OMG! If I use a wireless network can others on that network see what I'm doing....?

Question

I'm using a wireless network that i connected on. can another person on the network see what I'm doing like what I download and the files. If they "own" the network? (i'm not sure how that works). help.

any comment appreciated.

Answer 1

well if they use a packet sniffer they can.

Answer 2

Generally speaking normal internet users wouldn't/couldn't understand how to sniff out packets And yes there are always a slight chance that someone within that network does know how. You should be more concerned about the router/firewall that the "owner" has enplaced. Pending on how well the person configures it and what device they are using; it is easy for the person to see the originating IP and mac addresses, destination IP/domains and the ports/protocols being utilized etc etc...all thru the logging and reporting of the device. Even basic store bought router/firewalls have "some" logging capability. It's the higher grade ones with packet filtering that will have your info. So it comes down to the user, the device and who configured it. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I promise I'll try to keep this as concise as I can...

The short answer is yes, they can. Now for the long answer:

Wireless networks are created by deploying access points (think blue linksys routers with antenna) or configuring computers to act as access points. Once your computer connects to that access point (hereafter known as AP) the AP handles all of the traffic going to and from your machine.

Because the AP receives and sends all of your traffic it is quite simple to configure the AP to monitor and log your access whether it be browsing the web, an instant messenger, or even streaming video.

Most APs lack the full functionality to truly monitor your activity. Consumer-grade wireless APs, such as those found at big-box retailers, perform only rudimentary monitoring. Commercial-grade wireless access points can easily be configured to do this. It is possible to modify (or 'hack') a typical AP (such as a Linksys WRT54G) to include this functionality. Some operating systems, most notably Linux and OS X, can easily share a wired network connection to other people using a wireless network interface card.

In addition, it is _very_ simple to use normal equipment to monitor wireless activity even when you _don't_ own the network. One can use certain software tools to examine every single packet of information traveling through the air at ranges exceeding 400 meters. Research the program Kismet, http://www.kismetwireless.net/ , to learn more about wireless monitoring and sniffing.

Now the good news: probably 99.99995% of AP owners have no clue about any of this. If you are in an apartment complex and see unencrypted networks named 'Linksys' or 'Netgear', it is most likely a luddite AP owner who couldn't even begin to imagine technology such as this. Play on...

In closing, if you are doing something naughty enough to worry about being caught, research encryption and security tools such as Tor or Freenet to calm your mind. If you are just borrowing someone's wireless to check your email, bake some cookies for them and wipe your conscious clean.

Answer 4

Well theoretically it is possible to sniff a wireless network for packets using a laptop, some hardware and some patience.
The details of this can be found by googling for them.

Answer 5

Hi, to keep things simple U dont have anything to worry about. chances are they dont even know u r coonecting to the network. normally if someone is smart enough to do all of that they would not have a unscured network allowing you access , it would be very hard either way . YOU are safe.
unless u r connected to mine. lol. then i will trace u down and do mean things. (joking) have fun. enjoy take care , hope this helps you relax while surfing the net.