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Dear all,
Would anyone here please tell me if it is possible that some1 maybe able to obtain my IP address from simply chatting in msn messenger for a very short period of time. No file transfers, no opening links, just chatting!!???
Your help would be very much appreciated- im no computer wiz
No.
SirDice thank u very much for that,
someone i was having a chat with in msn after just 30seconds or so (writing only twice) said that they have my IP address and no where i am..iv asked a computer person who says this might be the case despite him knowing little of msn messenger
Would u be able to assure me that this is a complete blague by that person
Basically you connect to the MSN servers unless you open a direct link like a file transfer. Remember, however, that if you use audio (voice) or video that will create a direct link......... or at least it certainly used to.
Also, a lot depends on how you connect to your ISP and how they work. If you are going through a proxy like from a business or college that won't tell anyone very much. If your ISP is AOL you will just get the IP of their switching centre or node and if you have a supplier like mine (or use telephone dial-up) then you will get a new IP each time you login, so the information is of temporary duration.
Even if you had my temporary (dynamic) IP it wouldn't tell you anything as the nearest node is at least 70 miles from my actual location, and I am not always routed the same way.
Obviously finding businesses and organisations is relatively easy because they actually want you to interact with them and will generally have static IP addresses.
as there was no direct link i.e. no file transfer, opening link, use audio(voice) or video...just instant messaging, will u be able to 100% assure me that the person could not obtain my IP in any way...i.e they were blaging...i really need to know as to if i shoud tell my parents, as the person said he was after me and seemed pretty convincing and god knows what he coud do
so did he get my IP?!!!!!!!
Well, to be convincing they would have to tell you what your IP was, and where you were connecting from? I bet that they didn't though did they?
Right now you are quite safe, as you are behind a proxy/server at a very large educational establishment in the Western Hemisphere :D
Unless you were socially engineered into providing any more information, that is about all someone can find out.;)
I am wondering if someone might be pulling your chain?
You can and should report a user who threatens you to MSN
MLF
Now waita sec, unless my memory is just crap (which is often the case), I think I recall logging someone's IP once over IM.
But in any case, even if that's the case, it doesn't amount to much, unless you're siting wide open on that IP without a firewall and not behind a router.
Ask him/her to prove s/he has your IP by showing it to you..
Enter that IP addres here: http://www.geektools.com/whois.php
If it says the IP is owned by Microsoft you know enough and your attacker is a clueless wannabee...
omg i deleted the contact and dont want speak 2 that wierdo again
Were you using your current method of connecting to the internet from your current location? If so, you have nothing to worry about as you are effectively anonymous to outsiders anyway. :)
yh, same current method of connection. By appearing anonymous does that mean he coud not get hold of my IP. whoever it was he had pictures of dead people for his profile and said im next. i just need 2 b assured by u computer wiz's
thanks alot nihil ur a genius
I think you should really report the user to MSN........sounds like a fricken wacko.
MLF
Hi, therebel,
Yes, you are protected by "the herd" and your individual identity would be undiscoverable without collusion between your educational establishment and their ISP. So that would restrict it to someone with a subpoena...........not the kind of thing your average sicko would go and apply for........... or be granted.
And that is assuming that everyone is keeping logs to that degree of detail;)
I agree with MLF that this person should be reported, but unfortunately you have deleted or at least contaminated the evidence. In future I would suggest that you make a note of any person who comes across like this, in particular the dates and exact times.
I am sure that the authorities would be fascinated to go take a look at what he has on his hard drive :lildevil:
The problem with situations like this is judging the right level of response. OK, I suppose that most of these people are actually harmless sick fantacists............... what we have to worry about is the smaller percentage of them that are not?
I am not a criminal lawyer, but in the UK at least, if you were put in fear by this person then they assaulted you, which is a criminal offence, otherwise called a felony in some countries.
Not really, just somewhat experienced and very sympathetic. We don't like the kind of behaviour that you have described on this site and will help to the best of our abilities.Quote:
thanks alot nihil ur a genius
Might I suggest that you stick around and browse through the tutorials and posts to beef up your knowledge of personal security?
Cheers :D
unless your click on an unique, server url that person administers. Or a torrent where you are the only peer.
I'd like to add a little bit more to this post that hopefully might ease some of your worries a little... If for some possible way he did get your IP address from what Nihil says and I could be reading this incorrectly it soulds like you might be on a college campus or some school campus, if thats the case most Colleges have their own IP block and from that he could narrow down your location to the city you live in. as far as if your just connected direct to an ISP.. most ISP's assign blocks of IP's to each city they service and from their again he could narrow it down to the city you live in but thats about it. the other thing is... did you setup an MSN profile that shows your personal information on it and make it public. If so then he could get your info that way... anyway hope that helps ease some worry a little.
I think we had sort of covered #1 (although not clearly defined what would be a qualifying link), but #2 is an interesting addition in that it brings in the torrent concept.