ITN - Wednesday, August 22 12:33 pmA man who was spotted in the street using his laptop to access an unsecured wireless connection has been arrested.
(Advertisement)
The 39-year-old man was seen sitting on a wall outside a home in Chiswick, west London, by two community support officers.
When questioned he admitted using the owner's unsecured wireless internet connection without permission and was arrested on suspicion of stealing a wireless broadband connection.
The man was bailed to October pending further inquiries.
Dishonestly obtaining free internet access is an offence under the Communications Act 2003 and a potential breach of the Computer Misuse Act.
The move is the latest example of police cracking down on a crime that did not exist several years ago when wireless internet access was relatively rare.
In April, a man was cautioned by police after neighbours saw him using a laptop in a car parked outside a house in Redditch, Worcestershire.
In 2005, a man was fined £500 for piggybacking on someone else's wireless broadband connection in London.
Detective Constable Mark Roberts, of the Metropolitan Police computer crime unit, said anyone who illegally uses a broadband link faces arrest.
He said: "This arrest should act as a warning to anyone who thinks it is acceptable to illegally use other people's broadband connections.
"To do so potentially breaches the Computer Misuse Act and the Communications Act, so computer users need to be aware that this is unlawful and police will investigate any violation we become aware of."
2007-08-22 22:47:39 · 7 answers · asked by ROBERT S 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet ➔ Other - Internet
my own view on this is internet companys eg aol-bt- ect should make there software to not allow the wireless network to activate untill a network key is entered also if you wish to bypass the cd and set up unsecure wireless network maualy then others should see it as permission to use
2007-08-22 23:16:52 · update #1
was just looking at my view and noticed a mistake at the end sorry it should have read ==== should not see it as permission to use===== "sorry again if anyone was misslead by this "
2007-08-23 06:06:00 · update #2
A lot of people are intimidated by technology. What attracts them to it are the benefits it provides.
If the consumers are not prepared to explore (which is has how I learn't about it) their investments, you will always get problems like this.
Was'nt this the reason why local garages used to charge extortionate prices for simple maintenance, a few years back?
Purchases are returned to computer/electronics shops on a daily basis by consumers who do not understand how to use the products, and I suspect around 9 in 10 products returned will be perfectly fine after testing.
How many mates or relatives have wanted you to give them a few numbers to store on their new flashy phones (which they seem to change every few months), then have problems understanding what you mean by sending the contacts via bluetooth?
In fact, while we're on this subject, how many purchased the wrong wireless routers because they did not check whether or not their ISP (for 6 months +) were DSL or Cable first?
People are too used to having everything provided on a silver platter, and then get comfortable when things appear to be working normally. If I then show up (deviously ; ) and make a simple alteration to that status quo, like hiding all desktop shortcuts and leaving a desktop wallpaper with the shortcuts on it in their place, then the terror returns XD
Which is why so many wifi networks are unprotected. When the consumer has a wifi network up and running (mission accomplished), they stop there forgetting that unwanted guests can use the bandwidth. Now if you tell them they have to secure it, you will have to talk them through it over the phone.
This is a shame when you consider that the very internet they use contains all the answers they need, from the manufacturers web sites to the 1000+ forums with others chatting about the same problems.
Maybe we will have to wait a few more years when things like this become mainstream. Then all will arm themselves with the right knowledge before/after making the investment into new technology.
As for the criminal side, if you get caught using someones bandwidth without permission then you should be cautioned or fined. Its similar to someone leaving a laptop at a desk, unsecured with a lock, whilst turning his/her back to check something else. Just because its unsecured it does'nt make it right for an opportunist to walk out with somebody elses property.
Prison is for the individuals who actually hack in and crack the security you've thrown up, or are attempting to steal private information to commit fraud.
2007-08-23 00:12:00 · answer #1 · answered by TwinFly 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It seems a bit harsh to convict someone for taking something that someone else is freely offering. Another brick laid down for a padded-wall utopia, where idiots are sanctioned and everyone else is the enemy.
I have 26 exposed networks within reach. All I can do is steal bandwidth via http protocol. Pretty harmless unless someone is actively sharing folders. And once again - that's their problem. Not that I steal the sluggish-as-hell connection, but to get tossed in the clink for it, that is just absurd.
2007-08-23 05:57:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
"In April, a man was cautioned by police after neighbours saw him using a laptop in a car parked outside a house in Redditch, Worcestershire"
And that wallys connection is STILL unsecure - he lives next door to a friend!
I don't think people know HOW to secure them!!
2007-08-23 05:52:08 · answer #3 · answered by Sal*UK 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they can !!! Until people become more concerned over someone stealing it, smart enough to WEP it, and more concerned over getting caught doing it, nothing will get better. Face it, people can get away with it with little or no fear of getting caught, and most people are not smart enough on their own the secure their WIFI network. Too bad more people didn't use a service like this one to get it straight !!
2007-08-23 05:54:49 · answer #4 · answered by shooters733 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The person who didnt secure their broadband connection should be arrested for being stupid
2007-08-23 05:52:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most people who leave their gateway open usually don't know that people can connect of it.
Putting encryption on your wireless internet is as easy as pie if you know how to.
2007-08-23 05:52:30 · answer #6 · answered by Mat C 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Crazy isn't it!
2007-08-23 05:52:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋