I'm getting free access from other people's wireless connection, is it good?

Question

I just got a new laptop, and I guess it's got a pretty good wirlesscard. I'm getting free internet connection called "linksys." Is this a good thing?
Should I used other people's wireless connection?
Is it illegal?
I googled "linksys" and turned out "linksys" is for businesses. Would people get fired if download "stuff" using the network?
Am I stealing from other people?
Also, am I taking away their bandwidth?

More importantly, can they see me using their wireless internet connection?
Can they trace me?

Answer 1

Any network connection connects YOU to THAT network.. so in addition to the Legal/moral questions (yes it is illegal in the US) you have a MAJOR SECURITY issue also.

Some bad guys have figured this out, they intentionally setup OPEN access points in highly populated areas so that you will connect. They hope you use your BANK, EBAY, PayPal, Yahoo, MSN, etc. Once you do they have your usernames and passwords... ALL of your traffic went through their network now didn't it. All it takes is a simple packet recorder and your activity and all information is all infront of them!

Even worse is if you have a shared folder they can indeed hack directly into you.

So unless you know you have permission and know the owner this is really a bad idea for you.

For all those that think this is a good idea and fine because of "Stupid" owners not securing a network.... you need to rethink that, some of them aren't that dumb they are hoping you think so.

ADDED
Here are a couple of legal links for you if you have any questions about the legality these are the ones that will get you. First is the States.. Second is the Fedral for the US.
.
http://www.ncsl.org/programs/lis/cip/hacklaw.htm

http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode18/usc_sec_18_00001030----000-.html

Answer 2

If you're using someones wireless internet connection without their knowledge and consent, im afraid it is illegal. Since it is a business's netowork, unlike most home connections, the company may have software that is able to detect another router (or wireless card in a laptop) that is sharing the connection. They may already know because sometimes the more people who use the network, the slower the internet speed will be. I suggest you either leave the connection alone! or inform the people that their network is open for others to access.

Answer 3

I'm sure that that is illegal. Because without the acceptment of the router's owner, you "steal" the connection illegally. You may slow down the connection too.

I think you should problaly stop. Because the point is, you can create your own home networking for about $17 per month, DSL connection. The router is about $50-$100, depends on the types of the router and the signal that it gives off or gain; the distance it can be between the router and the computer.

Good Luck,

Answer 4

Does anyone have a good link to the "legal" specifications? I do not think it is a law across all 50 states. Some communities may have something that covers piggy backing off others WiFi. Over all it is open airway, just like FM radio. If you don't want it used that you should take precautions from other people connecting to your wireless router. "Linksys" is a common home wireless brand router, and "linksys" is the default SSID.

Answer 5

Freeloading off of other people's internet connections isn't the good thing to do. Anytime you share an internet connection with someone, you are at risk. The point of having secured internet is to keep others out. Even if you have firewalls and anti-virus software installed on your computer you could still be at risk. Anyone else who is on this open network could put you at risk. They might not have any kind of protection on their machines, or could already be infected with a virus. Use open access connections at your own risk.

Answer 6

Firstly, a decent network administrator would be able to see you and trace you in an instant. However, a decent network administrator wouldn't be dumb enough to leave the wireless network wide open like that.... it's a gamble lol

Regardless of all that though, ask yourself if it's _morally_ right to do this - ignore the legal stuff and just ask yourself "is it right to steal from this company?" I'm sure you'll work out the answer eventually. Let's face it - if you didn't have a problem with it, you wouldn't be here asking about it. Guilty conscience?

Answer 7

hahaha

linksys is a brand. They make routers so it could NOT be a business.

It's not really like a big thing, you can continue to do this if you want since they are the stupid ones of transmitting a free wireless signal.

They can trace users using it though (not just that but they can see your traffic {{and even passwords if they know anything about computers}}... if you are looking at porno or banking sites etc...)

Also if the router ever gets unplugged or something... then you will have no internet anymore!

So if you have your own internet, use that...
if you don't, (and refuse to buy one) use theirs!

Answer 8

you're guilty, aren't u? maybe u cud ask the people near u if they've got the wireless connection. if they do then maybe u could ask for permission. if they won't allow, then it's up to you what to do...you could continue enjoying from the net(atleast u informed the owner) or u could get ur own connection(don't make it wireless if u want).. haha

Answer 9

1. Yes it is illegal
2. Yes you are stealing
3. Yes you are taking away their bandwidth
4. Yes you can be traced easily.

However, if they are stupid enough to not change their default settings of their router ...then what can anyone say!?

Answer 10

its not illegal since they are like hotspots for laptops, but they can remove you or block you. although i highly don't recommend using someone else's wireless. they can establish connections through your computer and exploit it (one is deleting files and such).