How private is your information?

Published on March 15, 2004 By Rocky Nimda In WinCustomize Talk

I put this here to prove a point. If this little sign can show you you’re IP and other information, then your information isn't as private as you might think.

Sure, I can't see the information about you it just shows me my own information. But every website you visit can, and most do, store this information in log files. This type of information is used for trending data. Web developers use it to get statistical information, so that they can better know what platforms to develop for. There are lots of other types of information that is obtainable also. Your screen resolution would be another type of information that is valuable to developers.

Jafo, or other admins, if you think that this is an inappropriate post, just Delete it. I feel that it is not, but I don't want to overstep my bounds.

Edited due to the fact that I forgot about the Delete thing.
[Message Edited]

Comments (Page 4)

Evorg

on Mar 15, 2004

I've been reading this thread and spinning around in abject apoplexy, gasping for breath and turning red.

I'm just a simple caveman

DesignCaddy

on Mar 15, 2004

thanks, ive been looking for one of those gifs so i could find the outbound IP my router is giving me

if you use simple firewall software then even if the world knows your ip they can't get it. for more advance users, use a router.

DesignCaddy

on Mar 15, 2004

oops. this one had two pages

WebGizmos

on Mar 15, 2004

It doesn't matter if your on or off the internet. If you've done business with a doctor, hospital, department store, or just about anyone else that utilizes a computer for their business...your information is all over the internet. Privacy is a thing of the past. Welcome to the "information highway"!

MGiff

on Mar 16, 2004

Personally I think the internet is 110 times safer than leaving the house and driving the streets of Memphis, TN, if anyone is unaware it's the new violent crime capitol of the country. At least my internet isn't gonna shoot me! (I hope)

kongit

on Mar 16, 2004

Memphis, TN

Knoxville and Chattanooga Are much safer...I live in both.

MGiff

on Mar 16, 2004

I liked both of those cities, I almost went to UT Chatanooga, beautiful place.

paxx

on Mar 16, 2004

Oooooo! Who cares if anybody can see my IP address?

Fact is, an IP address is no more personal information than your licence plate number on your car. Unless you turn your computer off and never visit any site, never send any email, never play any online game, never chat on ICQ or MSN, etc. anybody can see your IP address. So, big deal? Anyhow, anybody in their right mind who has a static IP should have a good firewall, as anybody riding in a car should wear his seatbelt.

But it's still cool how that that's done in a little GIF image. Neat.

Sput

on Mar 16, 2004

Knowing someones IP address is quite useful if you need to contact their ISP to report an abuse...I've done that many times in chat environments when people have started posting extrem pornography or other unpleasant images (or just being abusive).

One guy panicked nicely and appologiesed sweetly in public when I posted him a private note telling him not only the name of his ISP, but the reply they'd already sent me describing the action they would take if he continued to be a problem, and assuring me that they had already taken a note of his name and address to talk to him - it turned out he was in Saudi Arabia and pornography is treated VERY seriously there....

sig101

on Mar 16, 2004

I was wondering what ISP was that...then saw the last sentence. Interesting.

DesignCaddy

on Mar 17, 2004

damn. i just did a search online and couldn't come up with my social security number. but i could make some phone calls - one to the bank, one to my credit card, one to the office, one to my school, and one to my car insurance agency. they all have it. and many more. yes it can be taken from your machine. it could also be taken from your wallet while your jacket is in coat check. someone could intercept your debit card transaction while video taping you entering your pin number from over head (hey, i heard it all on the radio yesteryday). if people want your info they will get it. but i trust browser encryption much more then a trust other human beings. call me pessimestic. its the truth.

Jafo

on Mar 17, 2004

Googling 'Jafo' gets my email....real handy for when I'm legless and can't remember it...

Sput

on Mar 17, 2004

#56 DC - very true. The most powerful tool available to any hacker is not some password cracking, IP tracing, backdoor finding software but simple social engineering...

DesignCaddy

on Mar 17, 2004

the ip addie of a machine is just that - an address that a server post office uses to route information to you. it is, truely all over the place. it is logged on the server, on sites you visit, and in emails you send. sadly, because people suck, it can be used agaisnt you.

eh i already said this stuff before so i erased it. get a norton firewall.

my buddy just got a new laptop. his fist new computer (i get my loaner back!). i got a call 2 days after his first connection to the world wide web. "HEEEELLLP!!! im getting these gray text messages that take up the full screen like- ever 45 seconds!!! they're telling me a hacker is on my system and that im not protected! and someone keeps trying to sell me viagra!! i cant get any work done!". poor fella. i couldn't even remove the msmessages door because it was an AOL connection. had to norton him.
[Message Edited]

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