A Third of Mobile Workers 'Steal' WiFi Connections
Personally, I think that the burden of proof should be on the WiFi owner or prosecutor to show intent. I can drive down any suburban neighborhood block and detect anywhere from one to ten insecure wireless networks. My laptop is actually configured to automatically attach to whatever network in the area it can. As the WiFi user, I don't feel that it should be my burden to try and determine the intent of the person that left their wireless network wide open to public access. I assume if they did not want me to access their network, they would have at least turned on WEP encryption, as useless as that is. I have sat in a coffee shop that charged for access, while connected to the bakery next door that offered free access. I was a customer at the bakery frequently, just not that day. Is that theft?
It is much easier to secure the wireless network so that it is apparent that only authorized users should access it, than it is to assume that every user should be responsible for somehow determining if an available, insecure wireless network is, in fact, a public hot spot, or just the result of a careless or lazy configuration. Feel free to discuss your opinion on the law (or lack thereof in most cases) and ethics of wireless network 'piggybacking' in the Forums.
Comments
This is one of the most ridiculous issues facing WI-FI and wireless networking. No person in Government, Supreme Court, State government bodies, judges, attorneys and/or police understand the issue other than passing judgment on individuals based on another stupid ruling somewhere in the legal system.
Fact “man is arrested for parking outside a coffee shop and picking up his email when he was arrested by local police, jailed and fined $500.” Some users compare using an open network with entering someone’s house with the front door open or car that has not been locked; b_ _ _ s _ _ _.
One is physical the other is well “NOT”. The next thing that will happen is you will be arrested and fined if you park outside a coffee shop and listen to their music playing to their patio patrons, also, how about being arrested or fined for scanning and listening to a cordless phone call. After all, what is the difference?
It is all air………. for the air heads regarding this subject.
Thanks, Ernie Gs
Columbus, Ohio GOOOOOOBBBBBUUUCCCCKSSS
I agree completely. The data is *in* your vehicle. By some interpretations that makes it fair game. They tried to outlaw radar detectors but those laws were turned down in many states based, in part, on the idea that once the radar waves enter your car you have the right to detect them.
I understand that the coffee shop is giving away WiFi access to attract customers, not freeloaders. But, they should just assume that the majority using their service are paying customers and not get all bent out of shape about the random passerby who uses their network without buying a $6 latte.
I do disagree with you on ONE issue though….GO BLUE!!!!