Intrusion of privacy or just being helpful
Discussion
Just been having a problem with my network connection. I could surf and stuff but things were really slow and doing weird things
After a brief investigation, I found that my router was down and that I had connected to an alternative wireless router.
Now, the fact that I connected to the "remote" router meant that it was unsecured and anyone could access it.
I know I shouldn't have but I had a look at the router settings and based on certain information, it is possible to identify whose router it is.
Now, do you think I should go to the person and tell them their router is open tell them how to secure it, risking a "breach of privacy" argument or should I just keep quiet.
After a brief investigation, I found that my router was down and that I had connected to an alternative wireless router.
Now, the fact that I connected to the "remote" router meant that it was unsecured and anyone could access it.
I know I shouldn't have but I had a look at the router settings and based on certain information, it is possible to identify whose router it is.
Now, do you think I should go to the person and tell them their router is open tell them how to secure it, risking a "breach of privacy" argument or should I just keep quiet.
Well, spoke to the neighbours... and they were shocked that their system was open.
The guy had gone to *a well known computer retailer* and said he didn't want wireless but to hard wire... So the salesman sold him a router that would accept cables, oh, and does wireless as well.
Anyway, managed to add basic WEP security to stop the casual drive-by connection and they are extremely happy.
They were totally unaware... now they want me to source a new laptop... one thing always leads to another..
The guy had gone to *a well known computer retailer* and said he didn't want wireless but to hard wire... So the salesman sold him a router that would accept cables, oh, and does wireless as well.
Anyway, managed to add basic WEP security to stop the casual drive-by connection and they are extremely happy.
They were totally unaware... now they want me to source a new laptop... one thing always leads to another..
onomatopoeia said:
There is no breach of privacy thing on your part - they are broadcasting this stuff to the world, or the street at least.
I thought it was an offence under the Computer Misuse Act to knowingly access data you know you shouldn't have access to regardless of how well / poorly it is protected.
If someone leaves their front door unlocked, it's still not legal to go in and help yourself to their TV, or flick through their photo album.
Having said that, I'd have done exactly what you did. Free diesel? Result!
ETA: [url]www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1990/Ukpga_19900018_en_2.htm#mdiv1[/url].
Edited by pcwilson on Saturday 9th September 10:07
when we first got wireless, i did a scan to look for other networks in the area.
Our neighbour had his open to all, and had named the network '4 Smith Street' (example).
I did tell them about it being open, and he said he'd just not got round to securing it.
It's now secured, but still named the same.
Our neighbour had his open to all, and had named the network '4 Smith Street' (example).
I did tell them about it being open, and he said he'd just not got round to securing it.
It's now secured, but still named the same.
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