How to hide my IP address?

[01s0uljah]

I have a suspiscion that someone may be trying to access my computer by somehow sniffing my packets while being sent out..

I know peerguardian hides IP addresses but i'm having problems using that on my Vista 64 bit..

Is there a free solution on hiding my IP from being sent out? Or masking it with a fake IP?

[Seiphas]

How is somebody trying to sniff your packets? If they're doing it locally, then chances are that switching IPs won't help you.

PeerGuardian doesn't hide IP addresses. It just prevents anyone with a certain address from contacting you, by blocking outbound communication with that person. It's like paying someone to burn your junk mail, before it even gets in your house.

Your choices are either a proxy server, or a VPN. A VPN prevents anyone from sniffing packets at any level. A proxy server only stops someone remotely sniffing your packets.

[dlhunter]

How can you hide IP address? Internet is a two way street... proxy is the only choice.

[gman]

How can you hide IP address? Internet is a two way street... proxy is the only choice.

That does not prevent what OP described.

[CheapScotsman]

Generically, if you prevent your IP from being sent out then any Internet resource trying to send you back data (like websites, etc) won't have anywhere to send it.

More details from the OP required

a) "somehow sniffing my packets while being sent out" ... why do you suspect that ???

realistically the only way somebody can be sniffing your packets is if you are on the same cable modem loop (and they have a hacked modem) or you are running unencrypted wireless. If you can show it for the 1st then contact your cable company; for the 2nd, enabled encryption

b) "someone may be trying to access my computer". How do you know ???

Put a firewall on your system and ban in the attacking IP trying to connect to you.

[torseller07]

Assuming what OP suspect is true, it looks like encryption is the way to go. Problem is, both ends need to use encryption for this to work and key management could be a hassle to some people.

The alternative hypothesis is, you have Spyware or other maliculous software on your PC / network, and they are the ones that are sending your data out.

[bubble.tea]

Usually...when someone starts sniffing my outgoing packets..I take the hint and have a shower :lol:.

[Gee]

How can you hide IP address? Internet is a two way street... proxy is the only choice.

GMan is right. A Proxy will not do anything if someone already knows your IP and is sniffing your packets.

You need to provide us more information

First of all, if you are behind a router, it is unlikely they are sniffing your internal network. Packets coming from your router will be tough to grab.

Your internet connection. Are you using DSL? If you are, all you need to do is reset your modem to get another IP address. Unfortunately, it will probably be in the same subnet so it will not be hard to find especially if you are using a wireless router and your SSID is being transmitted.

If you are on cable, then inplug your cable modem and plug it into your computer directly. The different MAC address will assign you a differnt IP. Then repeat and plug it back into your router.

Personally, I think you are a little paranoid. If someone really is sniffing your packets, they either have a lot of time on their hands or they know something about your network. (ie. It is somebody you know)

[bubble.tea]

.... Unfortunately, it will probably be in the same subnet so it will not be hard to find ...

How do you force it to a different subnet?...or more?

[01s0uljah]

GMan is right. A Proxy will not do anything if someone already knows your IP and is sniffing your packets.

You need to provide us more information

First of all, if you are behind a router, it is unlikely they are sniffing your internal network. Packets coming from your router will be tough to grab.

Your internet connection. Are you using DSL? If you are, all you need to do is reset your modem to get another IP address. Unfortunately, it will probably be in the same subnet so it will not be hard to find especially if you are using a wireless router and your SSID is being transmitted.

If you are on cable, then inplug your cable modem and plug it into your computer directly. The different MAC address will assign you a differnt IP. Then repeat and plug it back into your router.

Personally, I think you are a little paranoid. If someone really is sniffing your packets, they either have a lot of time on their hands or they know something about your network. (ie. It is somebody you know)


I do have a suspicion that it is someone i know.

I feel a little as if I shouldn't have posted since I am doing Cisco networking in school..

Thanks for the suggestions

[Gee]

How do you force it to a different subnet?...or more?

You can't move to a different subnet, this is assigned by your ISP.

Depending on where you are, if you are using 255.255.255.0, then you will be easy to find, there are only 255 possible IPs you can have.

Larger neighbourhoods may use 255.255.0.0 which would take a lot longer, but you will eventually be found.

However, I have to know what I am looking for. So unless you name your computer or router to something I would recogonize, there is really no chance of me finding you.

[[H]ackerK]

Check out Tor Network http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tor_(anonymity_network)

It may not be the best, but should be good enough for most people want to hide their IPs.

[Jon Lai]

I do have a suspicion that it is someone i know.

I feel a little as if I shouldn't have posted since I am doing Cisco networking in school..

Thanks for the suggestions

Why aren't you telling us more?

Why do I have a feeling this is one of your friends coming to tell you, "guess what? I read a book and it taught me how to hack! I'm going to sniff your packets now and know all the !@#$ sites you go to! Booya!"

[Super strokey]

A better question is why do you care if some one is?

[Kwirky]

Sounds like you need http://www.hotspotshield.com/