How Do I Circumvent my Macbook from being Monitored in Home Network?

[Silverlinin]

Hi guys, I'm not a tech person and wanted to ask for your help.

Is it possible for the internet network admin to spy on computers connected to the network? Such as websites visited or using Pages or MS Word? p.s. the network admin is a Windows user.

I feel like my brother can spy on computers connected to the home network. He pays for the internet, does the tech stuff of connecting modem and router, provides the password for computers connected in our family home. I'm using a Macbook however, and am connected via Wi-Fi.

He's a "computer wizard", and wondering I'm if he is able to spy on a macbook and websites visited let alone computers connected to the network, and whether there is a way to circumvent this. He's a Windows user.

 

[thats all folks]

you seem to be worried about something.

if your home network is set up with an appropriately capable router/gateway/network sniffer, your brother can easily track and log your internet activity. at the least, which pages you visit. and depending on those sites, their security measures (SSL...) and and type of interactions you take on them, he may or may not be able to see what you are doing/collect data.

as to your computer itself, it is possible for him to monitor or get into your computer, either over the home network or
directly by getting his hands on it. most easily through built in features such as Screen Sharing and File Sharing or just having your password. other more insidious methods also exist, if your brother is truly motivated.

If you have good reason to believe your brother is spying on you or messing with your stuff, you have some defense. for the internet, an encrypted VPN service would be a good start. for your computer, reset all your passwords (do that for everything). and educate yourself about all the features that should be turned on or off (such as the above mentioned File Sharing). look into Apple built in security, FileVault, Firewall, ... you can protect yourself but it will really only work if you understand the tools you have and how to use them. I am advising caution on your part as taking action without understanding what you are doing could create more problems than solutions (such as permanently locking yourself out of your own computer). and as always, before you start messing with your computer, backups.

 

[0007776]

He pays for the internet

If you want to be sure pay for your own internet and keep access to yourself.

 

[Silverlinin]

you seem to be worried about something.

if your home network is set up with an appropriately capable router/gateway/network sniffer, your brother can easily track and log your internet activity. at the least, which pages you visit. and depending on those sites, their security measures (SSL...) and and type of interactions you take on them, he may or may not be able to see what you are doing/collect data.

as to your computer itself, it is possible for him to monitor or get into your computer, either over the home network or
directly by getting his hands on it. most easily through built in features such as Screen Sharing and File Sharing or just having your password. other more insidious methods also exist, if your brother is truly motivated.

If you have good reason to believe your brother is spying on you or messing with your stuff, you have some defense. for the internet, an encrypted VPN service would be a good start. for your computer, reset all your passwords (do that for everything). and educate yourself about all the features that should be turned on or off (such as the above mentioned File Sharing). look into Apple built in security, FileVault, Firewall, ... you can protect yourself but it will really only work if you understand the tools you have and how to use them. I am advising caution on your part as taking action without understanding what you are doing could create more problems than solutions (such as permanently locking yourself out of your own computer). and as always, before you start messing with your computer, backups.

Thank you very much!

I'm not sure how of an expert my brother is. He doesn't have a degree, but he has more knowledge about the net, configuration and stuff like that. What you are saying, could he be reading this thread? or google searches on how to avoid be spied on...?

Looks like vpn is the best way. Could I just use google chrome's extension "Unlimited Free VPN - Hola"?

This only password I have for my computer is the login though. And I don't use any file sharing so I could just uncheck everything and have firewall turned on? I always have my room locked whenever I leave the house so he couldn't access it. But could he remotely access it even if his comp is a Windows?

My brother is ridiculously annoying with his habit of snooping around other people's business. He installed a surveillance in the hallway when he's not even in charge of the house, listens to conversation over the phone that's between me and my friends. Me and my littler brother just want some freedom and vpn sounds good.

 

[campyguy]

Looks like vpn is the best way. Could I just use google chrome's extension "Unlimited Free VPN - Hola"?

I'm not much help on matters other than an easy, accessible VPN option that you can get at now - the newer versions of the Opera Browser have a VPN option built in:
http://www.opera.com/blogs/desktop/2016/04/free-vpn-integrated-opera-for-windows-mac/

Opera bought SurfEasy sometime last year, so you can do a bit of research into that company, which is still in operation AFAIK. Good luck...

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

There is way more going on here than a VPN can fix.

Your family needs to have a frank discussion on privacy.

 

[ssmed]

Is it possible for the internet network admin to spy on computers connected to the network? Such as websites visited or using Pages or MS Word? p.s. the network admin is a Windows user.

Of course it is possible. Are you worried about the casual look, don't trust your brother, or are you up to something? Anyway, I agree with Mr_Brightside_@ you need to have a family conversation or behave yourself.

 

[Silverlinin]

I'm not much help on matters other than an easy, accessible VPN option that you can get at now - the newer versions of the Opera Browser have a VPN option built in:
http://www.opera.com/blogs/desktop/2016/04/free-vpn-integrated-opera-for-windows-mac/

Opera bought SurfEasy sometime last year, so you can do a bit of research into that company, which is still in operation AFAIK. Good luck...

Thanks! hopefully this works.

Your family needs to have a frank discussion on privacy.

Of course it is possible. Are you worried about the casual look, don't trust your brother, or are you up to something? Anyway, I agree with Mr_Brightside_@ you need to have a family conversation or behave yourself.

I had a between the brother with my younger. I don't know what I can say about vpn, but I talked about the surveilance he installed. I said I feel like I don't have the privacy, you're gonna know if I have my friends coming. His excuse was "what if intruders come in?" It's annoying cause he can watch 24/7. I don't think he heard the message. I should've had a proper conversation. It's hard talking with him. I