 stinger
join:2001-03-22
Florissant, MO
 ·AT&T Midwest
| Here's the skinny... According to the laws of the land, it is perfectly legal to access any "open" or "unsecured" AP. Period!
The "illegal" option goes into effect when a user attempts to access any storage or printing device connected to that AP without the express permission of the AP owner/operator.
As far as the moral ramifications are concerned, that's purely a matter of conscience. | |
|
 | | Re: Here's the skinny... Overall this debate is funny to me. People keep thinking that there are a set of "morality" laws out there and that we as people should obey them. That's so far from reality, I had to laugh.
On the issue of using an unsecured AP. I agree that if you leave it unsecured, then you should expect people to walk up and use it. If your car was stolen, and you told the police that it was in front of your house, unlocked, with keys in the ignition, 9 times out of 10 you will get the question "why didn't you lock the car and take the keys with you" from the officers.
In the case of those having APs that come unsecured by default, why didn't they research it more, or read the instructions, or (dare i say it) call tech support and inquire about security. Simple, they chose not to in most cases. People in this world tend to favor "I want it fast and I want it now" over "I want it but I also want it secured and safe".
So basically, the simple solution is to lock up your APs until there is an ACTUAL federal law passed stating that trespassing onto unsecured APs is against the law. That law is a few years off still, so I would get to reading if I were them. | |
|
 | | | Re: Here's the skinny... Absolutely rediculous that so may of you think it's ok to use someones unsecured connection just because.
--
Spread Opera. Fastest browser on Earth or in Cyberspace!! | |
|
| | | | Re: Here's the skinny... Forget all the analogies. It's pretty plain and simple, if you didn't pay for it then it's not yours, so don't use it. Where in the world were you "no" people raised? Where is your self dignity? God, I can't even believe that this is a debate. Are you serious that you think that this is ok?!! This is wrong either way you look at it and you can't come up with an analogy to justify your wrong-doing. Get a job and pay for it like the rest of us!! | |
|
| | | | | Re: Here's the skinny... Didn't kindergarten taught you the joy of sharing? Where were you raised? | |
|
| | | | | said by YNOTster:
Forget all the analogies. It's pretty plain and simple, if you didn't pay for it then it's not yours, so don't use it.
I don't believe you paid for that air you're breathing. IT'S MINE! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO BREATHE IT! STOP NOW! | |
|
| | | | | | Re: Here's the skinny... It is no different than picking up a radio station for free that has been transmited unencrypted. If users are concerned about people accessing there signal, they should take a little time and learn how to lock it down. Just as they would lock down there computer. | |
|
| | | | | ledstone
join:2004-03-16
Fort Lauderdale, FL | Re: Here's the skinny... If you Broadcast it (radio / wireless) and I can Receive it then it's free and I can use it. If you Scramble it and I Receive it then I took extra action to steal your protected radio wave.
You can steal cable, satellite, or XM but you cannot steal AM or FM because they WANT you to hear it.
Same goes for 802.11x - lock it if you must. | |
|
|
|
