Supposedly invisible?

Maybe i'm missing something.

I have a wireless modem/router from Verizon for my internet connection to my laptop. Leo Laporte, and others say that using a router and modem like this should make one's computer invisible to the hackers and sites you visit.

But i've seen ads saying that you may still be at risk and some even show the isp information, windows platform you are using, etc.

What's the 'straight dope'?

stevo

 

The closet you can come to invisible on the internet that I am aware of is by using a proxy service where you do everything through their server. Then when someone traces back to your computer they can only get as far as the proxy server.

As far as being invisible on a wireless connection from your laptop to your wireless router. You aren't invisible at all. You can prevent your router from broadcasting your SSID but by the very nature of a radio connection your packets can be intercepted by almost anyone. Thats where encryption comes in. They can intercept but can't read the data without the key.

I hope this was helpful.

 

Thanks.

I have 'wepped' my wireless already, but was curious what Leo Laporte, the Tech Guy on radio and tv means then.

Best,

steven

 

I don't know. I've never heard of him. Some people like to talk so much that they start spouting about things they only heard.

Even if you use a proxy service like anonomizer or something the normal trace is blocked at the server but the law can get their records during an investigation and find you anyway. Thats how some of these big time hackers are getting caught. They thought they were invisible.

 

Thanks.

Leo was originally on Call for Help on TechTV in San Francisco then when G4TechTV took over, he moved the show to Canada where its still on i believe.

He also has a radio show here in Los Angeles on Sat. & Sundays on KFI. And has several books out. He also has a website.

Nice guy and fairly knowledgeable, but he definitely likes the Mac better than the PC. Or at least thats what he recommends for people who want to buy there very first computer and have no computer background.

http://leoville.tv/radio/pmwiki.php

s