Why Does SETI keeping detailed computer information including IP address

Questions and Answers : Wish list : Why Does SETI keeping detailed computer information including IP address
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Skybolt

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Message 12908 - Posted: 28 Jul 2004, 0:50:14 UTC

I recently switched over fron SETI Classic to SETI BOINC.
I discontinued using SETI BOINC after viewing the detailed information about my computers and network that is kept at SETI - is this accessable to other visitors? Can they access your network if they got access to the information?


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John McLeod VII
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Message 12931 - Posted: 28 Jul 2004, 1:45:11 UTC

> I recently switched over fron SETI Classic to SETI BOINC.
> I discontinued using SETI BOINC after viewing the detailed information about > my computers and network that is kept at SETI - is this accessable to other
> visitors? Can they access your network if they got access to the information?

The IP address is not visible to anyone that does not have the account key. Since it is stored on a networked computer, there is a possibility that a determined hacker could get it.

However, in most cases it won't do anything to help the hacker get into your network. NAT addressed computers, which are the vast majority, cannot be addressed from the internet. In the case where the computer has an internet addressable IP address, that IP address is already known to the hacker community, so it is not giving out any information. Your equipment that has an internet addressable IP address should also have a firewall there to protect it and the rest of the network.

All in all, this should not significantly increase your risk of a hacker attack.

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Jon Kennedy

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Message 12934 - Posted: 28 Jul 2004, 1:55:53 UTC

The information on your computers and network is only available to other SETI BOINC visitors if you allow it. This is controlled via your references settings at http://setiweb.ssl.berkeley.edu Click on the "Your account" link there and then under "Preferences", click the link "View/Edit" besides SETI@home. Then click the "Edit SETI@home preferences", and change the "Should SETI@home show your computers on its web site?" to "no", then click the "Update preferences" button at the bottom. That way, only you will be able to view the information in question.

Yes, the information, publically displayed, *could* be useful in an attack on your particular systems - if they are not properly protected, such as being behind a firewall, an active up-to-date antivirus program running and with your software up-to-date. This would be something that you would do, or should do, in any situation, whether this information is available here or not.

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Heffed
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Message 13019 - Posted: 28 Jul 2004, 8:23:40 UTC

Jon, read John's answer, as it is correct.

Not all of the computer info is public. Such as your IP. The info that is public is of no use to anyone wanting to hack your system.

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Gareth Lock

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Message 14424 - Posted: 7 Aug 2004, 0:08:13 UTC

Although you can see your IP address when logged on, ONLY you are able to view it. If you go to a random user and view their computer info their IP is NOT displayed. Likewise if someone else was able to view your computer info your IP would be hidden.

The only way someone else is able to view your IP would be to view your stats from your system. If they could do that they could get the same info from something like IPCONFIG without going through all that sh**!!!
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Questions and Answers : Wish list : Why Does SETI keeping detailed computer information including IP address


 
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