An earlier question was posted by another member, but not actually answered.

The question was: Can I access the computer of someone I am chatting with on the web?

The answers all dealt with how bad (and illegal) it was to to that. So I would like to know if it is possible for someone I am chatting with, or someone in the chat room, to access my computer. I know it is bad and illegal, but can it be done?

Also, is there a way to even get the information in your IP address as to general location and internet provider?

Yes, it is possible. That is how some identity thefts are committed here lately.

So, yes, it can be done.

Finding out the IP only leads as far as the ISP that issued it. To find out anything more requires a court order.

There are the new programs out there. Now, I do not know what they are called, nor do I know how they work. And if I did, it would be unethical to post it here. But I have been told that there are people committing identity theft with these programs.

J_9 interesting, but wrong.
You don't need any programs to commit ID theft, just social engineering ;)

One of the easiest ways is to pretend to be your bank and say there is a problem with your account. To resolve it log in to a site they link to.
The site looks just like your bank, but isn't, you enter you info and...
BANG, there goes you ID and your bank account.
Another well known one is the Nigerian Scam.
For further information and a very easy ID theft just Google 419 or Advanced Fee fraud. Very interesting reading.

Jeret, to answer you question, well no.
There's a whole bunch of information and expertise you'll need before this becomes even remotly possible.
The first piece of info is, as you mentioned, the IP address.
Even with this you still need a great deal of skill to access the other persons machine without them knowing.

Look at it this way, you may know where the person lives ( IP address ) but you still will have great difficulty accessing their house without their knowledge.
This is one of the main functions of a firewall, seeing how XP SP2 turns this on by default, well you get the rest.

Well, I heard on the news that there were programs where you could "access" your computer from other computers and that people were using these programs to get "into" other peoples computers, watching what others are doing while on the computer. I know there is a program like that because one of my old offices used it to monitor what the other secretaries were doing.

Now accessing a computer using legitimate means is extremely easy.
I use remote access to my servers regularly.
To be able to use these same programs to access a machine without the other persons knowledge is another matter.

I believe that you are referring to keyloggers and the like.
Seeing as the use of these is illegal and most of the time they are installed on people's computers by stupidity.
For example, you receive an e-mail from some one with an URL to something that interests you.
You follow the link and BANG you are infected with a keylogger.
Now a few simple security steps would have rendered this inoperable.
Keeping you machine patched, using a firewall, using common sense and questioning the validity of the mail all help.
See social engineering again ;;)

Think about this.
You need a licence to drive a car but anyone can use a computer.

Why do you think the anti virus companies make so much money.
If we all engaged Paranoid mode while online, the number of virus attacks would reduce dramatically overnight.

But aren't there programs out there that I could buy that, by knowing your IP address, and a few other things that I don't know, I could log on and watch every move you make on your computer?

Then when you do a financial transaction I could take a screen shot and then begin using your info?
I am talking about, I guess you call it remote access, without the knowledge of the other person.

I freaked out one day at work when I was typing my usual legal mumbo jumbo and then things started disappearing, then words showed up that I did not type, it was a prank that the office manager played on all the secretaries so that they knew we were being watched for efficiency.

J please reread my last post, it may make a few things clearer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by J_9

But aren't there programs out there that I could buy that, by knowing your IP address, and a few other things that I don't know, I could log on and watch every move you make on your computer?

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Yes but no see above.

Using remote access within your own LAN is a piece a cake, to use the same programs against an unsuspecting third party is a completely different matter.

I believe that is what the OP was asking though. Is that is it possible to do this to an unsuspecting third-party.

So, am I right that, although illegal, it can be done?

That is the only point I was trying to make.

Heck, I don't know about compters, you and Scott and some others do. I just wanted to give a straight up yes or no.

Yes it is possible, but without a certain amount of skill very difficult.
It's not a simple case of walking into a store and picking it off the shelf.

It's also possible that I'll win the next Euro Lottery roll over draw or get struck by lightening three times in one day, but I don't worry about it.

I hope I made things clearer.
Most of these so called attacks are just socially engineered scams.
It amazing how trusted people can be online.
Time to get a nice shiney TinFoil Hat.

Ok, so it is not as simple as I had thought. Well, at least he knows it is possible.

Oh, your tin foil hat, I have a nice shiny one for you under my tree. One for Millie too!!

Yes, things are clearer now my dear. I really thought it was much simpler than winning the Euro Lottery!!

And I have recently had an e-mail from the Prince of Nigeria!!

Comments on this post
Jeret disagrees: The basic question, including comment, wasn't answered. Did he not read the question?

First, may I call your attention to these suggested guidelines on using the comment feature:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/feedba...ure-24951.html

In your original questions you asked; "Also, is there a way to even get the information in your IP address as to general location and internet provider?"

Yes I read the whole question but since Janine had already answered the rest of your question, I restricted my answer to that part of your question. And I gave you the correct answer to it. So your comments were inaccurate and uncalled for.

I do not answer e-mailed or PMed questions. If you have a follow-up post it in the thread. But if you read the responsses in this thread your question was answered.