popeye18 0 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 I just moved into a new apartment and i wont have inernet till monday. I was bored the other day so i scanned with my wireless adapter and found a couple wirless networks in my complex that were unprotected. Is it safe to connect to their wireless or can they see info from my computer. Also, is it ethical, i mean im not trying to dodge paying for it as i will be monday. O and im at a friends writing this and have not connected to one yet. Link to post Share on other sites
dna4ever 2 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 Also, is it ethical, i mean im not trying to dodge paying for it as i will be mondaynot only unethetical but illegal :? Link to post Share on other sites
JSHamm 9 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 Also, is it ethical, i mean im not trying to dodge paying for it as i will be mondaynot only unethetical but illegal :?I accidently did this once and I wondered why my connection was so slow until I happened to check the SSID I was using and it wasn't mine.... Link to post Share on other sites
econ_tim 0 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 I don't know if it's illegal. But you'll only be able to access an unencrypted signal, meaning that people could intercept and read any data you send over the network, so I wouldn't recommend it. Link to post Share on other sites
sportz 0 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 econ_tim wrote:I don't know if it's illegal. But you'll only be able to access an unencrypted signal, meaning that people could intercept and read any data you send over the network, so I wouldn't recommend it.Completely agree. Having been a victim of idenity theft over the internet, accessing someone elses unsecured network, puts your machine at high risk. If you can access the network, then anyone can access it, and with a little know-how will be able to access anyones machines that may be currently using the network. Wait the week until you get your connection, or visit a hotspot where you can legally and securely logon to a signal. Identity theft s.ucks big time, avoid it you can. Link to post Share on other sites
dna4ever 2 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 here is an interesting article you all may enjoy about this ...http://www.enterpriseitplanet.com/security...cle.php/3518716couple highlights ...If you're ever in Tampa Bay, remember that using someone's unprotected wireless network without permission may land you in trouble with the police. One moocher learned that lesson the hard way.Sure, it may be tempting to blame the homeowner for not adequately protecting his network, but the lesson here is that an open network doesn’t always translate into an open invitation. And now, law enforcement is getting wise to the issue.The arrest was among the first for this kind of "theft", and as such, it has garnered more than its share of media attention. This can actually spell good news if wireless users catch wind and decide to take a few moments to lock down their APs.Legal summary ...- Open network, and you connect to it unintentionally: nothing illegal about that - Open network, and you connect to it intentionally: illegal - Secured network, and you connect to it unintentionally: illegal - Secured network, and you connect to it intentionally: very illegal Link to post Share on other sites
wisky_VI 0 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 I've hooked in with my neighbors before, their signal was stronger while in my garage awaiting my monthly live tourney to start. :twisted: Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle15C 0 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 While I agree with everybody about the potential dangers of piggybacking on a wireless network I'd say that you should just go ahead and do so for a couple of days until you get your internet hooked up. I've used neighbors wireless connections a number of times and had no problems. That said it is illegal and is unethical and has other potential problems, so it's all up to what you're comfortable with really. Link to post Share on other sites
rwood 0 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 had to add this, i am too lazy to set up a broadband network of my own because all 5 of my neighbors surrounding my house have wifi connections that are super strong at my house too, they are all unsecured. i have used them for over a year now. and i plan to use em until they get the wiser, why piss away free internet. lol. Link to post Share on other sites
lrlslo 0 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 So if it is unsafe to use your neighbors unsecured wireless, how unsafe is it to use your own if neighbors can connect to it. I am staying at my buddies apartment for a while and am connected to his network, but who knows if everyone on the block is as well? Can I be sure no one is stealing all the hard earned porn I've spent days accumulating???? Link to post Share on other sites
guinevar 0 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 If you have a wireless network you should be securing it with your computers MAC address....yes, even if you use windows. Link to post Share on other sites
tall0n 1 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 I am not gonna get into the legalities of what is or is not acceptable use. Why not just ask? if they left it open intentionally, then i doubt they would have a problem with you using it. If they didn't leave it open intentionally, then you are helping them out by pointing out their mistake. As for finding out who owns what, you generally can by following the signal strength.As far as what they can see on your computer depends entirely on YOUR computer. If you have all the security patches applied appropriately, and have no open shares, then you are pretty safe from script kiddies and general leeches. Of course nothing stops a determined cracker/thief.i'd say it's up to you. if you can live with it, then they can to. they left it open. eh. Link to post Share on other sites
shinychicken 0 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 This is a good thread. What do you guys recommend to secure your own connection? Link to post Share on other sites
Jeepster80125 0 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 Why not just ask? if they left it open intentionally, then i doubt they would have a problem with you using it. If they didn't leave it open intentionally, then you are helping them out by pointing out their mistake. As for finding out who owns what, you generally can by following the signal strength. Best advice so far. If they grant permission, then more power to you. But think of what you would say if the 18 year old the apartment downstairs wants to hook up? Would you let them?To rwood and Eagle15c, may karma kick you square in the face when you least expect it. You guys better get back to enjoying the .01 .02 games at party. Freeloaders. Your no better than the punk a$$ awhile back that conned a Whopper out of some hourly employee and wanted a pat on the back. F You Sir. Link to post Share on other sites
Nikki_N 17 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 Panera Bread (the restaurant and bakery) offers free Wi-Fi. Starbucks has a T-Mobile Wi-Fi hot spot for 6 dollars a day. Link to post Share on other sites
tall0n 1 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 This is a good thread. What do you guys recommed to secure your own connection?What you ask can take a very long dissertation and would depend on what you are trying to accomplish with your wireless network.But for the average home user, all you really want to do is put up SOME sort of authentication on your wireless network.The defacto standard is WEP. This is simple authentication to turn on using the tools that came with your wireless router and you just provide a 'key' that users who connect to your network would have to supply to use it. <-that is a very simple explanation, but will suffice for this forum.A higher, slightly more secure method is WPA. Again most routers come equipted with this option that can be turned on with the tools provided and offers a slightly different approach. a user of the network would have to provide an encrypted password to allow use of the network.either one is simple to turn on in the router and simple for users to use.There are other methods that some of us use, but it would be overkill for the average home user.Just always remember that your wireless network is like your front door. it provides access to your network. Nodes (computers) on your network need to be protected individually from crackers/thiefs.the old adage applies, a lock simply keeps honest people honest. if a determined (professional) cracker/thief wants to get in, he's gonna get it. I'm not saying you should discount this threat. But those kinda people rarely give a crap about your home network.just my 2 cents. Link to post Share on other sites
tall0n 1 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 FYI, Anyone in the Marietta Ga area that wants to use an open access WI-FI can come to my bar, The ClockTower Inn. We have open access WI-FI for all your online needs! haha Link to post Share on other sites
DKE_XP120 0 Posted August 10, 2005 Share Posted August 10, 2005 I don't know if it's illegal. But you'll only be able to access an unencrypted signal, meaning that people could intercept and read any data you send over the network, so I wouldn't recommend it.With all respect tim, its not that easy. But again, I wouldnt recomment it either.Much safer with an encrypted network, But you can get away with it for a little while... When my internet goes down, I just nab someone elses until mine is back up. Or if i'm somewhere with my laptop, i'll grab someone elses. I was at my old roomates house for a party in jersey last week, I slept in my car (too crowded inside) and booted my laptop up... it was great, playing funky truck was a good time (teagames.com)anyway, back to my point.... If they arent encrypting, take their internet until you can get yours up... but once you do, encrypt it, this way no one is taking your data (unless you see a shady guy sitting outside your place for months on end intercepting "interesting" packets)you should probobly tell him to leave Link to post Share on other sites
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