out on the internet would have an extremely difficult time tracking it down. It's not something I worry about much. However, there is a scenario that you should be very aware of. Wireless network access points operate much like a hub. Any wireless adapter in range can see all of the network traffic in the area. Visited any wireless hotspots lately? Anyone in the coffee shop, library, other public places, or even just outside on the street or a nearby building could be sniffing your traffic. So, what to do? Well, for one thing, make sure that any sensitive web surfing you might choose to do - such as banking or on-line shopping - is always done via a secure connection. Even better - wait until you're home to do those things. Email is particularly sensitive. For example it's not difficult to sniff your email account information when downloading email via a normal POP3 account, or sending via SMTP. Web interfaces that use "https" secure connections are actually safer. And if your wireless network at home is within range of other houses, the street, or other public areas, make sure you're at least using 128bit WEP to ensure that the data that would be visible is encrypted. Related:
Article 2666 | Posted February 24, 2005 |
askleo: Photo: Keyboard Filth http://bit.ly/sSgx (5-Jan 1:46pm PT) askleo: RT @JeffWalker: Awesome blog post - "How To Become Wealthy RIGHT NOW"... (5-Jan 12:46pm PT) askleo: LOL! RT @IAC_Heather: You know how we have TGIF, maybe we should have... (5-Jan 12:41pm PT) Popular & Hot How do I change my MSN Hotmail password? How do I delete history items from my Google tool bar? I accidentally deleted my Recycle Bin in Vista - how do I get it back? My desktop Recycle Bin has disappeared - why, and how do I get it back? New & Important How can I get the old Windows Live Hotmail back? Internet Safety: How do I keep my computer safe on the internet?
Stay Informed Archives Advertisers |
|
•
I have been talking to who I thought was a friend for the past 2 months and then he popped up and said that he wasnt really that person. He was just using his screen name and myspace. But this guy has been sending me my friends pics and information about his work in the military. Is that possible to really be able to have acess to someones whole computer like that?
Posted by: Sheena at July 9, 2008 7:11 AM-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1
Absolutely. If your (real) friend was careless and somehow
let his account information be stolen, this kind of thing
could easily happen. And it does.
That's why people like me keep harping on keeping your
computer secure, choosing good passwords, and all the other
habits we should develop to stay safe.
Leo
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.4.7 (MingW32)
iD8DBQFIdSGqCMEe9B/8oqERAvicAJ9j1x7DnTdS+nC9Gp0seLOTQnMtFQCfaBRg
Posted by: Leo at July 9, 2008 1:38 PMbdEUwNYI3ies3G3qQ/SI48M=
=xS3K
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
Hi Leo,
Posted by: Antonio Liriano at August 27, 2008 4:32 PMI recieved an e-mail where I was selling something on online (Craiglist). By stupid of my part (sorry for the word)I gave the person my address and name. After I did that I noticed that it was an Scam. What the person can do with my name and address?
thank you for your advise.
Tony
Can someone hack into my computer and put a screensaver on my computer?
Posted by: Alice at September 10, 2008 4:22 PMDoes a police officer or police dept. have access to hack into someone's computer?
-Leo
Posted by: Alice at September 10, 2008 5:12 PM
Me and my roommate are sharing the wireless internet connection(secured WPA- personal).Can my room mate see what I am doing on the internet like I use Skype to talk to my girlfrn,so can he see what we are talking about and can he see the skype video too.If he can,how can I secure it from my roommate.
Posted by: John Cooper at September 23, 2008 1:27 PMcan some one hack in2 someones else computer throgh a virus ?
13-Oct-2008
Posted by: swan at October 13, 2008 5:41 AM
I would like to know if there is anyway to check my laptop to know if has a worm or something inside that allows somebody else outside there to receive all the moves I do in my laptop.
Posted by: Miracles at October 18, 2008 3:02 PMThere is a very small window that appears and dissapears at the bottom of my machine, where the bar of programs is and shows the applications that are open. This small window that shows and then disappear began to appear like 6 months ago and I am thinking that somebody installed, through an email I received, some kind of application that hacks my emails and also my internet moves.
Is it possible that Norton Antivirus can capture that worm?
Thank you.
Can a hacker steal any files from my computer?
20-Oct-2008
Posted by: Kristell at October 19, 2008 7:53 PM
dear leo,
Posted by: Karina Bat at December 21, 2008 3:51 PMcan someone hack into my laptop history and sms on the phones as i was told there is a software which cost £200 over the net. Please advise