Tim_K wrote:I see we've got a few people here who are real tightasses about the whole wireless security thing.
Actually my intent wasn't to come off as a "tight ass" about this.
I was trying to make a point here! If someone comes to your house and sees no one around and your door is open is it ok if they just stroll through? Assuming they take nothing, do no damage, or bother anyone did they commit a crime?
Answer is of course they did! It's called trespassing people geez.
Tim_K wrote:Yes, TECHNICALLY you shouldn't access someone else's network without permission.
No "TECHNICALLY" it's breaking the law period! The judge seemed pretty clear on this.
Tim_K wrote:But most people don't seem to care.
I bet after a few more of these people land in jail. People will begin to see it for what it is, theft.
Tim_K wrote:I've driven around in my area, through several housing developments and small towns with a laptop, a quality Orinoco wireless card (no external antenna, although it has the connector for one), and Network Stumbler 0.4.0 running . Of all the connections I found, fully 2/3 to 3/4 of them are NOT secured!
There is nothing wrong with looking. It's what you do with the information that may or may not land your ass in jail.
Tim_K wrote:I have no need to try and access the Internet over those connections, I have high speed cable at home.
Probably a good plan unless you would like a new room mate named Bubba.
Tim_K wrote:I advertise in my local area for home computer repairs. I don't get many calls, but some now and then for a little extra cash. Sometimes the people whose computer I'm working on speak about getting a wireless network in their house. I tell them to make sure they turn the WEP security on. They smile, say "Why, so people can't get on my connection from next door or the street"? and then they just blow the whole thing off. It's not a big deal to most people, or they're just too stupid to care.
Or they have a situation like mine where the stuff won't connect with encryption on. I still use MAC address filtering to provide some security. Not that it would stop a determined hacker.
Tim_K wrote:If you all really want to see some good arguments on this subject, head over to netstumbler.com . The admins over there LOVE to tear people new assholes whenever this subject comes up. They're a REAL bunch of tightasses who take it very personally, too. Idiots.
It seems to me if someone is stealing from me it would be reasonable to be a "tight ass" about it.
Tim_K wrote:More and more places are offering public access wireless, so I think that in MOST cases, the thing to do is just chill out and relax about the whole subject. If the owner didn't secure it, enjoy the free access!
Yup and if your not so lucky you can enjoy the free all expense paid holiday at your local jail too. Hell they will even arrange your next date for you too. Even Bubba likes to get lucky too you know!
Billl