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General discussion

shared internet connectioin security

Oct 8, 2007 12:53PM PDT

I share an internet connection with some renters in my house. I want to know
whether there's any chance that they could hack into my computer through our
shared internet and see some of the websites I've accessed. I've sent
confidential information online (i.e. credit card info) and I don't want them
(or anyone) to be able to see that.

I've got windows vista home premium, symantec anti-virus, and windows defender, but
would I be more vulnerable to them considering we share an internet
connection? Will they be able to see the websites I've been on?

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Yes. It's called the EVIL TWIN. Cnet writes about it
Oct 8, 2007 1:34PM PDT
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This probably isn't happening. Any other possibilities?
Oct 9, 2007 12:18PM PDT

The 'evil twin' seems a little too elaborate for me to suspect that it's being done. Are there any other ways someone sharing an internet connection could get into my computer or see websites I'm on? Maybe something as easy as downloading software?

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If I look at the router log I can see what sites you visit.
Oct 9, 2007 12:21PM PDT

Nothing special involved there. To be honest I did the Evil Twin setup and it works without a hitch. The HOW TOs were a bit too easy to find.

Bob

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how can I increase security on my computer then?
Oct 10, 2007 1:21PM PDT

How can I protect myself from, say, evil twin attacks and someone checking out my router log?

I haven't been able to find information on protecting myself from people within my home network/sharing an internet connection, so would you recommend some websites?

I figure knowing this stuff is well worth it since I'm basically sharing a network with strangers.

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I'm sorry.
Oct 10, 2007 10:57PM PDT

I thought the router was managed by someone else. I must have missed that.

The Evil Twin is a tough one to spot. I shared it since ... you brought up the question. There are more articles about that but to thwart an Evil Twin the best defense is for you to control the router. I suggest the settings we put into the stick note on our Network forums.

Changing your SSID every month may be painful but it does weed out an Evil Twin.

As to the router log, you'll have to OWN the router and make sure you passworded the router's setup.

Bob