Someone in my neighborhood has a an unsecured wireless connection avaliable...

[ZowieHowie]

Hello Folks,

Basically, most of my neighborhood is on dialup (including myself). The other day, I was helping a friend install a wireless card that she was having issues with. So I eventually got the card working, and I showed her how to search for wireless connections in range. I couldn't believe it but the card actually found a wireless internet connection! The connection shows as "good" no matter where the laptop was taken in the house, so I'm not even really sure where the connection is coming from.

I'm not sure if there is "ettiquette" regarding wireless connections, but from what I hear, there is nothing wrong with using an unprotected network. Basically, use but dont abuse.....

But......what exactly does the fact that the network is unsecure mean? I was thinking that maybe it wouldn't be a good idea to log into sites that require passwords (banking, e-mail, etc.) Is there anything to worry about, and if so, how can one protect themselves (and their computer) when using an "unsecure" connection.

 

[spidey07]

Unsecure just means it is wide open without any encryption on the wireless network. Everything is being sent in the clear for all others to see.

etiquette of using such a connection? Whole nutter can of worms. I can however tell you that with any knowledge whatsoever attaching to that network essentially means you are wide open to anybody getting to your stuff.

It's common however. wide open access points everywhere. Use them at your own risk. I won't.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: ZowieHowieI'm not sure if there is "ettiquette" regarding wireless connections, but from what I hear, there is nothing wrong with using an unprotected network. Basically, use but dont abuse...

Hmm, Not true, No matter what it is an invasion on some one else "Property/Privacy".

Depending on the local laws, it might be illegal too.

:sun:

 

[c3p0]

Hey Zowie,

I think most people agree that it's not a good idea to log in to someone?s network even if it is unsecured. The common analogy is it's like walking in to someone?s house just because they didn't lock the door.

I'm not sure where I stand on this issue, but I just don't do it...legal or not!!

c3p0
:beer:

 

[JackMDS]

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/acc...c=Wi-Fi+cloaks+a+new+breed+of+intruder

:sun:

 

[ZowieHowie]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sptimes/acc...c=Wi-Fi+cloaks+a+new+breed+of+intruder

:sun:

Interesting article. Guess in FL it is not allowed.

 

[ITPaladin]

Yes. Laws can vary by country. In the US, it can vary by state / county / city.

My teacher recently talked about this (we are on WIFI chapter in security class).

He said it is a touchy grey area. It is like you can get on the network but as soon as you look into the person's own data / computer, then it is illegal.

 

[InlineFive]

I would rather not connect to such a network because for all you know they might be logging all of your activity.

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: InlineFive
I would rather not connect to such a network because for all you know they might be logging all of your activity.

Hehehe... I leave mine wide open for this reason. I want to see if my neighbors will do it and what websites they access. I am not concerned about security for my home PC as I have nothing to hide/lose/steal. So far no one has taken the bait... Dang it! One thing that is a complete stupid noob thing is to not change your username and password to the router. Just to see if I can, I always log into routers and try the default passwords... You would be absolutely surprised to find out how many just leave the default username and passwords. Pretty sad... I never destroy anything or change anything, but I do snoop from time to time. It really has nothing to do with me wanting to take anything, but just to see how stupid some network admins are. For the love of God, please change the password to log into the router! Mr. (or Mrs.) Admin

 

[wexsmith]

Originally posted by: ZowieHowie
I'm not sure if there is "ettiquette" regarding wireless connections, but from what I hear, there is nothing wrong with using an unprotected network. Basically, use but dont abuse.....

Tapping someone elses utilities, secure or not, is generally illegal. Be it water, phone, electricity or internet. While in many cases it does fall into a gray area, it's just smart to not do it in the first place.

 

[ktwebb]

"I would rather not connect to such a network because for all you know they might be logging all of your activity."

Or have a nasty honepot setup for the leeches that are too cheap to pay for their own internet connection. I think I got the idea from someone in here. ScottMac or Spidey maybe? I have a WPA enabled WLAN for myself and a wide open AP attached to a server with trojans, worms, viruses etc... My approach is "Come on in you f'ers, please."

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: ktwebb
Or have a nasty honepot setup for the leeches that are too cheap to pay for their own internet connection. I think I got the idea from someone in here. ScottMac or Spidey maybe? I have a WPA enabled WLAN for myself and a wide open AP attached to a server with trojans, worms, viruses etc... My approach is "Come on in you f'ers, please."

Although I found this hilarious, at the same time I find it pretty wicked too! Well, whatever... pretty funny though

 

[ktwebb]

They deserve worse IMO. Just trying to do my part. Not to hard to tell what I think of wireless LAN bandwidth theft and those that actively participate.

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: ktwebb
They deserve worse IMO. Just trying to do my part. Not to hard to tell what I think of wireless LAN bandwidth theft and those that actively participate.

Well, it can be argued that you shoudn't be broadcasting the SSID... I am not a wireless genius, but I don't think you can easily join a network when the SSID isn't broadcasted.

 

[ktwebb]

Disabling SSID broadcast is actually a fairly feeble security measure. To someone who has the means and knowledge it is little more than a bump in the road and will generally cause more bad than good.

Securing your WLAN should be done by all. Unfortunately it isn't alot of the times. By no means does that justify anything other than calling the guy/girl ignorant.

 

[Kibbo86]

Originally posted by: ktwebb
They deserve worse IMO. Just trying to do my part. Not to hard to tell what I think of wireless LAN bandwidth theft and those that actively participate.

Did you ever pause to think about what happens when that crap gets into the wild? You may be hurting more people than you intend.

 

[ktwebb]

Considered but in the end a non factor. For various reasons the threat to anyone past the people who are stealing bandwidth is minimal at best. Virtually non existent. You bring up a good point but it's designed to attack the mf'rs associated to the AP. Even if it wasn't I could justify it in my mind but it is so it's a non issue.

 

[furballi]

1st Scumbag steals bandwidth. 2nd Scumbag infects the 1st Scumbag's PC to spread malware over the internet. The 2nd Scumbag is the most evil of creature and should be terminated with extreme prejudice!

 

[ktwebb]

So I take it your in the first group eh Maynerd? heh heh.