Wifi Network
2010
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Wifi Network
Are you a WiFi Moocher?
If you're an individual who thinks an unprotected WiFi connection is an open invitation to sign on, you're not alone . A recent poll conducted by Wakefield Research for the Wi-Fi Alliance found that nearly one in three WiFi users who responded have attempted connecting to someone else's WiFi without asking . But are WiFi moochers WiFi thieves?
Unfortunately, according to federal law and the regulations in many states, the answer is yes. That's because a WiFi connection is a resource the owner has paid for . So "taking" it without permission constitutes theft of services. It's not like using free hotspot access when you purchase a cup of java at Starbucks. It's akin to going into a house through an unsecured door, turning on cable TV and using the phone. Do you think that's ethical or legal?
People have been arrested and fined for piggybacking on someone's wireless network . But it hasn't occurred a lot . With over 200 million homes using WiFi networks and up to 750,000 hotspots around the globe, it's tough to catch WiFi crooks committing an invisible crime.
Why should people care? After all, WiFi is just a lot of radio waves; and they're supposed to belong to the public. Maybe that's why there are tons of WiFi radar devices advertised on the Internet that allow you to find WiFi access points. There are even companies that sell WiFi apparel – like T-shirts and neckties with built-in WiFi detectors – to let you check whether there's WiFi access in the neighborhood.
But alas, when it comes to "borrowing" an unsecured wireless network, there's no such thing as a free lunch. Logging onto someone's WiFi can lead to stiff fines and penalties from the account holder's ISP, if you are discovered. That's not all. WiFi mooching can go both ways. It can jeopardize your laptop security and the safety of other computers on your network.
Many wireless users seem to understand the importance of keeping their WiFi passwords private . According to the Wakefield Research poll for the Wi-Fi Alliance, 40% of those in the study said they would be more likely to trust someone with their home key than with their wireless network password. Yet, many still haven't taken steps to protect their password, even though the consequences can be dire.
In 2010, an Ontario man had his computer's hard drive inspected by the police who were looking for child pornography. According to the National Post, someone outside the man's home had piggybacked his unprotected WiFi connection, using it to download kiddie porn. Crimes like that aren't unusual. They occur daily; and they could happen to you.
Here's what you can do to save yourself from WiFi crooks.
• Secure your home WiFi network. Use robust WiFi encryption. That means utilizing WPA or WPA2 instead of WEP, which is an easy target for hackers.
• Change the default password on your wireless router. Create a strong password that's between 8 and 20 characters long and doesn't include any dictionary words or personal details. It should be a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols that's easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess .
• Keep your firewall turned on and your security software current.
• Check the law in your state to find out if hijacking an unsecured wireless connections is against the law.
• If you see an indication that someone has gained unauthorized access to your wireless network, contact your service provider.
• Opt out of the option that automatically connects your device to any wireless signal. Only connect to trusted networks.
• Use a VPN (virtual private network) like Private WiFi to ensure that all your datat online goes through a unprotected tunnel that's invisible to hackers.
If you've been a victim of hijacking or you've been a piggybacking perp, we'd like to hear what you think. Is it ethical? Should it be legal or illegal?
About the Author
Jan Legnitto is an investigative journalist and documentary producer who writes about criminal justice and intelligence issues. Jan is also a frequent contributor to the Private I blogs <a href="http://www.privatewifi.com/tag/wireless-internet/">wireless internet</a>, <a href="http://www.privatewifi.com/tag/secure-tunnel/">Secure Tunnel</a>
How can I connect multiple computers to my wifi network?
I have a wifi network with a very good router and all the computers are close by so signal is not a problem. When I unsecure my network, my computers can all connect but when i secure it with a WPA2 security key only one can connect. The others ask me for a password that I give the one that connects but it always sys unable to connect. Why is that. I dont want an unsecure network.
Some older computers may not be able to use WPA2. Try WEP.
WiFi (Wireless) Pro Network Hacker 2011
