The new forums will be named Coin Return (based on the most recent vote)! You can check on the status and timeline of the transition to the new forums here.
The Guiding Principles and New Rules document is now in effect.
Unsecured wireless networks.
SniperGuy
SniperGuyGamingRegistered User regular
SniperGuyGamingRegistered User regular
Can we leech? As long as you aren't accessing the other PCs on the network, if you see a network in a public place that has no security, are you within your right to go for it?
Lets discuss here, instead of the iPhone thread. Go.
Lets discuss here, instead of the iPhone thread. Go.
SniperGuy on
0
Posts
Edit - Noticed the 'public place'... well what defines a public place? I'm in NYC a lot, so pretty much anyplace that could be considered 'public' could be in range of someone home network.
I am a freaking nerd.
Switch - SW-3699-5063-5018
Limed and QFT.
There are a few counties/cities/towns with it being illegal, but I really don't know how well it would hold up if they ever tested it. You are broadcasting a low level RF signal, and much like your trash put out to the road it is in most places public property.
It's more secure then a basic password. I don't recall ever hearing that encryption can negatively effect network performance.
MAC addresses can be spoofed so easily, this is pretty much the same as not securing your network at all.
Hell my, Linksys has a button on the front of it that if pressed, it automatically configures to WPA encryption.
And would require someone to know my device's MAC Address.
I'd like to point out that this is true. It's much easier to spoof a MAC address then it is to crack the encryption. Personally I use both.
This only works if they are in the car as well. You aren't taking their internet from them, you are sharing it without permission.
How would you go about enabling MAC address filtering?
Log into your router and go to the security tab. The login will be slightly different from brand to brand. Just google it.
Illegal acts are still illegal when they are acomplished by taking advange of the victim's stupidity.
When I got my wireless router a couple of months ago, I forgot to do this since I was in a rush to go somewhere. Got back literally 30 minutes later and about 4 people in my vicinity had already used my connection, ranging from simple net browsing to what looked like hardcore kind of stuff.
Worst thing was that I knew all of the people who had used my connection since I was the one who set up their computers and in some cases built them.
I'm pretty sure it's illegal and I know there have been cases involving the matter.
There should be a menu on your router that lists the MAC addresses allowed to access your network.
I disagree with this. It's more like leaving a table of candy out by the road. Or in a park that you live near. With no message or anything. Just a table with a bowl of candy on it.
I think, actually, that if the case were to come up, precident would be more akin to power or cable lines.
These lines go outside of your home, but that doesn't mean that it's legal for others to tap into them.
Garbage is different because, by putting it out, you are declaring that you are giving up ownership of it.
FYI, don't eat that candy.
Most likely this is how the courts would see it, but it is an RF signal over the public spectrum. The grey area as it is right now has no legal protection (in most places) for this signal, even though the real "theft" as it is is the bandwidth.
Basically, I am agreeing with everyone else in saying that its not something one should do. It isn't illegal (yet) in a lot of places, but it probably will be.
Oh, and for the record, my network is completely open. I am surrround on all sides by an acre of dense forest. Anyone who needs a little bandwidth in the woods and can get a signal, more power to them. :P
This, while true, holds no meaning in the eyes of the law. Not knowing whether or not something is illegal is no defense.
I've been meaning to talk to you about that. You should find yourself a safehouse or a relative close by. Lay low for a while.
Dammit, how I am going to make Natural Selection apply to people now!
I am a freaking nerd.
They'll never take me alive!
Bear traps and "Free Beer" signs.
I always think this as well. Some people just make it too easy.
Yes, but all they would have to do is hard reset the router. Big woop. Now if you have physical control over it, and use it to have some fun with your family members...
How does one go about figuring out what random people connecting to your network are using your connection for?
You can pretty much assume they're using it for porn.
If the mouthbreather can't secure his network or change the damned default password, there's no way in hell he can find the reset button.
Which, on a wifi network, is very easy to get.