How easy is it to be tracked when downloading from a wireless access point, like a hotel?
I am just wondering if agencies like the RIAA can track a download to your specific computer even if you are logged in using a wireless access point at a hotel.
Related Blogs
- Wireless Router | comners
- Cisco-Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router | coercs
- RIAA Takes Down Music Downloading App Mulve | TorrentFreak
- Android WiFi Tether App For Rooted Users Constantly Disconnecting? Try These Solutions To Fix It | Android-Center.com
- Search & Find – Wireless Router
- Wireless access to the shared Internet connection? [internal pci] [wireless router] | rock computer's blog
- Why do you need both a cable modem AND a router for wireless internet? | Web Trends Home
- » Buffalo Technology WZR-HP-G300NH Nfiniti Wireless-N High Power Router & Access Point – $70GadgetReview
- Beyonce: I Am… Sasha Fierce Album Certified 3x Platinum by RIAA [News] | BeyonceFan.com
- Cisco-Linksys WET610N Dual-Band Wireless-N Gaming and Video Adapter | The most popular selling items Updated hourly
- RIAA Goes Offline, Joins MPAA As Latest Victim Of Successful DDoS Attacks
- How do I set up my computer as a wireless access point? | My Secret Projects
- cisco, lan switching and wireless 4.0, rapidshare | .:: Diya PDF ::. | Manual Owners Files
- RIAA Slams the Door on Another Music Site – Mulve ~ Chris Pirillo
- THE HONEYDRIPPERS RIAA sales award led zeppelin plant | Auction Promotions
3 Comments
Comment #450
If the hotel you download from has anonymous logins, then you are clear of any backtracking. War driving for hotspots could help you find lots of anonymous logins in the hotel district.
If, however, you rent a hotel room and need a hotel provided password, then the hotel can prove you downloaded on their network with an exact IP based upon your login password proof. It could have only been your computer on that IP during your stay. Of course, this would be based upon the assumption the hotel has a talented network administrator capable of scratching up the data as proof! It is not a simple job. I hope this helps.
Comment #449
Your computer’s MAC address (assuming you do not change it) is visible over the network. That is the most obvious way to identify a portable computer. It will not appear over the Internet.
If someone wanted to trace a download to you, the two easiest (not very) ways I can think it would be done follow: They could access the wireless router through the Internet at or around the time the download occurs, and look at the ARP table and open connections list to find the MAC address of the computer that is connected. From there, they’d need some proof that that computer belongs to you.
The second would be the case of the helpful hotel, where they keep detailed enough logs to show that your computer was doing the downloading. They could also have security cameras watching you in the act.
Comment #448
They will not be able to identify you, except by your screename…. Either way, should you pursue legal action they will not have the evidence to prosecute you ad in many states can be sued for illegal hacking and using unlisenced private investigators.