Why Are Public Networks Dangerous??

Could an ISP track my IP and what I'm downloading through a free public network?

alphanumeric said:

One big difference is there is no router between you and anybody else on that network. If your at home behind a router, all that is seen from the Internet side is the Routers public WAN IP address. It appears as just one device and most ports are closed / blocked. All devices on the LAN side get private not viewable from the Internet IP addresses.
Log on to a public hot spot and your PC's IP address is accessible to anybody else on that hot spot. They can then probe your PC for open ports etc. Or sniff packets etc. There is nothing between your PC and theirs. Except your software firewall / antivirus etc.
Thats my understanding anyway, I'm no networking guru by any means.

Good write up but don't forget about shares, people leave their shares on and everyone sees them.

Hi there

Once you are on any public internet data can be retrieved --- might not be easy but people like CIA, FBI etc have all sorts of mechanisms. Just think how far back Police can go and get mobile phone data and conversations for use as evidence in Court.

If you are that worried don't use the Internet !!! Simple.

Remember though the sheer volume of data and the fact that 99.9999% of people using the Net are probably doing really boring and uniteresting things it's most unlikely any organisation would even care what you are doing anyway.

Cheers
jimbo

Compumind said:

Yes. Even if you are behind a router, the IP assigned by the ISP can be tracked back to the ISP itself.
A VPN or using the Tor Browser will give you partial anonymity.
.

So even if I use a VPN my ISP will still be able to see my IP and what I'm downloading? So whats the point to having a VPN then? I dont get it.

While there are several ways to protect yourself when using a Wi-Fi network, one way beats the rest – using a VPN. The most important thing you can do every time you connect is to use a VPN. A VPN encrypts your Internet connection to secure it and protect your privacy. When connecting with a VPN, no one – not the Internet service provider, the business/network owner nor any third-party hacker or snoop – can see the information you send over the network. When using Wi-Fi with a VPN your privacy and security is protected at all times.

Quote from this link

You need a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi. Here's why. | TechRadar