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.
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I've heard that instant messages through AOL/Yahoo/MSN can be read by hackers that "sniff" the messages leaving my network. Is this true? |
Yes.
But most of the time it doesn't matter. On the other hand, there are times when you really need to be careful.
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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:
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Ask Leo! - Can I monitor, or control, the bandwidth used on my home network?
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Ask Leo! - What's the difference between a Hub, a Switch and a Router?
Article C2290 - February 24, 2005
Can a hacker steal any files from my computer?
20-Oct-2008
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
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09-Jan-2009
I'd like to copy and paste things from my Word docs. to, per example - a blog, but am wondering how safe my clipboard is. Can you tell me how attainable the info. saved to my clipboard may be? How much protection is needed?
27-Jan-2009
Dear Leo...Well I'd like to know if there is any possible way for me to know If there is any kind of keylogger or any other spying software installed in my laptop for someone to be able to see everything I do and write?I've been trying to check all files and stuff but I know these programs are hard to detect because they aren't actually visible...Plese help me, what can I do? is there any way for me to find out, and if there is, is there any way I can avoid them and uninstall them? I hope you can answer my question..thank you very much.
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17-May-2009
I use a wireless internet connection(secured WPA- personal) and noone other than me knows the password for it. Can anybody/ISP see what I am doing on the internet like I use Skype and Yahoo Msg to talk to my family oversea.Can they hear and see what I do on the skype/Yahoo video. If the answer is yes, can you please tell me how can I secure it from anyone/ISP to get an access to the same.
Posted by: G2 at June 16, 2009 11:24 PMHi Leo
Posted by: Tina at August 27, 2009 12:00 PMCan a hacker see everything that is on your computer system like websites you've saved to your favorites?
I work from home and have access to an external system in a call center. I will like to know how much my boss can see on my computer while I'm working. For example, Office, internet, ...
Regards, Violetz
14-Nov-2009
Posted by: Violetz at November 14, 2009 4:01 AM