IP addresses & how easy it is to find someone

gonesnakee · 02-17-05, 07:55 PM

I'm by no means a Computer Guy LOL & was wondering about IP addresses (or whatever it is they are called) My Q is "How easy is it to track someone to their exact location via the address on their Comp?" I ask becasue there seem to be lots out there that seem to think just because they don't use their real names or say where they are from etc. that no one can find out who/where they actually are. So all you folks that know how to do it, how easy is it to actually track someone to the computers location. Mark

Shad0w · 02-17-05, 08:13 PM

Well... You can get pretty granular...
You can track that person down to an ISP.. and possibly region depending on how much info the ISP gives in its DNS records for that IP...

BUT... if you wanted a civic address, you would need to either work for or know someone that works for that person's service provider

gonesnakee · 02-17-05, 08:21 PM

So like you say above it is totally possible then? As long as you can access the info like have an insider or say even a court order? I say court order because lots of folks seem to think it OK to openly discuss laws they knowingly break because they think they can't be found via the net. So if someone had the access or authority it is totally possible then? THX Mark

CORN_SNAKE91 · 02-17-05, 08:23 PM

if for example u had a person most frequently trying to hack you and Norton Anti-Virus picked up his IP address, you would not be able to find out by your self where he lives, only what provider he uses (for example his internet provider is Sympatico Ottawa, then it would show that on the map)

Shad0w · 02-17-05, 08:24 PM

Yes, if an ISP is presented with a court order, they can release the data to lawyers / law enforcement.

In fact, law enforcement often do this for snooping...

So ABSOLUTELY it can be done.

Shad0w · 02-17-05, 08:26 PM

Ummm in the case you mention, NO they would not release the data to you or law officials... what the proper thing to do is to complain to that ISP's abuse dept and they will take action. In fact, most cases of hacking are due to trojan's / virii... so the owner of the system doing the hacking is usually unaware...

justinO · 02-17-05, 08:37 PM

here's a neat little program that will show you geographically where the person's IP address is connecting from (down to the ISP of course)

www.visualroute.com

JAdkins2451 · 02-17-05, 08:40 PM

I know what Gonesnakee is talkin about is people saying they have illegal animals etc.. What happens if you sign on, on 3 diffrent computers.

gonesnakee · 02-17-05, 08:49 PM

Thats 1 thing I was getting at Yup. I'd say with 3 different comps they would be able to track you to the 3 different locations. Most instances authorities couldn't be bothered I'm sure but its there for them if they want it basically, Mark

Shad0w · 02-17-05, 08:57 PM

Yes... if an ISP wanted to.. they can track you to any location on their network

Thats a fact

JAdkins2451 · 02-17-05, 09:01 PM

Thanks for the reply, like you I also dont know to much about computers...LOL

SnowSnake · 02-17-05, 09:04 PM

If you use 3 different comps and they are all using the same isp (I have a wireless network in my house), having 3 or 100 comps wouldn't change a thing.

JAdkins2451 · 02-17-05, 09:11 PM

I know that but I use comps in totally diffrent areas of the province. I geuss I should have been more specific..Sorry

Shad0w · 02-17-05, 09:17 PM

even if you were in different areas of the province.. so long as its the same ISP.. they got ya... and even if not.. ISP's work together on matters like this.. You are NEVER anonymous

Big BROTHER is always watching

JAdkins2451 · 02-17-05, 09:23 PM

Cool enough, I was just asking.. Like I said I dont know to much about comps. Thanks for the info though.