Is working off of someones wireless network punishable by law? It is an unsecured linksys network, meaning you need no passcode to use it. Sometimes if I drop our connection at home, my computer will switch over to this other one. Once in awhile I will encounter an IP adress conflict and I get off the mystery network and back to my own. I know its dangerous if Im doing anything important because some info is shared but I dont do anything important, and if I did I would do it on my own network. My mom said you could go to jail for using it, but I wasnt sure.
2006-12-19 00:22:06 · 6 answers · asked by Bibsy 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
It is looked down on, but not illegal per se. Any unsecure wireless connection lacks a WEP key to make it secure, thus becoming a public wireless network. You'll see these commonly in cities or places like Starbucks. Once the WEP key has been set and all joined computers have the key entered, it becomes a private wireless network. Breaking into a private WEP enabled wireless network is illegal, but one that is not secure is a grey area in the law. If you had to do no real work to get into a insecure connection, then argument is on your side. If you had to break down the WEP key, then you are guilty as charged. I hope this helps you understand it a little better!
2006-12-19 00:32:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's a fuzzy area, but as long as you are not intentially causing harm then you're ok. Furthermore, since their network is unsecured, they are essentially asking for it. Becareful, however. I've known guys that would setup an open wireless internet connection to see who would all connect to it and they would then sit at the root of the connection and sniff the wire for credit cards, personal data, and etc.
2006-12-19 08:31:00 · answer #2 · answered by whathappenedamber 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the cource of the wireless network. If your close to a students union with it then it isn't illegal but if your neighbours have a wireless connection and your connected to it you can be in trouble with the law. If it is with a business that may have high security material that you don't even know about you can be in serious trouble. It is illegal.
2006-12-19 08:30:46 · answer #3 · answered by kewlguitarist 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is. Using someone else's network connection without permission and/or payment is considered theft. In most courts, if you are a minor, your parents will be held responsible for your actions. Also consider this...think about how you would feel/react if this other person was using your network without asking/paying.
2006-12-19 08:40:10 · answer #4 · answered by ModelFlyerChick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unsecured wireless networks are open to public use...no penalty.
2006-12-19 08:26:10 · answer #5 · answered by Mr_Blue_Eyes_27 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is punishable when ever you are get caught
2006-12-19 08:25:08 · answer #6 · answered by mariefel q 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋