Wireless Bloody Networks

[4Hero]

Before I start, I have no knowledge of networks. I only write web sites (and photoshop cars for SIDC members) for a living []

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I had a wireless network kit lying around the house for over a year, but could never get it working properly. I managed to set up my desktop no problem, and browsing the web on the laptop was sorted, but I couldn't share files & printers []. I wanted to get to the bottom of it, so spent hours reading up stuff about wireless networks on the web, read all the manuals then gave it another bash.

After countless hours I managed to get the sharing and internet working on all machines! YIPPEE. If only I had thought about security..

A few weeks ago my mate with his linux laptop strolls into my house, boots up his machine and KAZAAM a network connection. No passwords or anything, he was straigt in, and could access my internet and all my files, not good I thought, if he can do it, then so can my neighbours.

Well, today I managed to get everything working [] and I am 100% relieved! I can now relax on the hammock in the garden browsing the web, knowing that any fortunate person passing my house can't access it.

Tip: If you have a wireless network and it's not secure then disconnect your machine just now and get it sorted! A friend of mine who lives in Edinburgh has the option on 6 networks when he connects in his house!

[Highlander68000]

LOL - I had to set up my cousins recently, because he was wide open to the neighbours.

I also know someone who has had FREE internet for over 2 years now. They don't even have a phone line! They've had download speeds of over 400 k per second - That's as good as free 4 meg broadband []

Is it illegal to steal peoples bandwidth? I'm sure there is a law somewhere.

Glad you got it sorted.

[st3ph3n]

I think in general terms it would be covered by certain computer missuse acts.

FREE KEVIN MITNICK!

[imprezapete]

Thats why I dont like wireless networks, not even the ones securied are secure enough for my liking. Enabling the standard security is not enough to stop some wanting into your network. I have heard that wardriving happens a fair bit now in Edinburgh, I have seen the network symbols painted on walls and pavements in Leith.

I just disabled mine instead until they bring out better protection. But I have to admit I already layed network cable to 3 rooms in the house.

[dougster]

I have picked up a wireless network and it must be from the small modern offices over the canal next to the river.

Not the strongest signal but it's handy never the less.

 I have no idea what the law is on this matter. Could anyone clear it up?

[imprezapete]

Yeah its against the law to use the network even though the arse who fitted it left it wide open.

Same as wired network, no authorisation = breaking the law

 

[dougster]

How the hell do you police that though????

I turn my laptop on and the wireless network is insantly detected........

[st3ph3n]

Dougster, I can't condone doing it.

Do you think someone with an unsecured network has the ability to work out who's stealing the bandwidth? If it's (ab)used at night when they're not using it then they'll probably never even notice.

[4Hero]

Thats why I dont like wireless networks, not even the ones securied are secure enough for my liking. Enabling the standard security is not enough to stop some wanting into your network. I have heard that wardriving happens a fair bit now in Edinburgh, I have seen the network symbols painted on walls and pavements in Leith.

I just disabled mine instead until they bring out better protection. But I have to admit I already layed network cable to 3 rooms in the house.

Pete, I am still unsure how secure my network is, I also have Zonealarm pro running on each machine (which will block access to the pc's, but not the internet if hacked). I will see how things go..