Wireless internet question

**Cydkar** · 08-13-2008, 09:13 AM

I got a new laptop last night and also got a router and signed up for Mediacom hi-speed on a great promotional rate.

So I fire up the laptop and go through the internet stuff and it seems that I have wireless access through a network in my neighborhood.

I'll still hook up my Mediacom stuff (didn't bother last night) but what are the issues of me just using the network I used last night? Security issues?

I'm a wireless newby. TIA.

**IcSyU** · 08-13-2008, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by Cydkar

I got a new laptop last night and also got a router and signed up for Mediacom hi-speed on a great promotional rate.

So I fire up the laptop and go through the internet stuff and it seems that I have wireless access through a network in my neighborhood.

I'll still hook up my Mediacom stuff (didn't bother last night) but what are the issues of me just using the network I used last night? Security issues?

I'm a wireless newby. TIA.

In theory, it's against the law, but my rule is that if they aren't smart enough to secure it, it's their problem, and chances are they won't be able to track who is using it anyways.

**jdoggivjc** · 08-13-2008, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by IcSyU

In theory, it's against the law, but my rule is that if they aren't smart enough to secure it, it's their problem, and chances are they won't be able to track who is using it anyways.

I guess here's my theory - if someone leaves their car unlocked, and someone breaks into their car that evening and steals their stereo, does it make it any less of a crime just because the owner was an idiot and left his car unlocked? No. You feel less sorry for the guy because he didn't do enough to protect his stuff, but he's still a victim of a crime. To me the same applies here. Just because someone leaves their network unsecure doesn't mean it's an invite for anyone to use it at their free will.

**IcSyU** · 08-13-2008, 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by jdoggivjc

I guess here's my theory - if someone leaves their car unlocked, and someone breaks into their car that evening and steals their stereo, does it make it any less of a crime just because the owner was an idiot and left his car unlocked? No. You feel less sorry for the guy because he didn't do enough to protect his stuff, but he's still a victim of a crime. To me the same applies here. Just because someone leaves their network unsecure doesn't mean it's an invite for anyone to use it at their free will.

I don't view it the same simply because no harm is being done. Now if you're sending intrusion attacks at their computer, then it's not ethical, but you're causing no harm by using their wireless.

**dustinal** · 08-13-2008, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by IcSyU

I don't view it the same simply because no harm is being done. Now if you're sending intrusion attacks at their computer, then it's not ethical, but you're causing no harm by using their wireless.

But you are stealing something (bandwidth) that they paid for.

**HILLCYD** · 08-13-2008, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by IcSyU

I don't view it the same simply because no harm is being done. Now if you're sending intrusion attacks at their computer, then it's not ethical, but you're causing no harm by using their wireless.

It is essentially stealing. Hogging all thier bandwidth that they are paying for is causing harm in my mind.

In the end though, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to secure a network. It always amazes me how many people leave them wide open.

**Cydkar** · 08-13-2008, 09:49 AM

I have no morals so the right/wrong thing couldn't affect me any less.

I was just curious if I was going to have a computer problem. I'll be on line legally soon.

**dustinal** · 08-13-2008, 09:50 AM

Personally, I don't think there's enough emphasis on educating consumers about securing their wireless networks. You can get a wireless router and set up your own network pretty cheaply anymore, but I don't think there's a lot of easily accessible info for the common consumer about why and how they should secure it.

When I first set-up my wireless network, I didn't even think about securing it. It wasn't until I came across an article on some website that it occurred to me that I should probably be doing it.

**keepngoal** · 08-13-2008, 09:51 AM

Yes you could continue. Yes it is morally wrong. And yes it is an unsecured network. If you are using it, who else is? Who else will find this unsecured network.

IMO, pony up, use your bandwidth AND secure your wi-fi connection. Best practices to keeping your data and information private.

-keep

**BigLame** · 08-13-2008, 09:52 AM

What is worse is the person or entity that is emitting the wireless signal could be responsible for what others look at on the unsecure wireless signal.

So, if you decide to download millions of images of child porn, that would be through their ISP.

Not your problem so much as it is theirs. But something all should consider when using wireless routers.

**IcSyU** · 08-13-2008, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by dustinal

Personally, I don't think there's enough emphasis on educating consumers about securing their wireless networks. You can get a wireless router and set up your own network pretty cheaply anymore, but I don't think there's a lot of easily accessible info for the common consumer about why and how they should secure it.

We have a winner! The lack of knowledge on how to secure a router scares many away from doing it. I can't count how many people's routers I secured at Iowa State last year.

**pulse** · 08-13-2008, 09:58 AM

Isn't this discussion brought up every couple of months...

**HILLCYD** · 08-13-2008, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by pulse

Isn't this discussion brought up every couple of months...

This and about 300 others.

**matmann22** · 08-13-2008, 10:07 AM

Outside of the legality and morality issue, there is the data security issue.

If you can see and join the network, then it means anyone can see what is going back-n-forth on that network.

I wouldn't be doing any internet banking or confidential emailing...