Using someone else's broadband connection?

Question

If I have a device/modem in my laptop that allows me to pick up nearby broadband connections that aren't password protected, is it wrong of me to make use of them, giving that I'm not paying for it? And can the owner of the connection tell that I'm using it, and what sites I'm browsing?

Answer 1

go for it. they dont have it encrypted so its a free for all

Answer 2

Sure, use their wireless. In leaving it open, they are effectively declaring it an openly accessible network and it is their responsibility to secure it if they want to disallow access. The owner of the connection can relatively easily see that SOMEONE is connected, but without some technical expertise and some tools, they can't see what you're doing and where.



In regards to another answerer who claimed that the law is clear on this issue, I call on them to cite some references. In my corner, I have Jennifer Granick, executive director for the center for Internet and Society at Stanford Law School, and Lee Tien, senior staff attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Their quotes and opinions are available in the linked article.

Answer 3

No it's not illeagle a lot of hotel allow pp 2 use it. PP that have no password aslo allow u 2 use. U can browse what they look at and they can do the same 2 u. The pp with password on the other hand don't what u 2 use their connection.

Answer 4

it IS illegal for several reasons. the law ISNT unclear on the matter as someone has said. it is very clear.



getting onto someone elses network is actually illegal in itself. You dont have permission or the rights to get in, and it is essentially hacking.



secondly, you're using someone elses service and not paying for it. that is theft plain and simple. Dont be fooled by these people saying "sure, yea go for it it's their fault" because it IS wrong. anything that is illegal in the pysical world is illegal in the virtual world, so this is theft.



Mickey1 is wrong. Hotels and schools do allow you to use it, but that is a free network that the users have permission and the relevent user rights to access, in your situation, you have neither of these and thus it is theft

Answer 5

Yes, it's wrong. Would you walk into someone's home uninvited even if the door is unlocked?



And yes, if the owner is computer savvy, he/she can tell what computers are connected to the router and what sites you have been browsing.

Answer 6

its illegal and you could get in alot of trouble and they can easily find out how many computers are connected but if they are silly enough not to password protect it then go for it they are unlikely to find out!



enjoy the free internet! ;)

Answer 7

It is wrong, you are logging onto their network, even if you are not stealing anything. Of course, they are equally to blame for not installing security features. If the network is a public network it is not wrong, if private then it is as I stated earlier. And the second part, yes they can see you, but only if they have installed their own monitor and sniffer programs to check who is logging onto their network.

Answer 8

Morally it's wrong, legally I thing it's OK. By definition, theft must have a value...



Regarding tracability, they cannot monitor you without sophisticated tracking software.

Answer 9

killing two birds with stone is not wrong at all so go for it.

Answer 10

That is not only not right but it is illegal! So stop!

Answer 11

its wrong and illeagle