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:
Ask Leo! - Can I monitor, or control, the bandwidth used on my home network?
Ask Leo! - What's the difference between a Hub, a Switch and a Router?
Article C2290 - February 24, 2005
can some one hack in2 someones else computer throgh a virus ?
13-Oct-2008
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
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
Should I close my e mail before I go out surfing on the net, or does it matter one way or the other?
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.
Posted by: Volk at January 29, 2009 9:01 PMHow can I tell if the goverment has taken up host on my computer
Posted by: Bradley L. Rusk at March 4, 2009 9:59 PMI have WIFI in my apartment and the whole building connects to the same wifi, which means that we all share the same Network Password. Is Is it possible for others to see my internet trafiic. I don't mean the ISP. Can anybody else with access to the network intercept my yahoo webcam etc.
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 PM