an someone see what im doing over the internet?

Question

my friends mom says that anyone can see what your doing on the internet, like what your saying on IM and webpages your visiting.
is it true and how would you see it?

i mean if i have an unsecured interent connection, can my mom see what im doing from a different computer?

Answer 1

With the flood of SpyWare and such, you really need a good Firewall to keep your own computer secure.

When you BUY on-line, you are logged into a secure website, so you are OK, if your SpyWare is under control, and your Firewall is up.

When you are in a public forum, using IM and visiting other webpages, you could be "watched", but this usually happens when SpyWare is out of control. Email is also considered "Open". Anything that you send out via IM or email should be considered "Public Information". Don't assume that you are keeping any secrets. SO, NEVER e-mail or IM your Social Security Number, Credit Cards or even your home address and phone number if you want that information kept private.

If you have Windows XP with SP2, then use the Windows Firewall. Otherwise, visit http://www.zonelabs.com and get the free version of Zone Alarm.

You should have an anti-spyware solution on your computer. I recommend that you go to http://www.download.com and get AD-AWARE and SpyBot Search & Destory. Install, run, update and scan your computer with both programs.

This double whammy will help keep you safe and running faster.

Answer 2

Yes and no... authorities, if they wanted, can track what websites you have been visting, especially if you dont use a proxy server, which most people dont. If you dont want authorities to see what you are doing, you can go to websites anonymously using this website: http://anonymouse.org

However some people who know a little bit about computers can look into the History, Temporary Internet Files, a file called index.dat, and your cookies.

These can be hard to clean up but a good tool for doing this is a program called CCleaner, wich is completly free, it doesnt eve have ads. you can get it from http://www.ccleaner.com

As far as you IM conversations, if there a was a keylogger (a program that secretly records what you type) then anyone with access to your computer could read the log file.

The best way to protect yourself against these nasties is to donwload Windows Defender for free from http://www.microsoft.com

If you want to see your own history, you can click the button on your toolbar (normally next to favorites) that looks like a clock with a green arrow. You will then see a list of websites you have been to.

Dont forget that CCleaner can delete your history! :)

Answer 3

Hi there

Hackers are able to access your computer to see what you are doing. This takes know how and is an illegal activity. They can do this by using spyware applications which are hidden in other programs you download. You wouldn't know you are downloading spware unless you have a spyware scanner. These can be downloaded free on the interent. See www.microsoft.com for further information on spyware.

Information that you computer sends over the interent, can be seen by other people on the internet.

If there is anyone else who uses your computer, they can see what pages you have viewed. This is because your computer keeps a log of every page you visit. These logs can be deleted.

Hope this helps.

Scott

Answer 4

Any time you are sending and receiving data over the internet is it subject to being monitored at several locations. Using SSL will encrypt password and other confidential data but most activity is clear text. How likely you to be monitored depends on your your network setup. Probably the most vulnerable is unsecured wireless networks as it provides easy access to the network for anyone interested in monitoring you. Your wired lan at home is generally safe as there is no access to the network.

Answer 5

No one from outside of the room you are in can view what you are looking at on your computer. The only way for anyone to know anything about where you were viewing on the web today or yesterday is for them to physically turn your computer on and look at your history on your computer.

If you are doing any online shopping or banking always make sure the site you are about to use is secure, that way any information viewed or tramsmitted can not be seen by anyone.

Hope this has helped you out.

Answer 6

they would look in your history (arranged by order viewed today maybe to see what exactly you looked at).
They can look at previous searches, cookies, and in temporary internet files for more vague clues.

Or they could have screen snapshot or keylogging software installed to take pictures of webpages you are visiting or what you are typing in. (but that would be your parents, not some hacker in Ireland or something)


but as for remote viewing your PC, i don't honestly know. hackers could probably find a way.
that's what spyware is, though. personal information is sent over the net to them.

Answer 7

It depends on what your doing.And it sounds like your up to nothing constructive at all.Dude,your paranoid.I really wouldnt worry about it.Only a hacker can do that crap.I wouldnt worry about that either.For starters,they arent worried about what the average teenager is doing on the internet.They have bigger fish to fry.Not to mention....they cant hold anything over your head,there up to no good also.

Answer 8

If they have remote access a hacker can. Make sure you have a good Anti-Virus program (Norton) and Anti-Spyware program (Windows Defender) installed on your computer. Make sure your Firewall is enabled. Make sure you download and install the latest virus definitions and updates. Also, make sure you install the latest Windows Updates.

Answer 9

Also, if you aren't using firewall protection, your PC is open for search by just about anyone online. I spooked a buddy of mine out who wasn't using firewall protection. I found out his IP address and first told him exactly what CD was in his CDROM drawer, and next I told him to go to a particular folder on his hard drive where I uploaded a text file to that "magically" appeared for him to view.
Needless to say, he installed firewall protection immediately.

Answer 10

Anything you do on the internet is able to be seen. Never send anything through e-mail that you don't want made public. That don't only apply to e-mail it appies to cell phones as well.