What is captive portal login?

[AC Question]

Version 7.00551410

 

[Javier P]

A captive portal is a Web page that some networks use to block access until the user performs some specific action. Most times it's just to show the terms of use or for the user to input his login information.

 

[Jenjen1377]

A captive portal is a Web page that some networks use to block access until the user performs some specific action. Most times it's just to show the terms of use or for the user to input his login information.

You said most times... can you elaborate?

 

[ManiacJoe]

A common example:
You connect to the wifi at a Starbucks café. You use your web browser to go to your favorite news site. Instead of going there, you are redirected to the Starbucks page asking you to agree to their wifi terms of service.

If your real-life use is not similar to that, a screen shot and an explanation of the site might be helpful.

 

[Mooncatt]

You said most times... can you elaborate?

I've seen some where they have you view an advertisement or watch a commercial before giving you internet access.

 

[Overthinker7]

Could it be possible that a spouse could have web server and every time you do anything on the net it takes you to yhetr server to collect what your doing and monitor and track you?

 

[hallux]

Could it be possible that a spouse could have web server and every time you do anything on the net it takes you to yhetr server to collect what your doing and monitor and track you?

That's quite the overthinking. If it was on a home connection I suppose it's possible but there's no need for a captive portal login for that. However - a captive portal in the context of a shared network in a public place this would not be the case.

 

[ashleedawg]

Could it be possible...?

I, too, was unsure of the "CaptivePortalLogin" system app when I saw it running on my phone, but when I typed "captive portal" in my browser's address bar it listed a website I was at recently (in my case "Easyhome Captive Portal") which reminded me that I had used the free wifi at Easyhome Furniture which indeed had a captive portal "do you agree to the terms of our free wifi" page.

There would be far easier ways for a nosy person to monitor what you're doing on your device, including hidden apps that might be installed.

I had a friend who was concerned about her abusive spouse monitoring her. I initially dismissed her concerns but it turned out she was right (which I learned when the jackass called me from a spoofed phone number -- another app that was surprisingly easy to find/use -- which I confirmed by called him back spoofing the local police phone number, telling him his hacking activities are being monitored... Worked like a charm; he promptly left town!)

If you're concerned about that I'd suggest:
- factory reset your phone,
- create and use a new Google account (don't use the old one as backup email!),
- don't restore your device from a backup,
- pick a new screen lock code or use fingerprint recognition if possible,
- set the screen to lock quickly when you're not using it (sleeping/bathroom/etc)
- stop giving out your passwords and lock codes to ANYONE, EVER, and most importantly,
- find a new spouse (or better yet, stay single for a while and ask yourself why you jump into relationships with untrustworthy people.)

 

[B. Diddy]

Please understand that CaptivePortalLogin is NOT, repeat, NOT malware/spyware/evidence of being hacked. It is a system app that is used when you connect to a public wi-fi network requiring some kind of login screen. Period. No need to speculate any further on whether or not this system app means something or someone is up to no good. Thread closed, since we don't need any more FUD, thanks.