2 Questions> about a Secure wireless line and WIFI PIGGYBACKING?

Question

I am trying to decide between getting DSL or getting wireless internet. I like the idea of wireless internet and being able to use it anywhere in my house and shop. My 1st question is if I have a wireless computer set up in my house, but I also want to use it in my shop which is a totally separate outbuilding would I have to not secure my homebase connection in order to access it from a router in my shop. I have heard about people piggybacking on unsecured networks so I am wondering how safe it would be to not secure it. By the way, What does everyone think about this Wifi piggybacking. Do you think that it is legal or illegal? which leads to my 2nd question. My son says that he does not think that wifi piggybacking is illegal. He said that some people don't secure thier networks and don't care if anyone uses it. I'm not so sure that I believe that. I would like to see a show of hands of people who do not care if others use thier network by accessing by wifi piggybacking

Answer 1

If you setup your own router, you can have security and use it as far as it will cover still using the secured connection. If your shop is too far way, add a better antenna or even an external one outside (they are available) and a high powered router.
So get DSL and ADD a wireless router you have both, hard line and wireless service!

Here are some interesting LAWS concerning "piggybacking", The issue is that connecting into, or using someones network with out there permission is illegal in all 50 states (and Canada and the UK and many other places.) You can not "piggyback" without making a network connection! So that makes it illegal! Now you can state that since it wasn't secured you had permission but the cost of the defense will way out cost your "free" connection!

Now, if you are running open, you also create a major risk factor of someone hacking your computer system as they will be connected to YOUR network!!!

Here is the link to the state statutes just for your information.
Wifi theft Laws

http://www.ncsl.org/programs/lis/cip/hacklaw.htm
for all states list and laws

"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."

Take note that this CAN become a felony depending on what is done using that service or connection.
(That is the NY code - you are connecting and using a service when you use a piggybacked connection!)

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


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

Legality depends upon your location. There is no Federal law on this in the US. Some states or localaties have tried to limit this but the jury is still out on jurisdiction since the airwaves are regulated by the FCC, a Federal agency. As a practical matter, if you're in your home there's no way to identify who you are and that you are the interloper. As to risk, any internet connection is risky if you're not firewalled and protected by anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Anyone else on the wireless network does have access to your machine if you don't protect yourself.

Answer 3

i leave security off 'cause i trust my neighbours and figure anyone who's nearby and trying to use it is just hopping on for a bit and i'm providing a nice convenience for them ... doesn't slow it down at all.