This should not be an issue if you run a desktop firewall and the usual complement of security tools (virus checkers, malware checkers, a decent browser etc.) which is advisable on most PCs but especially laptops with wireless access.stuart said:I was able to connect but quickly disconnected for fear of being attached to a unsecured network, virus issues, etc
What? Having an open wireless hotspot? Many business/cafés deliberately provide such services to customers (and anybody else in "ear" shot).I assume this must be extremely poor practice for such a business
But is it prevalent?
Again perhaps they were deliberately left open. On the other hand I'm sure that many users inadvertently leave their wireless access points unsecured/open without even knowing.I have been able to connect to broadband (through other peoples connections) in a lot more places than I would have expected
In some jurisdictions using somebody else's broadband connection without permission (even if they have not secured their wireless access to it) is tantamount to breaking and entering or is otherwise illegal. I'm not sure what the legal status is here in Ireland.I am not advocating doing it and from my point of view I wouldn't bother as I need a consistent connection but I'd imagine there may not be a necessity for someone to pay for broadband access in some locations
What are AAM users thoughts?
Capaill said:Just because someone leaves their broadband unsecure does not allow you to use it, likewise if someone leaves their car unlocked with the keys in the ignition you break the law when you take it.
Extopia said:Perhaps you are talking about a cafe that provides internet access free of charge to customers? In that case I doubt if they'd have a problem with you using it
He should make sure to configure his own on a channel that doesn't clash (as far as possible) with the others so in order to avoid degradation in speed/qualify of his wireless LAN. In 802.11b/g this usually means choosing one of the so called "non-overlapping" channels 1, 6 or 11 - whichever is free of relatively clear, if any! - to minimise interference from other wireless LANs. It also makes sense to tune to a channel that does not clash with other 2.4GHz devices (e.g. microwave - if used a lot, certain cordless phones, baby monitors, A/V signal senders etc.) to avoid interference. NetStumbler is useful for checking what wireless LANs are available and what channel they're on etc. in the vicinity of a wireless enabled computer. Ethereal is good for packet sniffing with certain wireless card chipsets.extopia said:Was just visiting my brother's house recently in the US - he can pick up FIVE wireless networks (and it's not an apartment!) One of them is his own. Only one of them is a closed network.
What if the unsecured WLAN is a 'honeypot'? The owner or somebody else could be capturing unencrypted information (IDs, passwords) being sent over the WLAN.ClubMan said:This should not be an issue if you run a desktop firewall and the usual complement of security tools (virus checkers, malware checkers, a decent browser etc.) which is advisable on most PCs but especially laptops with wireless access.
extopia said:If the internet cafe is stupid enough to run an open network (assuming their main business is charging for access) I doubt if they'd be smart enough to prosecute anyone using it.
In the US a burglar can sue a home owner for hearing loss if the house alarm is too loud. If someone in Ireland is prosecuted for piggybacking on wireless ADSL I'll eat my hat (while driving blind drunk the wrong way on a dual-carriageway with a sub-machine gun in one hand and a mobile phone in the other).Capaill said:. . In one case in the US, the person prosecuted was discovered by a passing police patrol car.
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?