2007-08-28 13:50:11 · 10 answers · asked by Dave S 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
There are two major laws that come into play with this question. Here is what I know (paraphrasing of course)
1 - Since the wifi is being broadcast on a public frequency it is legal to use if you can decrypt it or in this case it is unencrypted.
2 - There is a law stating that it is illegal to access a computerized network without permission (aka hacking which is what you are doing).
So to sum it all up you can get into allot of trouble if your neighbors really want to press it but the laws are conflicting. It would all be up to the judge in your area.
Moral of the story its easier to pay for Internet and use your own connection ... STOP stealing
2007-08-28 14:43:35 · answer #1 · answered by Steve B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It *IS* illegal (anywhere in the United States) unless you have permission to use it. Public networks are the same way, some times you have to buy a product (such as coffee) to use the network. Email me, and I will dig up the exact laws you break every time you use an unsecured wireless network without permission.
However, sometimes its hard to tell if you are using a free public network, or someone who knows nothing of network securities network (often using the default name like Linksys).
If you only use the network occasionally, you don't take up a lot of bandwidth, and you don't do anything else illegal you should be fine though. If you are concerned about it then only use networks with names with "hotspot" in it, or a companies name.
Lastly, if you do use the network illegally for illegal things, they are your neighbor. They live beside you. Chances are you will also be looked at during any semi-major investigation.
2007-08-28 14:20:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
unauthorized computer access is a crime in the united states.
your first answerer, 'anonymous x', knowingly allows others to use his/her wireless network -- so it seems to me that consent, and therefore authorization, is implied.
another answerer, 'Martfuncher', states that the legality is up in the air. i disagree, but i could be wrong. i don't keep real close tabs on the issue, but i've read quite a bit, and my understanding is that the law makes no distinction between wired network access and wireless network access. if you don't have consent, it's not legal.
the thing is, it is very easy for many end users out there to connect to and use an unauthorized wireless network without even being aware that they are doing so. because of that, it is my hope that the laws will eventually change.
good luck :)
2007-08-28 14:39:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, the legality is up-in-the-air and differs from state-to-state and city-to-city. There is legal precedence in some places that makes the owner of the unsecured wifi responsible for criminal acts done by others.
For example, if you do something illegal on your neighbors unsecured wifi, your neighbor may have to share legal responsibility for the criminal act.
More:
http://www.enterpriseitplanet.com/security/features/article.php/3518716
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2007-08-28 14:02:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is illegal, unless you have received permission from your neighbor. You can be charged with this.
Your neighbor should secure his wireless, but the fact that its unsecured does not give you permission to steal it.
You should get your own connection.
2007-08-28 13:59:19 · answer #5 · answered by rose1077 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am responsible for encrypting my own local wireless network. Its not particularly difficult to do.
If I leave my network open, people may assume its a public network. It may not be right, but as long as you don't hack my credit card numbers or look at my files, I doubt any charges would ever be filed.
In response to the previous answerer... are you kidding me??
Show me a single arrest report for an arrest on piggybacking someone's wireless LAN... Maybe it happenns in New York City, but I've never seen it in my local newspaper...
2007-08-28 14:03:16 · answer #6 · answered by chocolahoma 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If your in the uk then its not illegal just make sure you dont do bad things on the net while using their internet.
Also if their dumb enough to leave their wireless open then they probably wont even notice your using it
2007-08-28 14:30:03 · answer #7 · answered by E/K 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes it IS! LOL! most people can't get their head around why it's illegal, but people are being arrested all the time for it to be quite frank. play with fire....
2007-08-28 13:55:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Without his knowledge or permission ...... YES!!!!
DUH
2007-08-28 14:24:13 · answer #9 · answered by centsless 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't think so.
People use mine, I don't care.
2007-08-28 13:53:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋