ISP Tracing to a physical address

goblueFAN

Is it possible obtain the name and physical address of an IP address?

My dilemma is that I met a person on the net and corresponded with him via email and IM MSN. We just chatted as people getting to know each other. Casual conversation and nothing else. However, this person misinterpreted my intentions. Now he sending emails saying he can find me.

Is this true? I was advised by a friend that anyone can go to an investigation company (such as www.abika.com) and find this info out. I am concerned for my safety, any info would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks,
GOBLUEFAN

lemonlime

Pretty much the most he can do with your IP address is determine which ISP you are registered with. There is no way he could obtain any personal information, unless he somehow got that from your ISP directly. ISPs do not give out personal information, unless ordered by law enforcement or a court order as far as I know.

If you are talking about a physical address such as a 'MAC' address, it is possible to get a MAC if you know the associated IP using ARP (Address Resolution Protocol). But the person in question can not do much with a MAC address. MAC addresses can be cloned or changed depending on your network card, however this is not really recommended if you connect directly to the internet. If you have a broadband router, you would have to clone/change the MAC on your router, as this is the address visible to the internet.

If you are concerned about your privacy, you could request a new IP address from your ISP, if it is statically assigned. Many broadband providers use 'Dynamic' addressing, which means your IP address will change occasionally. I would contact your ISP, as you can get more information from them.

When someone knows your IP address, they could potentially launch denial of service attacks towards you, or attempt to 'hack' your PC, using exploits or open ports. If you are using a broadband router, it would be wise to ensure your firewall is turned on. For more information on this, refer to your router's manual.

If you had a website or domain name registered, that is a little different, as there is some additional information associated with domain name registrations.

I'm sure a lot of it is just scare-tactics, but do what you can to protect yourself just in case. Many ISPs have a pretty specific 'acceptable use policies', and you may be able to report him if he continues to threaten you.

Good luck

goblueFAN

Thanks so much for the info. I feel a lot better now. I was just concerned because I was advised that online investigative companies can find this info out for a small fee.


Thanks again,
GOBLUEfan

kryyst

With an IP you can narrow down to a limited geographical location where it's originating from. You can tell more then just who the ISP. Depending on how big your ISP is the accuracy varies but you can basically narrow it down to a city. You can't narrow it down to an address.

If you want to see what type of info he can get from your IP go to this site.

http://www.geobytes.com/IpLocator.htm?GetLocation

Now on a more personal note

My dilemma is that I met a person on the net and corresponded with him via email and IM MSN.

Don't be stupid. The internet is not necessarily safe, the internet is not like meeting a new person in the lunch room, the internet is basically filled with weirdo's and nut jobs. Regardless of how nice anyone *may* seem don't assume that they are. Yes this is an overly negative and paranoid statement. But it's the only safe statement to make.

primesuspect

Thread is almost three years old. A spammer bumped it with links to some crap.

kryyst

hahah I didn't even check the dates. Funny stuff.

Either way still valid information.