I am wondering about free unprotected wifi internet wirless connections. I use it for free at my college, but I went over my friends house and he uses it for free too. He lives right in an excellent hotspot. Is this OK though? it doesn't ask for a password like if someone were to pay for the service. You just log in, free internet for him. How can this be? and there just a high school near by, could it be theirs or maybe someone whos paying for wifi doesn't know there protecting their spot. Can he get in trouble or is it just free. P.s. I have no idea where its coming from though, he just uses it.
2007-12-24 11:37:17 · 7 answers · asked by grfisgd 6 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
For the "Rock" person, my friend doesn't spy or hunt down hotspots. He uses it from his apartmet right at home. He just found it because his laptop found multiple connections.
2007-12-24 11:47:10 · update #1
OK, here are the laws for all 50 states. You decide. However, it is illegal unless you have specific authorization to use it!
I will let you read the NY law as it is very similar to all other states. Canada and the UK also have similar statutes.
Wifi theft Laws
http://www.ncsl.org/programs/lis/cip/hacklaw.htm
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.
I have no idea how you connect to an open wifi without using a computer service or connecting to a network! Don't forget that ignorance of the law is not a defense.
http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode18/usc_sec_18_00001030----000-.html
For the Security issues
There are known id thefts happening with "Open Wifi" set up specifically in high density areas to get you to use them! All you have to do is login to email etc Since those are unencrypted your email is instantly known. Other issues, just read this one.
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
and don't forget Santa doesn't visit bad boys and girls.
Merry Christmas and God Bless.
2007-12-24 12:02:37 · answer #1 · answered by Tracy L 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my girlfriend was having troube connection to the internet she was paying for in her apartment but she could often connect to a neighbors internet instead.
Im not sure it is illegal because the person who has wireless internet can protect other people from using it with a password if they want
However, on another side. If the person he is feeding off of is really smart with computers, the person serving the internet could mess around with his internet/computer
2007-12-24 11:41:56 · answer #2 · answered by J DUBS 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is free, you will not get in trouble, but when a connection is unsecure, you shouldn't send any confidential information across the airwaves i.e credit card info, passwords. People have the ability to steal this information if they want to.
Just be careful, and enjoy!
2007-12-24 11:40:15 · answer #3 · answered by laydeelibra25 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, as long as the service is provided free.. then go ahead and use it... but it isn't safe as there may be others trying to use the connection too.
2007-12-24 11:39:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Man charged with wireless trespassing
Florida man faces 3rd-degree felony charges after using another's wireless network from his laptop.
2007-12-24 11:42:08 · answer #5 · answered by Rock 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't think its wrong though because I'm doing the same thing and its who ever didn't put a password fault so they shouldn't take you to jail or charge with any charges.
2007-12-24 15:36:38 · answer #6 · answered by Mickey Яocks 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
its ok as long as you have a good virus protection program on your comp. so that oher people wouldn't be able to hack into it.
2007-12-24 11:41:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋