33 replies to this topic

[uberman]

A recent wardriving mission has brought to my attention that around Folsom, we have a lot of these types of networks, they're WEP enabled networks running off the 802.11g standard on the 2.4ghz spectrum..

Their SSIDs are: #WIRE#### <--- where the # represents a number..

They usually start with: 2WIRE####

Are these corporate networks or are they just some manufacturer's default SSID, like "linksys."

[randb]

2Wire is the company that makes SBC DSL modems/wireless routers. So those are mostly SBC DSL subscribers.

[Solartide]

i was using one of those the other day.

[TheCourtJester]

Isn't wardriving a federal crime?

[uberman]

Isn't wardriving a federal crime?

Not unless your breaking into encrypted networks and doing damage. Is it a crime to drive around my neighborhood with my laptop? It's not my fault certain networks creep into the streets.

[uberman]

Not unless your breaking into encrypted networks and doing damage. Is it a crime to drive around my neighborhood with my laptop? It's not my fault certain networks creep into the streets.

Speaking of which, does anyone have a Cisco Aironet 350?

[DalOwnerX3]

Speaking of which, does anyone have a Cisco Aironet 350?

Or a Pringles can.

[CostcoLover]

Not unless your breaking into encrypted networks and doing damage. Is it a crime to drive around my neighborhood with my laptop? It's not my fault certain networks creep into the streets.

Uber, you may not think so, but the feds do think of it as a crime. Even if you're not doing damage and just using the network. They consider it theft much like illegal cable.

There was a recent case brought against a guy in Florida who drove around with his laptop and stopped in front of some house to use the wireless connection.

While I agree with you that many consumers wouldn't know if they're using their neighbors connection, ignorance does not let them off the hook.

[randb]

Uber, you may not think so, but the feds do think of it as a crime.  Even if you're not doing damage and just using the network.  They consider it theft much like illegal cable.

There was a recent case brought against a guy in Florida who drove around with his laptop and stopped in front of some house to use the wireless connection.

While I agree with you that many consumers wouldn't know if they're using their neighbors connection, ignorance does not let them off the hook.

Wardriving is not a crime. Simply listening for broadcasted SSID is not a crime. Now accessing the wireless network is a crime.

[Dave Burrell]

A recent wardriving mission has brought to my attention that around Folsom, we have a lot of these types of networks, they're WEP enabled networks running off the 802.11g standard on the 2.4ghz spectrum..

Their SSIDs are: #WIRE#### <--- where the # represents a number..

They usually start with: 2WIRE####

Are these corporate networks or are they just some manufacturer's default SSID, like "linksys."

they are just some manufacturers default SSID, used by SBC DSL subscribers

what is a wardriving mission? are you one of those guys who drives around with a wireless laptop checking on local wireless networks...or trying to break in?

[Dave Burrell]

Not unless your breaking into encrypted networks and doing damage. Is it a crime to drive around my neighborhood with my laptop? It's not my fault certain networks creep into the streets.

hey weren't you just complaing about suspicious cars at the park?

don't you think its a bit suspicious for you to be driving around with a laptop checking on local networks?

someone may call the cops on you one of these days for doing that.

[DougP]

Wardriving is not a crime.  Simply listening for broadcasted SSID is not a crime.  Now accessing the wireless network is a crime.

It looks like the local authorities agree with this stance too:

Sacramento Hi-Tech Cops

The relevant quote from the article is "While war driving in Folsom and El Dorado Hills, Davis did not hop onto anybody's computer. That would have been illegal, but it wasn't illegal just to see who is and isn't secure"

[Solartide]

hey its not my fault 5 networks flood our house

[CostcoLover]

hey its not my fault 5 networks flood our house

True. Unless you use the service. Then it's theft.

[uberman]

what is a wardriving mission? are you one of those guys who drives around with a wireless laptop checking on local wireless networks...or trying to break in?

I never said I went on a mission , I was very careful not to say that. Re-read

True.  Unless you use the service.  Then it's theft.

That's like saying if my neighbor pipes his cable into my cable, and I turn on my TV, that it's a crime. If an unencrypted network overlaps on my property it shouldn't be a crime to use it, if my neighbor puts his pool in my yard, is it illegal to use it?