That's why I set up a phone home feature on my laptop with remote access and security at every point. Once a thief/tsa/whoever gets into the OS, assuming they connect it to the internet, I can track the laptop down to an IP address, destroy data, mess around, etc...
>> because wep is insecure, and wpa isn't universally supported.
Most non-tech people don't know that, they just don't want the hassle of entering/remembering a password (even if it's stored).
>> you are no more liable for your internet pipe, then you are for accidents if your car gets stolen.
Try to tell that to the RIAA when your neighbor gets caught filesharing on YOUR network.
And most people lock their cars. If you encrypt your network and someone cracks the key - you probably won't be held liable. If you don't have encryption at all, you're negligent.
Unsecured RESIDENTIAL wireless networks have already been illegal in westchester county for about 6 months. These laws aren't made to be enforced, per se, they just raise awareness of wireless encryption for the average westchester county layman.
Most non-technical people see encryption as an unnecessary hassle. This problem is even worse in Westchester, which is one of the wealthiest counties in the country, where people tend to not want to be bothered with things they deem too much of a bother. I set up networks all over the county and often hear "well I don't want to remember another 'password'" or "but then i'll have to call you when I buy another computer" or "why would anyone want to steal anything on my network?". It's a lot easier to reply with "Well it's county law" than to try to make the common sense/good practices/file-share liability arguments.
Slashdot Mirror
http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=5 48igp.2.1
"Goods and Services: IC 025. US 022 039. G & S: full line of clothing, footwear, and headwear"
huh?
That's why I set up a phone home feature on my laptop with remote access and security at every point. Once a thief/tsa/whoever gets into the OS, assuming they connect it to the internet, I can track the laptop down to an IP address, destroy data, mess around, etc...
That's true, but it is a step in the right direction and probably won't end up causing harm.
>> because wep is insecure, and wpa isn't universally supported.
Most non-tech people don't know that, they just don't want the hassle of entering/remembering a password (even if it's stored).
>> you are no more liable for your internet pipe, then you are for accidents if your car gets stolen.
Try to tell that to the RIAA when your neighbor gets caught filesharing on YOUR network.
And most people lock their cars. If you encrypt your network and someone cracks the key - you probably won't be held liable. If you don't have encryption at all, you're negligent.
Unsecured RESIDENTIAL wireless networks have already been illegal in westchester county for about 6 months. These laws aren't made to be enforced, per se, they just raise awareness of wireless encryption for the average westchester county layman. Most non-technical people see encryption as an unnecessary hassle. This problem is even worse in Westchester, which is one of the wealthiest counties in the country, where people tend to not want to be bothered with things they deem too much of a bother. I set up networks all over the county and often hear "well I don't want to remember another 'password'" or "but then i'll have to call you when I buy another computer" or "why would anyone want to steal anything on my network?". It's a lot easier to reply with "Well it's county law" than to try to make the common sense/good practices/file-share liability arguments.