My parents are totally computer illiterate, but I still use private browsing and I go into console and delete all indications I was on here, etc. But I was wondering--is it possible for a modem to track a certain device's history, even if the device itself doesn't? Because my parents have some friends who might be able to do that. Also, one time I left my computer open briefly at school, and someone searched for porn on Google. Would any administrator at school be able to find that?
I know that Internet at my school is monitored because we have to log in through custom school servers. Modem, I'd say maybe (not really sure), but I know mine doesn't. It does log with people sign on to the router and when it reboots etc. More of a service log than an Internet browser history.
Modems, no. Routers, yes. Most routers, even small wireless ones, have logging capabilities and can track web traffic (IP it's going to, specific page requested, etc.) And yes, it would be possible to track a porn search request through a school network if the network is well run and managed. If you're really concerned, you can get the Tor client and run it on your computer. (it's free.) It's essentially an anonymous proxy that receives your page requests and forwards them to the site, and then delivers the page back to you, so neither the receiving server nor your local network know what request was made. It will slow down your browsing, but everything sent to the Tor client is encrypted, so someone will be able to tell you're accessing Tor, but not what you're accessing *through* Tor.
Some routers can keep logs of the source/destination that you are accessing, however most don't. The ones that can usually have it turned off by default and you have to go in and turn it on. Someone searching for 'porn' in Google on a school network - it would depend on what sort of filters and monitoring they have on their network. However I doubt any Google search would trip any; going to one of the sites afterwards would be more likely to.
It's logged as IP addresses in the log files, someone has wayyyy too much time on their hands if they're going to go look into each logged entry and see what it came from. The majority of routers lose the logs after they are power cycled anyway. As for the school network, most of the time they're not going to do anything unless it's something that happens a lot. Many sites are blocked for "pornography" and you're not the only one who has searched for it, trust me. :dry:
Yes, a school administrator could talk to their network staff to get that information. That is, if and only if the network staff is competent enough to know what they are doing and to have set up monitoring in advance. Always lock your workstation when you get up. That way, you can't be held responsible for what other people are doing on the system. I wouldn't worry about it too much though, to be honest. If the searches are repeated, they might be inclined to look at it.
Even easier, your ISP keeps all of your browsing data. All you have to do is ask them for the information, and they'll gladly provide it. The simple fact is, there's always a way to track someone, if you're dedicated enough.
Chip, you are aware that the Tor network is notorious for being one of the darkest places on the internet right? I would not recommend going on Tor whatsoever due to it's obscene amount of illegal activities.. Yes, routers have the ability to log Internet Traffic. That's essentially how ISPs can tell if you're using your computer to pirate movies, games, etc and toggle your speeds or in some cases completely cut off your connection. Most companies don't really care about what you go on or download etc. But if you're worried about people finding out what websites you have been to, I'd recommend PeerBlocker. It essentially masks all the IPs that your router comes into contact with and blocks unwanted IPs completely. But be warned, when you have it running, things such as Steam, and online servers wont be able to be connected to because they are considered business IPs.
