What happens if someone claims "they can steal your IP address?"?

Question

Just wondering if this was possible with hackers out there. If they can get an IP address what exactly can they do? Are they able to get into your computer, see your files, and all that? I was threatened by someone that they "can and will" steal my IP address, and can kick me offline and what not. Is this really possible?

Answer 1

This is a serious threat. Be sure that your firewall is up and running. Download an additional firewall on you PC, you can use ZoneAlarm. If you don't have any firewall, then they might get in to your PC and control it when they have your IP address. Additionally, if you are using a router, make sure that all protection against hackers are  set active on your router.

Additionally, you can search for an IP hide software on Google. Use it so the next time you surf or chat, you'll be more protected.

Answer 2

I think someone is just trying to intimidate you.  Firstly,

it doesn't really matter who knows which Internet Provider you are using.  That can't get them any information about you.  

  When you sign on with an I.P., you will make up a

password.  Keep this confidential from everyone.

It's this password that can get other people your personal information.

  But even then, if you suspect someone has your password, all you have to do is change it.  You also

have your secret question.  Never tell the answer to that

to anyone but your I.P. when they ask.

Answer 3

No they are just trying to scare ya.

Edit* Anyone who tells you that you should worry is just some 12 year old without a clue. It kinda works like this....

Your network card has an physical address, it connects to your internet service provider & is given an IP address. This is the IP address that everyone sees. Now your provider (say SBC DSL or Comcast) has some top of the line computer people working for them & dont take it nice when somebody tries to hack them (it is not your IP they threaten to steal it is your providers) so relax it is almost impossbile unless it is the NSA or something like that trying to get it.

Answer 4

Not really, traffic destined for your IP address is routed by devices called routers. The traffic is routed in accordance with the routing rules that are programmed into them. The individual would need to control a significant portion of them to even have a hope of succeeding, but it is unlikely that he controls even one of them. If the hacker works at your ISP however, then he could reasonably easily accomplish this. They would only need to reconfigure the router that you most directly connect to.

So, whilst I could allocate your IP address to my internet connection with relative ease, any replies to requests I generate (such as retrieving a web page) would be routed to you and I would get nothing. In fact, I would be less able to cause you grief using your IP address than my own!

As for your files etc, (malware and virus infections notwithstanding) the Windows XP SP2 firewall (in it's default configuration) provides adequate protection.