Wifi internet history

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
P

ParadisePat

Commendable
Jan 28, 2017
2
0
1,510
I understand that those who provide wifi, such as a workplace can see what has been searched on their network. However, I was wondering something else. Let's say an individual uses a device from home to surf the web, then disconnects and goes to work or a public place with wifi and connects. Would this previous history be available to anyone who may be in charge of networking, or is it only the things directly searched through the network?
 
Solution
COLGeek

You have very little to be concerned about.

Technically...
Sort by date Sort by votes
COLGeek

COLGeek

Cybernaut
Moderator
Apr 6, 2009
54,581
3,538
179,340
Anybody who can connect to your computer, through any network, can technically look at your browsing history. Is this a school or work computer? If so, your sysadmin/net security folks may indeed be scanning your system for history. What is your concern?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
P

Pooneil

Honorable
Apr 15, 2013
1,222
0
11,960
Your browser history is tied to the browser or more specifically to your browser account login that may store the history and bring your browser history along with it, along with any add-ons, if you log on from another computer. If the browser leave traces behind, those may be available for searching by the owner of the hardware.

But more specifically to your question, transmissions from the browser to its online account should occur over HTTPS, which prevents the network from seeing the content of the transmitted data. On a Windows computer, as long as you tell it the wifi is a public connection, it's unlikely that the network operator could get anywhere near the browsing history without physical access to the device. Most typical mobile devices assume a public network connections by default.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
P

Pooneil

Honorable
Apr 15, 2013
1,222
0
11,960


Is this true when the wifi connection is set to public? I thought otherwise and don't want to mislead the OP..
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
COLGeek

COLGeek

Cybernaut
Moderator
Apr 6, 2009
54,581
3,538
179,340

Note my answer, anyone who can connect to your computer can access your browser history. That is true, is not misleading, and not meant to cause undue alarm. If they can access your computer and your account, they can see what browser history info is available, just like they can see what applications you have installed, your saved files, etc.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
P

ParadisePat

Commendable
Jan 28, 2017
2
0
1,510


Basically I borrowed a tablet from a friend. I connected to the wifi network for a split second, then disconnected to double check it was safe to do so. He had been watching various street fight videos a week before on his own wifi but has bought a new tablet since (thus why he let me borrow it). Generally this doesn't bother me, but in this particular place I wouldn't want this to be associated with my character.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
P

Pooneil

Honorable
Apr 15, 2013
1,222
0
11,960
Thanks, COLGeek for the explanation. I think we were on opposite sides of the connection there, so to speak. Network security is always a tricky issue and I don't want to lead anyone astray if I am incorrect in my understanding.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
COLGeek

COLGeek

Cybernaut
Moderator
Apr 6, 2009
54,581
3,538
179,340

You have very little to be concerned about.

Technically, a relationship could be made between any device (via MAC address) and the router it connected to. Unless there was a reason to look, the likelihood of anyone looking is near nil. Secondary to the network connection relationship, your device may have your viewing in its browser history.

Clear your history. Curiosity isn't a crime, unless you cross certain boundaries or it becomes a habit.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom