Quick question to people in the know here.. If your computer connects to an unsecured wireless network for internet access and you use it, would that be considered illegal?
It would be easy to say, yes you are using someone that does not belong to you.. But technically the signal is out there for anyone to grab, which would make it public domain. Now let me preface this with personally I do not think it is.. It is the same as an FM frequency or any other unsecured wireless frequency getting picked up. Windows automatically configures it, so in essence if they are not securing their network they are asking for people to pick up the signal from their wireless router.
Opinions from other tech people out there?
2006-06-19 07:05:37 · 10 answers · asked by guyinus 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
Going to respond to some of the comments here.
First of all it is nothing like walking into someones house if it is open. This unsecured signal is floating around, if your wireless device happens to pick it up, which is required by FCC regulations how could that be illegal? You are not forcing it to connect to that network, it is connecting automatically because of the public signal floating around.
You are not stealing anything. It is like picking up a 100.00 bill on the ground, or heck a 100.00 bill flying into your car window.. It was the persons fault for not putting in their wallet properly and securing the money. Stealing water and electric? Come on now. To steal utilities you have to literally tap into the wires. This is nothing like that.
2006-06-19 07:17:19 · update #1
Could not resist responding to the "attorney", or whatever you are, lol.
Explain to me how it is hacking? Windows "AUTOMATICALLY" Will pick up the public signal and connect you to the internet. Yes and it is a "PUBLIC" signal, since anyone with a wireless card and windows can pick it up without hassle..
Also you must be a real successful attorney seeing you are on here 18 out of the 24 hours in the day answering questions here. I would have to guess that your casework is 0, and you are as much an attorney as I am a brain surgeon.
2006-06-19 09:10:44 · update #2
From what i understand, the current federa (FCC) law does not include restrictions or responsibilities on which wireless networks a person may connect to. Also, it would be almost impossible for a person to determine if he/she were connecting without authorization (aside from being denied acces which is the owners responsibility, not yours) since most cities now have many hot-spots where people are encouraged to connect. I personally have a wireless network at my home and have disabled all security to my router. If someone wants to connect then go right ahead. I have heard however that in some areas the ISP's are cracking down and are systematically shutting down the accounts of people running open connections without the ISP's permission. I haven't gotten the e-mail yet though so that's just heresay.
2006-06-19 07:15:54 · answer #1 · answered by texaspicker0 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As far as I have heard, It may be against the law due to the fact that you are "stealing another persons utilities" just like stealing water and stealing electricity. In my own oppinion dont think it should be illegal if they dont secure it. Also, in many cases, it is required that the owner of the connection to state that the connection must be used by "authorized users only", if it dosnt say it, then anyone can use it! So in conclusion I dont know ;) Just do it, but dont get caught!!!
2006-06-19 07:11:12 · answer #2 · answered by Jon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is illegal. I have tried cases about it already, and each time the hacker has lost. It is stealing because you are using a service without paying for it. It cost the ISP money to provide that Internet access, They are entitles to be paid for it. It is also a voilation of the privacy of the person who owns that network. Just becasue they did not lock the network does not give you the right to use it any more than not locking their front doors gives you the right to use their house. It is illegal.
2006-06-19 07:28:03 · answer #3 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends where you are. some cities are making a law. most still have it undefined. you steal bandwidth a bit but won't hurt them. unless you are doing it for looking at illegal materials or to participate in illegal activities. everyone should have the networks set up with basic security but if they don't hey use it, i have with my psp when traveling to check mail play against others etc.
2006-06-19 07:09:52 · answer #4 · answered by j_ardinger 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's like going to your neighbors house and finding them gone and going in and borrowing a cup of sugar ..It's stealing..
Based on what I've read the answer above is pretty accurate..
2006-06-19 07:11:01 · answer #5 · answered by Rusty Nails 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing wrong with it. So funny how stupid people really are. Theft? Ha!
If it were illegal they would have to arrest half the country.
2006-06-19 09:17:22 · answer #6 · answered by servedcold 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like your ripping off someones connection and you want people to tell you its ok.. sure..its ok steal it.. its easy to be a thief
hows that?.. thief
Post script.. I tell my 6 year old.. you know the difference between right and wrong..
2006-06-19 07:48:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
technically it is against the law.
2006-06-19 07:09:15 · answer #8 · answered by nem0nem 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow!
2006-06-19 07:08:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there's any law against it.
2006-06-19 07:07:15 · answer #10 · answered by sarahbethe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋