 Using, Or Stealing Others Wifi |
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 Nov 20 2006, 11:27 PM
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#1
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Advanced Member  Group: Members Posts: 134 Joined: 18-October 06 Member No.: 31,859  |
When I go on vacation with my family, I usually take my laptop with me. My laptop has wireless enabled so it picks up wireless signals. I always get signals in my hotel room, and use it knowing that the hotel has provided it. But when I came home, I noticed that a new wireless signal has popped up on my computer. It is not security enabled meaning I can use it. The problem is, I don't know If I should. My friend always uses his neighbors WifI, but I'd feel guilty if I would've done that. So is using others WiFi legal, and if it's not do the laws vary by state!
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Nov 20 2006, 11:30 PM
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#2
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Super Member Group: Members Posts: 397 Joined: 9-June 06 From: Wisconsin Member No.: 24,924 |
I don't think using someone else's WIFI would be legal, unless they give you permission too. Its almost like stealing, and it is most definently taking advantage of someone else's WIFI. They are paying for their internet, not you.
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Nov 20 2006, 11:35 PM
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#3
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A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.  Group: [MODERATOR] Posts: 3,993 Joined: 24-July 05 From: In Trouble Again... still? Member No.: 9,787  |
I don't know about the Law in the US of A, but I assume it woud be like syphoning gas from a vehicle, basically, you are stealing from them, albeit, a service, rather than a commodity like gasoline, but all the same, they paid for it and without their explicit consent, you would be considered a thief. I have a wireless router, but all the neighbours are out of range, so no problem. Additionally, the router I have is configured to send an encrypted signal, so others couldn't use it without hacking it anyway.
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Nov 20 2006, 11:38 PM
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#4
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Hidden Secrets can't be told threw just words. One must feel what the other feels to truely understand... Group: Members Posts: 1,523 Joined: 8-January 06 From: Sacramento California Member No.: 16,756 |
Lol it may be against the law, but pshwa who is going to find out? lol
i say just go ahead and do it... but if their internet goes down, then you cant get online through the laptop  that'd suck..... i'd say unless they are computer savvy (which if it's not a secure network i'd say they are not) then they would be able to see who log's in through the router, and block your IP address... lol |
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Nov 20 2006, 11:39 PM
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#5
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Super Member Group: Members Posts: 397 Joined: 9-June 06 From: Wisconsin Member No.: 24,924 |
QUOTE I don't know about the Law in the US of A, Did you happen to see the new movie Borat?? |
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 Nov 20 2006, 11:42 PM
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#6
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 124 Joined: 8-May 06 From: London, England Member No.: 23,247 |
Hmm, let's think... without their permission, it's stealing, and stealing is illegal right? So yes, it is illegal to use someone else's wireless internet connection without permission in almost every country and definetly every state of America. Although this doesn't stop me, it's the only internet access I have (we can't afford the internet
 ) In fact, as I'm speaking to you I'm using my neighbour's connection... which had a WEP (Wired Equivalent Protection) key which I cracked... I digress, going towards wireless connection security will make me write a few pages about h***king wireless connections, which is not allowed on the lovely Trap17. Although I could write a few pages on securing wireless connections, but this is unrelated to the topic and unneeded. And if they're to stupid or technophobic to be able to properly secure their wireless router, you can probably access the router using it's local IP address and delete the logs of your use before you go home. You can also REALLY mess with their settings, like configuring their router for remote access, or ban MAC addresses of the computers using it so that they can't use it. As Albus said, you could get the router to block IP addresses, although they'd have to be local, and the one's asigned can change, hence aren't reliable  . Basically, it's illegal and immoral to use someone else's wireless connection without permission.But it's up to you 
This post has been edited by keri-j: Nov 21 2006, 12:07 AM |
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Nov 21 2006, 12:10 AM
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#7
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 134 Joined: 18-October 06 Member No.: 31,859 |
Did some researching and came across this article!
QUOTE The U.S. federal computer crime statute, Title 18 U.S.C. 1030, makes it a crime to knowingly access a computer used in interstate or foreign communication "without authorization" and obtain any information from the computer. A separate provision makes it a crime to access a computer without authorization with "intent to defraud" to obtain "anything of value." Fortunately, this provision also specifies that it doesn't apply if "the object of the fraud and the thing obtained consists only of the use of the computer and the value of such use is not more than $ 5,000 in any 1-year period." So it is not illegal, but haking into someones WiFi that is security enabled, WEP or anything else, is illegal and is counted as a felony. But I still don't like the idea of using something that people are paying for. It just doesn't seem right to me! This post has been edited by coolduck123456: Nov 21 2006, 12:12 AM |
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Nov 21 2006, 02:40 AM
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#8
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Trap Double Mocha Member Group: [HOSTED] Posts: 2,228 Joined: 5-November 05 From: That one place over there... Member No.: 13,830 |
I also think it's wrong to use someone else's wireless network. Although it doesn't cost them any money because it's a set price (I don't think anyone does it based off hours for cable) you are indeed taking what is theirs. I do do it once in a while though
Of course my wireless card isn't very strong so that's not too often. When I go on vacation I use the hotels but that's allowed and I sometimes use my relatives' but they let me do that as well. Using a neighbors it sort of out of laziness. They have those cell phone cards you should use instead.
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Nov 21 2006, 03:11 AM
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#9
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Member [Level 1] Group: Members Posts: 69 Joined: 18-November 06 Member No.: 33,593 |
I'm not sure if it is legal but i think using other peoples wifi is fine. If people don't use security with their wifi i'm sure they can't be to worried about other people using it. Then again i'm sure there are people out there who don't know how to secure their wireless network. I think its a bit rude and unfair to use someone elses, but i don't think it should be illegal.
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