Connecting to random unsecured network?

peterattheboro · 15 May 2009 at 10:11

Does anyone do this? I'm stuck in our new office which is currently undergoing a refurbishment so we have no power or anything so had a look to see if I can get on the net and I can

How long will it take for me to get busted?

On a laptop obviously with a quarter of battery life left

Just realised this is probably better in the Network forum

Abraham · 15 May 2009 at 10:12

you're unlikely to unless you start messing about on their network

V4NT0M · 15 May 2009 at 10:21

You're unlikely to get busted, anyone stupid enough to have an unencrypted & unfiltered wifi connection isn't going to be looking through router logs and DHCP tables very often.

peterattheboro · 15 May 2009 at 10:24

Skyfall said:
You're unlikely to get busted, anyone stupid enough to have an unencrypted & unfiltered wifi connection isn't going to be looking through router logs and DHCP tables very often.

This is actually very true

Someone on Borough Road doesn't know how to set up a wireless network properly

V4NT0M · 15 May 2009 at 10:28

peterattheboro said:
Someone on Borough Road doesn't know how to set up a wireless network properly

I bet the network is called "Netgear" or something.

Solari · 15 May 2009 at 10:31

If I'm doing this I always change my MAC address beforehand

that way if someone tries busting me, they won't be able to prove it was me

Ravane · 15 May 2009 at 10:32

I've done it using my mobile's WiFi when stuck in traffic.

Dist · 15 May 2009 at 10:32

My advice is dont do it. It may be VERY unlikely that you will get caught, but it is still accessing someone elses network without their permission. The only time i would suggest attempting to connect to unprotected networks is if their router name or SSID suggest that anyone is welcome, or its a free network.

V4NT0M · 15 May 2009 at 10:34

Dist said:
My advice is dont do it. It may be VERY unlikely that you will get caught, but it is still accessing someone elses network without their permission. The only time i would suggest attempting to connect to unprotected networks is if their router name or SSID suggest that anyone is welcome, or its a free network.

Has anyone ever been busted for that?

JIM_BOB7813 · 15 May 2009 at 10:39

Skyfall said:
Has anyone ever been busted for that?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/6565079.stm

Was a case in America (or was it over here?) where someone was parking in a restaurant carpark and using their free wifi, the restaurant didn't like it and called the cops, can't remember the exact outcome, but they weren't just let off.

kaiowas · 15 May 2009 at 10:42

I've no problem with borrowing someone elses connection if I've got no other means of getting online but I'll always be sure to treat it with the respect that I would anything else that I've borrowed so I'll keep my use to a minimum and not do anything that could be seen as dodgy.

Le_Petit_Lapin · 15 May 2009 at 10:44

Just do it and get yer torrents going too.

how are they going to prove it was you?

Chronictank · 15 May 2009 at 10:44

I wouldn't do it, for all you know it was left there on purpose for you to connect to by not so savoury characters who are spoofing the traffic as you browse the web

Knubje · 15 May 2009 at 10:48

If I was desperate to access the net and didn't have my own connection (for some reason), I would clearly connect to someones network if unsecured, just to browse. It's their own fault for not securing it tbh.

If I was desperate to access the net and didn't have my own connection (for some reason), I would connect on someones network if secure by using backtrak. It's their own fault for securing their...oh wait

Hehe just kidding.

In general don't use wireless, I'm a physical cable man myself!

J.B · 15 May 2009 at 10:49

I wouldnt go checking my bank account on it but if you are just checking your emails Im sure no one will mind.

V4NT0M · 15 May 2009 at 10:50

this thread makes me want to set up my fonera again.

xb8browney · 15 May 2009 at 11:02

I've done it in the past when a tree took out our phone line. Since then I now have a 3G HSDPA USB modem to use for backup

PikeyPriest · 15 May 2009 at 11:04

Depends. I sat outside an apple shop in Canada so I could check email on my phone (nearly daily). But i think downloading big files or extended browsing is too much.

Biohazard · 15 May 2009 at 11:05

Can you use a wireless router (crap netgear) to pick up connections?

I've never seem to be able to do so..

zootfloot · 15 May 2009 at 11:09

I used my next door neighbours wireless for about 2 years for all my downloading needs.

It took a bit longer but it felt good doing it

In hindsight i do feel bad about it, but not bad enough to tell him what i was up to.