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Wi-Fi Piggybacking Widespread

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the five-finger-discounts dept.

BaCa sent in this article about stealing network access that opens, "Sophos has revealed new research into the use of other people's Wi-Fi networks to piggyback onto the internet without payment. The research shows that 54 percent of computer users have admitted breaking the law, by using someone else's wireless internet access without permission." Of course, online polls being what they are, the results are hardly a plank for a full investigation, but a good share of the answerers did 'fess up to it as well.

4 of 459 comments (clear)

  1. I agree its wrong by Lord+Byron+II · · Score: 4, Interesting

    but how is it illegal?

    1. Re:I agree its wrong by betterunixthanunix · · Score: 4, Interesting

      I don't agree that it is necessarily wrong, as long as it doesn't disrupt the service of the person who owns the Internet connection. What harm is done by me piggybacking on a neighbor's wifi connection at 2AM while they sleep, to check some email? As long as I don't mask crimes by it or interrupt the neighbor's ability to use their equipment, I fail to see what harm is done, and therefore, what is wrong with it.

      --
      Palm trees and 8
  2. Re:Stealing? Or Sharing? by Joe+Tie. · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Seriously. I leave mine open. If I see someone abusing the privilege I'll kick them off, but if someone wants to check google maps real quick then I'm happy to have been of help. There's been a large number of situations in my own past where an open network was of immense help, and I like the idea of being able to return the favor in some sense. I really hate the idea that the default way we're supposed to approach anyone is under the assumption that they're both too stupid to secure their connections, and too selfish to want anything but that.

    --
    Everything will be taken away from you.
  3. I leave my connection open... by Newer+Guy · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I leave my connection open and my SSID reads "Use but dont abuse". At any given time, there are 10 MAC addresses in my DHCP log (I have 4 devices total). From what I can tell, NO ONE abuses the connection. One person (my elderly neighbor) uses it to email her kids and grandkids. What's wrong with that? I always have the bandwidth I need, and will continue to leave it open. By the way, only one other AP in this area is open. It's SSID is: Linksys.

    One other closed AP has the SSID: "Free Ride Is Over".

    I live in a community. Leaving my AP open benefits others within my community without adversely affecting me.