TL;DR
Yes, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can likely identify you across different Wi-Fi access points connected to their network. However, it’s not always easy for them or others to link that back to *you* specifically without additional information. Using a VPN is the most effective way to prevent this.
Understanding How ISPs Track You
Your ISP controls your internet connection and assigns you an IP address. This IP address is like your home address on the internet. When you connect to any Wi-Fi access point using their service, they see that IP address. Here’s a breakdown:
Steps to Understand Your Tracking Risk
- Public Wi-Fi and Your ISP: Even when using public Wi-Fi (like in a coffee shop), your traffic often goes through your ISP’s network at some point. They can see you’re connecting, even if they don’t know exactly *what* you’re doing on that Wi-Fi.
- MAC Address: Your devices have unique MAC addresses (Media Access Control address). While ISPs are legally restricted from tracking these directly for marketing purposes in many regions, it’s technically possible and sometimes happens. They can see which device connected to their network at a specific time.
- IP Address Changes: Your IP address isn’t static. It changes periodically (dynamic IP). This makes long-term tracking harder but doesn’t eliminate it.
How ISPs Can Identify You
ISPs can combine several pieces of information to identify you:
- Account Information: Your name, address, and contact details are linked to your IP address.
- Connection Logs: They keep records of when you connect and disconnect from their network.
- Traffic Analysis: While they can’t see the content of encrypted traffic (like HTTPS websites), they can see *where* you’re going on the internet (the domain names).
Steps to Protect Your Privacy
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): This is the most effective method. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location, masking your IP address from your ISP.
- Choosing a VPN: Look for reputable providers with strong privacy policies (no logging).
- Connecting to a VPN: Most VPNs have easy-to-use apps for computers and mobile devices. Once connected, all your internet traffic goes through the VPN server.
- Use HTTPS Everywhere: Ensure websites you visit use HTTPS (look for the padlock icon in your browser). This encrypts the data between your device and the website, preventing your ISP from seeing its content. Most modern browsers automatically prefer secure connections.
- Disable Wi-Fi Scanning: Some devices constantly scan for available Wi-Fi networks, even when not connected. Disable this feature to reduce tracking opportunities. The method varies depending on your operating system.
- Windows: Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Change advanced Wi-Fi options > Turn off ‘Scan for networks even when disconnected’.
- macOS: System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced > Uncheck ‘Remember networks this computer has joined’.
- Use a Privacy-Focused Browser: Browsers like Brave or Firefox Focus offer built-in privacy features, such as blocking trackers and cookies.
- Consider Tor (Advanced): The Tor network provides anonymity by routing your traffic through multiple relays. However, it’s significantly slower than a VPN and not suitable for everyday browsing.
Checking Your IP Address
You can check your current public IP address using websites like:
- WhatIsMyIP: https://www.whatismyip.com/
- IPLocation: https://www.iplocation.net/
Compare your IP address before and after connecting to a VPN to see if it has changed.