Thread: free internet access

Originally Posted by solmanic

Another thing - I occasionally forget to turn wireless off on my PDA phone, so when I'm driving along it just keeps alerting me whenever it picks up another network. And it says whether the network is unsecured or not. It's just too easy to do.

Bottom line, secure your home network and make it invisible.

BTW if you don't make it invisible, at least make the network name anonymous. Don't call it "123 Elm St" or "John E Citizen" - that's just making it too easy for thieves and ID snatchers. They then know which house to go through the rubbish for Eftpos receipts etc.

When i leave home my ipaq picks up about 10 -15 unsecured networks within 100m of my house, i can sit in bed with my laptop using the neighbors connection

It is great fun!

The real benefit I think, and the reason we use wireless is we have a laptop plus 2 pc's. The two pc's are networked using the same wireless router (like most it is also a 4 port hub) and the laptop links in via the wireless. Printers (1 Colour bubblejet and a mono laser) are set up on the pcs but the laptop can print to these without having to run cables.... also means I can sit in front of the TV and work! (or surf AULRO....)

Have often wondered though if you really wanted to get someone in the poop who has an unsecured network. Couldn't you surf for illegal stuff eg certain porn etc and the police trace would lead back to their router. I wonder how they would go defending themselves..... It wasn't me.... Honest!.... or of course send threatening emails, search bomb making sites, power station grids etc. One way to get rid of a neighbour you don't like!

Their router would record your MAC address, which is unique, and the cops would probably come knocking.

So make sure you wipe the log pages of all devices before you call.

Cheers
Simon

NOT that I would do anything like that..... LOL

SO basically the next time you log on at home they could trace the MAC address back to your account

Originally Posted by cookiesa

NOT that I would do anything like that..... LOL

SO basically the next time you log on at home they could trace the MAC address back to your account

If the neighbours aren't up to securing their wireless APs then I doubt their up for anything as complicated as reading router logs and stuff.

It's pretty unlikely...

But if the cops wanted to they could get the isp records, and if you'd logged into your email account, or here, or work, while using the neighbour's internet they could come get you.

ISPs keep the download logs forever.

Cheers
Simon

Originally Posted by cookiesa

It is great fun!

<snip?

Have often wondered though if you really wanted to get someone in the poop who has an unsecured network. Couldn't you surf for illegal stuff eg certain porn etc and the police trace would lead back to their router. I wonder how they would go defending themselves..... It wasn't me.... Honest!.... or of course send threatening emails, search bomb making sites, power station grids etc. One way to get rid of a neighbour you don't like!

hahaha, yes I think that too. Unfortunately the neighbour I don't like just got rid of his net.

Aren't all McDonald Restaurants wireless "hotspots" ???

Originally Posted by abaddonxi

[...]MAC address, which is unique[...]

Weelll it's suppose to be unique, but it's also easy enough to change 'em if you're running the right OS and know what you're doin'