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Start here => What's your crime? Basic Discussion => Topic started by: Fun With Matches on May 18, 2017, 09:57:40 AM

Title: Secret internet connection
Post by: Fun With Matches on May 18, 2017, 09:57:40 AM

Is it possible for a computer to form an internet connection secretly without its owner knowing? And could it bypass any local WIFI secure connections?

i.e. You have the computer turned on, and it isn't connected to WIFI (or anything else) though it still shows a list of local connections. Surely Apple or whoever could easily download data in the background without peoples' knowledge. They must do, because why wouldn't they?

Title: Re: Secret internet connection
Post by: Queen Victoria on May 18, 2017, 03:46:58 PM

Quote from: Fun with matches on May 18, 2017, 09:57:40 AM

Is it possible for a computer to form an internet connection secretly without its owner knowing? And could it bypass any local WIFI secure connections?

i.e. You have the computer turned on, and it isn't connected to WIFI (or anything else) though it still shows a list of local connections. Surely Apple or whoever could easily download data in the background without peoples' knowledge. They must do, because why wouldn't they?

Do you have any proof your computer is cheating on you?  What would be the signs?  Lipstick on the mouse?  Sexy perfume wafting from the CPU?  Intimate clothing showing on the computer screen?

Title: Re: Secret internet connection
Post by: odeon on May 18, 2017, 04:52:05 PM

Yes, but it's not that easy to hide, at least if you know what to look for. It would have to connect to something, WiFi, Bluetooth, something, and therefore it would have to hide that connection, but sure, it's possible.

There are a number of ways to block this, of course.

Title: Re: Secret internet connection
Post by: Fun With Matches on May 19, 2017, 02:58:13 PM

What would one need to look for? And is it more or less possible with an iPad? Or the different versions of Windows? I'm genuinely curious, thanks.

Title: Re: Secret internet connection
Post by: odeon on May 20, 2017, 01:51:25 AM

Quote from: Fun with matches on May 19, 2017, 02:58:13 PM

What would one need to look for? And is it more or less possible with an iPad? Or the different versions of Windows? I'm genuinely curious, thanks.

In Windows, any recent version, it's enough to use the Task Manager to look for unexpected network activity. If you are genuinely worried, install a firewall and use it to block any unwanted traffic in any direction.

iPad, not sure. I'm sure there are firewall apps and various networking apps for all kinds of purposes, but my iPad experience is limited.