Is there a program where you can sign into free WiFi in stores automatically?

For example at the Mall, McDonalds, Panera Bread, Starbucks, Barnes& Noble.

 

Do you have any idea what kind of security risk something like that would be?

 

I'm guessing that you need the password for the wifi networks.

edit by Kcetech1
note : discussion on password or key sniffers/crackers is not allowed on NBR

 

He's not talking about protected networks. He's talking about open networks that require the user to fill out a web form (sometimes consisting merely of an "I agree to the terms" button) with your browser before you are granted internet access.

These are common in retail stores or fast food restaurants which provide wifi access.

I would guess that what you are looking for does not exist.

 

sorry for misunderstanding but edited post referred to grey tools and hacking

 

You probably know this, but perhaps for any that don't ---

Your Airport or iDevice wireless will automatically rejoin any known networks that you've signed onto in the past. Thus, if you connect once to WiFi at your local Starbucks or McD, upon your return at a later date your MBx or iDevice should automatically reconnect to the WiFi when you turn it on. This only works for that one specific storefront, however, not any building in the restaurant chain.

I've used this concept at any number of locations around here - McD, Starbucks, FiveGuys, Tampa Int'l Airport, etc. Depending on the establishment's security settings, you may need to click on a confirmation screen in Safari to finalize the connection.

 

This is precisely what he is talking about. This is what he wants to automate. Connecting to the network is automatic. Being granted internet access is not.

 

Yes that's what I was talking about. It's sometimes not as easy as finding that page and clicking the button, because sometimes for some reason I have to try different browser, try again and again until that page appears, which is a hassle.

 

The main issue is that each place uses something different. McDonalds may not require anything at all while you need to use some numbers off of a coffee receipt in Starbucks. The Burger King across the street could just be a simple I Agree while the Burger King downtown may require something different (or nothing at all). It would be impossible to come up with a program that would go through all of the steps automatically since every restaurant/business and location is going to be different. You just have to bite the bullet and take the 3 seconds to jump through a hoop to access free wi-fi.

 

Indeed. Even major retail establishments under the same franchise might have variations in how they selectively grant internet access. Establishments may also change over time and adjust their systems. Lastly, there are many establishments which offer wifi and aren't major franchises that would be very difficult to document. And it's not just that a large bank of knowledge is required to develop this software. There would have to be a LOT of coding done, a lot of work (never finished), because the behavior of the application would have to be unique per variation, and again, those variations are subject to change at any time. Another major hurdle is that information can't be collected online. These pages are delivered locally (from the router at the location, not from the internet) - so as the developer of this application, you'd have to actually go to every location and sign in on their network to get the information you need to codify this thing. This application would also inherently not work on iOS devices, and it doesn't save very many clicks on any device.

If you're having trouble getting the page to load, it may be that the network connection is very slow. Many of these retail connections are throttled to very low bandwidth, or just have very outdated equipment that struggles (even if you're system indicates that you have a good connection). An automated "term accepting" program wont improve the situation for cases that fit this description.