Wireless internet FOR FREE?

Hello!

I`m kinda newbie about networking things so I need your help!

I just re-installed Windows XP SP2..I havent Internet connection at the moment..I installed Wireless drivers and that`s it..

I was kinda suprised..

My wireless card found some uknown network.and my laptop gets connected..and I have wireless internet..though I havent ever installed or subscribed to any wireless internet providers..

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How thats possible???
+ I have an excellent signal

Though I had message from my antivirus system..saying it`s not safe to use an uknown network...

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Is it So? Is it unsafe?

I think it`s just good to be true - wireless internet for free?

 

Its not safe to use. It is most likely you are connecting to someone else's house (which is illegal), and its deffinatly not safe because they can intercept (you have no idea who they are) all of your data traffic, passwords, login id's etc. Safe to maybe surf google a little, maybe, but thats if they dont decide to try and hack your computer (because you are now connected to their network). Do not log into anything (even email), but especially banking websites, or sites to buy things from because all of those data packets will run through their router (and maybe they have a server setup beyond the router to steal all of your packets and decript the passwords out of them).

Personally, id stay clear and purchase your own highspeed internet and get your own wireless router, then secure it so no one else can use it but you.

 

You really should disable your connection at once and get your own internet.. there is a chance that whomever giving you this free ride getting all your informations... like NIZY115 said

 

thank youuuuuu

 

I never read a law that stated leaching someone's wireless signal for net access is illegal. Rude, yes. You are taking up some of their bandwidth without permission. You may be slowing their connection. Illegal? That's a pretty strong statement.

I have been curious about the laws concerning that. I doubt it's illegal, just frowned upon.

However all comments about it being unsafe are correct. You are not secure due to the reasons states in this thread.

 

There have been successful prosecutions in multiple jurisdictions for this.

Personally, I do not believe it should be illegal. After all, it is "in the air", much as radio or light. My position is that if the "owner" of the network connection is so ignorant as to leave their connection unsecured, they should have no recourse. In fact, I feel it should be an "attractive nuisance" to leave a network unsecured. Much as a pool without a fence, and the "owner" should be liable.

 

If a child could die from accessing an unsecured network, I would agree wholeheartedly. Unless, of course, while a child is stealing my network connection he happens to fall into my pool and drown, then I may be liable. Of course, if a child is smart enough to steal bandwidth from my unsecured network, he would also be smart enough not to fall into my pool and drown, so the attractive nuisance doctrine wouldn't apply.

Since a hazard must exist on land that is attractive to a child, and that child must be injured because of said hazard while trespassing on that land, there's no way that an unsecured network would be considered an attractive nuisance. However, my pool example would apply. See above.

 

[Off-topic]
For anyone who is scratching their head asking, "what is an attractive nuisance?", here are a couple of links. This particular item may apply to most US homeowners/renters.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attractive_nuisance_doctrine
http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/attractive+nuisance+doctrine
[/Off-topic]

 

It was meant as an analogy, not a legally supportable precedent.

 

Since the network wasn't secured, I don't think it's illegal since you didn't "break in"

 

My ex-wife is an attractive nuisance.

I'm not an attorney or any sort of authority on Law. However, as John has already mentioned, there have been successful prosecutions. I'd suggest to anyone considering stealing somebody else's signal who doesn't think this is illegal, to check with local authorities first. If I remember correctly, the penalties for this sort of theft can be fairly severe and make the possibility of "FREE" internet access of this sort much less appealing.

 

You are still stealing their bandwidth and limiting their available bandwidth that they pay for.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piggybacking_(internet_access)

 

Piggybacking is exactly what it is. If someone was on my network they certainly would get it from me.

 

that's strictly an ethical question, i believe, like a hundred dollar bill on a street - it's not urs but u pick it up anyway(not all of us do, however), not looking for the owner.

 

WAR DRIVE FTW.

Seriously though. Bumming off of someone else's network is illegal. Don't get caught.

 

That's when I wardrive searching for their MAC address, with the hearse.
I also carry other angry wardriving tools like a shovel

 

lol gets me thinking now., i live near a hotel that has free wifi access. is it alright to connect to a hotel wifi?

 

Usually they want paying customers using their wifi. Why don't you ask? They might not care at all.

 

I have 2 routers in my house, one for me one for my neighbours. Hey, you share sugar why don't share internet connection ?

 

It's really for customers.

Beyond the moral reasons, it's probaly an open access point which means your information isn't secure.

 

When you signed your internet service agreement you declared you would not do this and you can get in trouble with your isp. Also, anything they do on the internet you are responsible for. If say, they get caught downloading music or movies, guess whos in trouble, not them, you.

 

Man, have we been over this topic too many times or what.

Bottom line: don't do it, or I will personally slap you. (or steal your credit card info, which ever comes first).

 

I don't mind honestly because I monitor the traffic the all time, I just like to share. Well, that was a long time ago, now my neighbors have their own wi-fi.