Is it possible to remain anonymous while using free wi-fi access spots? That is to say,:
a) Do I need to divulge any personal information to the wi-fi provider, and
b) Assuming I have a used laptop that has no software registered in my name, can anyone trace an IP address to me?
2006-12-23 02:13:33 · 4 answers · asked by teecee 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
when connecting to a Wi-Fi enabled router the only information it uses from your computer uses is your MAC address and DNS name.
there is no really way that the IP can be traced back to you unless you were to log into a website that contained accurate personal information in the user profile...
2006-12-23 03:48:06 · answer #1 · answered by lv_consultant 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can but it is illegal so it is not advisable and I DON"T recommend it.
If you have your own internet provider , no matter what you do
they can track down your IP.
Now that said . For example you drive in your car and have a wireless laptop. You map the network and find an insecured network you can connect to it and BING you are now ananymous. Why?? Because if they try to trace you they will trace the IP of the unsecured network. So you can use the ninternet , browse etc.
Conclusion: If you have an unsecured network PLEASE secure it with a WEP. Not just it will avoid strangers to use your connection and reduce your speed but if your network ia unsecure and somebody use your network to do bad things guess what IP will be traced?? YOURS. So get that WEP setup TODAY!!
Joe.
2006-12-23 04:03:37 · answer #2 · answered by Roland 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. 1) no b) likely
There is a free encryption tool from the EFF at http://tor.eff.org/ but I've never verified that it works. The EFF is an excellent organization so I trust the product. It would be best to test it using a packet sniffer like http://www.ethereal.com/ and inspect the packets to see if they're encrypted. Frankly, most home users that don't secure their wireless networks aren't going to know how to track you. However, should they file a complaint with their ISP, it might be possible to see that you were on their network, depending on how much information they track. That's where this encryption tool might come in handy. There are also hacker IP spoofing tools but I can't say that I recommend them unless you already are versed in hacking...well, never mind that.
2006-12-23 02:22:27 · answer #3 · answered by bogus_dude 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your safe! Make sure you enable WEP..and create a password..
2006-12-23 03:35:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋