Hide IP Address

oshoshitzu

As I do a lot of internet banking, I am concerned that my security could be compromised via my IP address. Can anyone recommend a trustworthy programme which would keep my IP address hidden? THANKS

free4440273

No, your IP address (the fact that you can be 'seen') does not in itself compromise your security - internet banking is https and certification verified also. Also, i'm unsure about this, but will your bank provider be willing to authenticate you (i.e. your IP) if you hide your address...:think:

awzm

I'd imagine banks are more likely to flag access to your account if you're using a public proxy. It is perfectly reasonable to access your online banking account with the necessary security in place..secured wireless(WPA), an anti-virus, firewall and other software that checks for malware (Spybots / Adware).

David_Aston

oshoshitzu, we all do a lot of internet banking! If you do come up with an answer, please let us know. (I'm not holding my breath.)

oshoshitzu

One program I do use which I like is KeyScambler which has a free version. It randomly encrypts your key strokes so that any keyloggers listening just see a jumbled series of letters, numbers and symbols.

http://www.qfxsoftware.com/

SplanK

Having your IP address visible is not a security issue. An IP address is just a string of numbers such as 212.210.25.145. Its really just a telephone number for your computer on the internet! "Hiding" or spoofing it will cause you problems!!!

the best way to protect yourself against attacks on your bank account are:

Ensure you have a good anti-virus program. There are even free ones out there - something like AVG Antivirus. Do not bother with Norton AV - its cr*p!!!

Ensure you change your online passwords every couple month

Do not click on links in emails - esp ones in banking - if you think its legit - always navigate to the website yourself, do not use the link in the email

Do not enter your bank logon details into a website your not sure off... most banking websites these days as for PART of the password and pin not all of it these days.

If the web interface changes significantly or it starts asking odd questions - call your bank to see if the website has changed in anyway.

Have a good look at the URL on the website and any links - most of the time these are the big give away

Do not use wireless networking. Wireless networking broadcasts the data wirlessley and anybody within range can see what your doing. Thankfully your banking data will be encrypted so the chances are of somebody gaining access your bank account that way is VERY VERY VERY slim - but to help minimis "snooping" - use a wired connection to your router

superscaper

SplanK wrote: »

Wireless networking broadcasts the data wirlessley and anybody within range can see what your doing.

Only if the wireless connection is insecure and these days far fewer people are naive enough not to use WPA encryption with their wireless routers.

DigitalJedi

Splank is right on the money.

An IP address is just like your real world address. It would be like saying there's a security risk sending mail to the bank from my house.

Its also worth remembering that hacking like this is extremely rare and following the sensible precautions above you should be fine.

The only 100% safe way to protect against online hacking/fraud is not to use the computer online at all.

SplanK

superscaper wrote: »

Only if the wireless connection is insecure and these days far fewer people are naive enough not to use WPA encryption with their wireless routers.

sadly not.... if they are able to crack the WPA code then they can easily see whats going on...

chances are remote and most will just go and find a nice easy one to go and hack but (i worked for an IT support company....) we advise all of our clients with any PCs that are used for accounting of any kind always to use hardwired connections rather than wireless!

superscaper

SplanK wrote: »

sadly not.... if they are able to crack the WPA code then they can easily see whats going on...

chances are remote and most will just go and find a nice easy one to go and hack but (i worked for an IT support company....) we advise all of our clients with any PCs that are used for accounting of any kind always to use hardwired connections rather than wireless!

That'd sound almost plausible if it was WEP. But WPA-AES with a strong password??? I very much doubt would be hacked, certainly not in a time and effort that'd even make it worth it. Sounds like your IT support company were merely covering themselves with "blanket" advice. The people I know personally who've had money stolen/been defrauded etc were all subject to "real world" scams etc and not a single one was down to being "hacked" through their computing.

Using ethernet is always preferable for a variety of reasons but I think saying it must be wired for banking is really overly paranoid. And if you don't use an ethernet connection because of practical reasons then using a wireless connection for banking is certainly safe enough over the impracticality of then trying to go back to ethernet defeating the reason for going wireless anyway. So long as you're using your own access point and ensure that encryption is at least WPA-AES using a full random password I think that's plenty safe for anyone. And you're far more likely to be the victim of other methods such as phishing or someone going through your thrown out paperwork, or your house being broken into than properly setup wireless being hacked.

mistral_2

Another good program for download ptotection ishttp://phoenixlabs.org/pg2/

It blocks certain nasty people who are trying to find out what you are downloading

MC