I know what these are, but I found it odd that he was trying to obtain this data in an established neighborhood (my neighborhood). He was driving really slow and pulling over to the side of the road on occasion. On his dash, he had a funny looking contraption (similar to a camcorder) that he said enabled him to pick up "hot-spots" and that his company pays him to gather data about where these spots are located. I was in a rush to get my kids to school so I didn't get to ask him his company's name. And I didn't get a license plate number. Is this legal? Is he trying to gain net access for free and/or trying to hack into my home computer? I may be overreacting, but any advice is appreciated.
2006-10-11 15:19:06 · 9 answers · asked by tlc289 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
It's perfectly legal to check for hot spots, but accessing private networks without permission is not- of course if the security is turned on, you need the proper key. It's kosher if someone gives you a password/key- you might want to drive around and see what the maximum range to you friend's network is.
Many ISPs, cable companies, telephone companies and even startups might be interested in what the saturation of wireless networks looks like in various areas. They may be considering rolling out new services based upon what they find. So in summary, anyone is free to check what networks are out there, as long as they aren't actually connecting to secured networks without permission and burning other people's bandwidth on music downloads and the like. If he only had a dashboard detector and no laptop computer, it's probably what he said, his company is researching wifi coverage.
2006-10-11 15:29:48 · answer #1 · answered by C-Man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-16 02:31:15 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have one of these things they cost about $20. If you are in a strange town or on vacation and want to check email, you need to find a hot spot, maybe you can't find a restaurant hot spot.
If that is all you are doing and you find one not busy, well what would you do. I don't care if someone does that as long as it isn't some fly by night business that is parasiting off of others like you see in starbucks with their fat briefcase and cell phone and hogging a table
2006-10-11 15:32:33 · answer #3 · answered by jekin 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, your are over reacting, He's looking for a social spot to hang out at. Then again coming to thank of it that was kind of odd to look for a hot spot early in the morning. Maybe he was looking for a spot to document in the area where people hang out early. For example, the local coffe shop or breakfast any where people hang out in the morning instead of hanging out in the late night
2006-10-11 15:31:48 · answer #4 · answered by Tavia 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think he lied to you about his "company" and it's not legal to use someone elses wireless connection without their permission, at least in some states. There was a guy that was sued for using a coffee shops free wireless access because he never bought coffee there - free access but not really. The coffee shop won. If you see the guy again, I'd call the cops.
2006-10-11 15:28:16 · answer #5 · answered by sterno73 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
He was looking for unsecured wireless networks.Then he can steal information.If you see him again ask to see the company's name. More than likely hes a hacker. If you don't have a wireless network don't worry about it.
2006-10-11 15:33:24 · answer #6 · answered by dleemacc 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Either he is cheap or is looking for an unsuspecting pc user who has let their gaurd down. He may be looking for personal info.
2006-10-11 15:33:07 · answer #7 · answered by lawrence913 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think the situation is pretty weird, id just watch out 4 him more and see how much he comes back. if he does, then do something
2006-10-11 15:27:27 · answer #8 · answered by Jessica 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think he's just cheap and wants to tag on to someone elses wireless network...Or he's a stalker....Or both.
A cheap stalker??
2006-10-11 15:30:28 · answer #9 · answered by cowboydantx 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋