Stealing wifi?

[Spirit of Me]

http://www.sptimes.com/2005/07/04/State/Wi_Fi_cloaks_a_new_br.shtml

Thoughts, ideas, dilemmas, legalities?

Things to ponder...

1. If it's unprotected is it okay to connect to a Wifi without prior permission?
2. Should OS's allow auto connection to any unprotected WiFi?
3. should WiFi's be required to be protected and to have a "Golden Key" to allow open access? (Golden Key is a common Key to allow access to any network setup for public access)

[SavageParrot]

Wifi??

[Conscious*]

Wireless Fidelity i believe it stands for.

[Dave_destroyer]

I picked #2. Didint some guy get prison time for doing it?

[Spirit of Me]

YES, and many states are looking at laws to cover the topic.

[SkiloDog2000]

why the hell not
its really easy to encrypt a network

Someone just makes an open node, with no encrytpion or anything. Not even free tools that come with it so not just anyone can get in. uhhh bitch slap them, then ask why you shoudln't be allowed, because some geek with a war driver will come along sooner or later and bring your whole network down.

[Ldsmith104]

speaking of war driving any one got any software to map while driving. What I would really like to do is be able to drive around with wireless card and gps and automaticlly mark the wireless network, secure or not on the map.

BTW I picked one, and if you find my you are welcome to use it as long as you don't hog all my bandwidth

Originally posted by Ldsmith104
speaking of war driving any one got any software to map while driving. What I would really like to do is be able to drive around with wireless card and gps and automaticlly mark the wireless network, secure or not on the map.

BTW I picked one, and if you find my you are welcome to use it as long as you don't hog all my bandwidth

Starts downloading a 1TB file from http://www.omgthisisafakelink.com

[Buliwyf]

not right

[A.M. Foxtrot]

something to ponder... Clicky

[cavalierlwt]

people mark hotspots with chalk on the ground, or a little paint showing the specs of the hotspot.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warchalking
I actually saw one these symbols on the side of a building one day, it seemed kinda cool, like the mark of some ancient cult or something.

[A.M. Foxtrot]

sounds like somehting out of the movie Blade. Though instead of Vampires, you have internet junkies.

How exactly are you "stealing" wifi? Are you somehow removing their wireless network? Are you picking up their router and bashing their heads in? Maybe "stealing" the network accuracy?

If you go onto a secure network without permission, don't bitch about being sued or whatever.

If you use an OPEN node, with NO security which is broadcasted into a PUBLIC place, you are using PUBLIC. Don't prosecute the people doing it. Prosecute the stupid ass who complains about it and not DOING something about. Better yet, shoot the guy who put the node up without requiring a password to be used to enter the network!

Using network with password required without permission: Breaking and entering

Using an OPEN network in a PUBLIC place: Stupid ass

[cavalierlwt]

It presents an interesting idea: is it stealing if someone broadcasts something into your home for instance? It's illegal to 'steal' a satellite signal, but in fact that signal is beaming onto your rooftop, not at your request. If I make equipment that decodes the signal that is currently hitting my roof, is it stealing? I'm not selling it to anyone. Would it be stealing if a rock and roll band played in the park acrossed the street, and opening my window allowed me to clearly hear the music, even though it was meant only for the ticket paying crowd at the park? Do I owe the band money, should I have kept my window shut tight?
Just a thought, an idea.