Is it Illegal to connect to the neighbor's Internet with a wireless adapter?

Question

it's not illegal to buy a wireless adapter.
If fact, you can now buy antenna boosters.
can we assume that if someone does not have wep security on, they don't care if someone connects?
so far I've found no laws against it in N.Y.
please correct me if I'm wrong.

Answer 1

Colin is correct, This IS ILLEGAL. I will attach the laws that will get you. The thing is, you cant just connect wirelessly to the internet (There are no direct connections!) when you connect wirelessly you connect to a NETWORK and that network is connected to the internet.

Therefore, you are connecting without permission, into a computer network and that is illegal by Federal LAW!
So can you get in trouble, yes, will you get away with it, maybe. Either way have a lawyer available! (If you neighbor leaves the keys in his car can you take it?)

Also when you do connect that way do you have any idea who is monitoring you? You put YOUR data and information at risk also. They who are hosting the "wifi" signal have every right to monitor what data is being sent over that network! If they are ID thieves or spammers you will have a major issue even if you do get "free" internet.

US REGULATIONS
Wifi theft Laws
IN NY N.Y. Penal Law § 156.00 to 156.50
§ 156.05 Unauthorized use of a computer.
A person is guilty of unauthorized use of a computer when he or she
knowingly uses, causes to be used, or accesses a computer, computer
service, or computer network without authorization.
Unauthorized use of a computer is a class A misdemeanor.

That is the Least violation - you are using a computer service!

Full list of ALL states
http://www.ncsl.org/programs/lis/cip/hacklaw.htm

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

And why it is a bad idea for you.
security/wifi

http://www.infoworld.com/article/07/08/01/Web-apps-over-Wi-Fi-put-data-at-risk_1.html?source=NLC-WIR&cgd=2007-08-02

Answer 2

All u need is a wireless adapter. Here isnstates u can find a good one for less than $10 and sometimes lower with rebate.Since u will be connecting to someone else's router in ur neighbour try to get a super G, this is will give u wider range.

Answer 3

It is not illegal to buy the equipment, this is meant for use with your own system. It is illegal to use someone else's system without consent. Your machine's MAC address stays on their wireless log until finally replaced by their using all their dhcp addresses up even if you cease using it. If they notice any loss of performance or get billed for excess use, or reach a limit and get blocked they generally complain. Their ISP will then instigate a monitor on their connection. In one case I know of 2 people were fined $2000.00, a third $1500.00 and another got five years in prison.

Answer 4

It depends on where you live. It is very illegal in the UK and carrys the same punishments as hacking. There is a big case where someone has been very publically prosecuted.

Be aware that where ever you are, if you are using someone elses connection without their permission then you are stealing. Also if you are using that connection, as it isn't secure, your internet use can be monitored so I wouldnt do any internet banking if I were you. But then if I were you I wouldn't be stealing.

Answer 5

well, ther maybe no law on piggybackriding on someoneelse's
wifi.

but ask yrself this question, do u want anyone to ride on yr wifi and slow u down.

ask yr own conscience, u have the answer.

James C

Answer 6

I haven't seen any laws on it. How would they even enforce them. If the wireless person does not close off the router, oh well.

Answer 7

If it is not password protected. Be safe and DONT. I GOT IN TROUBLE ONCE 2000.00 FINE

Answer 8

If you can't find the law anywhere, then I'd say just do it. They can't charge you with anything if there isn't any law :)

Answer 9

right now, legal.