Connecting to Someone Elses Connection

slumped

Hi

Got new laptop. Did a search for networks within range.

Got connected to a network with a super broadband signal.

Is this OK to piggy back on? Does anyone know if it is legit?

S

Silverfish

Not unless you're going to go over to their house and pay some of their bill.

slumped

I know I shouldn't do it but how can they trace it to me?

Silverfish

Well, your question was is it legit, and if its okay to piggy back on, and the answer is no.

They will be able to tell you are using it, but it is their own fault for not password protecting it I suppose.

jonnybadd

Your MAC address would probably be the easiest method of tracing it back to you.

Peanut

slumped wrote:

I know I shouldn't do it but how can they trace it to me?

They could, in theory, using Kismet (& a directional antenna), but it's unlikely.

Dcully

Ok i recently got a new laptop and its running wirlessly via the eircom router.
My gaming rig ison ethernet.
This is exactly what im afraid of.
I pay 54 yoyos per month for my connection and dont want any leechers like this guy.
Please can someone advise on what measures i can take to prevent leeching from me?
Im sorry but saying something like password protect it means nothing to me as i am so new to wireless and even broadband itself.

Peanut

Did you get a manual with the Eircom router?
If so, it should be all in there, you need to setup encryption.

NutJob

If they left it open its unlikely they have the technical ability to trace you if it was my network id be slightly upset as im paying the bill.

Oh and yes its illegal.

Now if u get unlucky and the network is run by some paranoid person they could watch all ur traffic (big if)

There are muppets floating about who take trips to other peoples(businesses) and use it for p2p for movies and crap. Not good.

exactiv

There's no reasonable way that anyone's going to trace the signal. They'd have to be very determined and have plenty of know how.

I wouldn't worry about it. Just don't go to town on the connection. Check your e-mail and turn it off. If they notice that their connection is slow (e.g. if you're using p2p) they might ring tech support to find out why... and then you're into a totally different situation.

If you're worried about your own connection (Dcully) check if it's being displayed as encrypted in the Detected Wireless Networks dialogue box. If it isn't then you need to connect to your wireless router (by cable preferably) and set up WPA or WEP. It depends on your router how to go about setting it up. If you post up the router make and model I might be able to help some more.

kippy

{RANT}
Jaysus,
How may time in this forum have topics been posted (and dicussed at great length) on the morality,legality and general issues involved on connecting through someone elses WAP???
How many I ask??
There must also be the same amount of topics which go into great detail on how to secure your wireless network...why do people not read the ones already there-or even use the web for a search.....then if they have any further questions possibly open a new thread.
Fecks sake.
{/RANT OVER}

exactiv

Well, if people are still askin the questions then maybe they're not getting the answers they're looking for in other threads.

kippy

Well, if people are still askin the questions then maybe they're not getting the answers they're looking for in other threads.


No-I'd say they are not looking......

exactiv

I'd say, that like myself, they couldn't be arsed burrowing through a load of threads and they just wana ask it again. and so what?

kippy

Using others connection:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054858153&highlight=wireless+network
Security:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054887527&highlight=wireless+network
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054897590&highlight=wireless+network




I've done a quick search for them.....
Whats the point of replicating the exact same information over and over again?
Why even have a "Search" button on boards??
Perhaps some stickies need to be made on wireless security??

exactiv

I agree, a sticky on how to check if your wireless network is secure would be a good idea.