connecting to neighbors unsecured high speed internet
 

We moved into our new house about a week ago. We hadn't called the cable company yet and I was jonesing to get onto pelican forum. We were sitting in front of the fireplace when I thought I would fire up my lap top and see if there were any wireless connections in the area. There were 9 available networks, 1 was unsecured, and my computer connected. Voila! Internet. I had previously used a Belkin wireless router before moving and one of my neighbors is obviously using the same. I have internet installation scheduled for next thursday. Ive been using this connection for thee days without interuption in connection or speed.

My question is this, what would you guys do. Cancel the install and ride out the free wave, see how long it lasts or pay up and get my own. Can any harm be done to my computer , and how safe are my files etc. What could the consequences be ?

If your neighbor left his car open with the keys on the ignition, would you take it for a ride without asking permission?
I would not do it without informing your neighbor. It is basically stealing his bandwitdh. A few days is OK, but I`d be really pissed if my connection got slower all of the sudden, and I found out that it is because a neighbor is tapping into it. You might inform him that his connection is not secured, and ask if he would be willing to share it with you. Offer to pay half the bill, setup a WEP password for the two of you, and it could be a win win.

I'd probably keep minimally "borrowing" his internet until my internet was installed.

+1 on Aurel's suggestion

You guys are right. Just had to hear it from someone else. Guess I will limit my on line time until next week. Thanks

if you can get on your neighbors internet, he can get on to your computer.

Must not be a savy neighbor if he didn't install any type of security or maybe he is just a good guy. Mosey on over there and say hello.

I know a guy *cough* who set up a "free" wireless connection just to see who would connect, and to see what could be found out about those connections.

You'd be amazed at what tools can be had for this kind of thing, and what can be found out.

One guy connected to it and started "abusing" it by torrenting all sorts of stuff and saturating the bandwidth, so he was called at work and asked to stop. He was a little freaked, especially when he was told his work number and name were pilfered out of his resume which was on his machine. It was also pointed out that all of his financial information was also available.

My other favourite one is printing out notifications on other peoples printers, along the lines of "you should really think about tightening up your computer security before stealing other people's bandwidth".

Also if you and he share a connection, but the internet connection, broadband modem and wireless router are all in his house, then any technical problems have to be solved on his end, you can't do it. E.g. router needs re-booting, service interruption, modem gets unplugged, etc. Irritating at midnight when you can't very well go knock on the door, really irritating when he's gone for a week vacation. Doesn't sound like much but if you consider internet one of the most important utilities you have, might be worth considering.

No, I would not steal something that didn't belong to me.
Wasn't raised that way.

WOW ! Kids these days ! No right , no wrong, just gray areas , If you get away with it are you right ?
Where is every ones integrity...with the bankers ??
How in the hell can you raise your own kids ??
Sorry for the hard it ...but ...you asked

I've done in very briefly when traveling and want to check email. I'd never do it long term. Right now, I'm on a Verizon card and pay a lot extra for going over my monthly limit. I'd be pi$$ed if someone else put me over the limit.

I've heard of some LEO agencies that will prosecute if a complaint is made and a case can be made against you......

I live near a local university, and my wireless was hacked. WPA + PSK was hacked, go figure. I've since shut it off.

However, I set up a wireless access point with no Internet connection, and named it HackMeLosers. It's an old AP with only WEP. I guess I should see what they did to it. LOL!

"Snort" is your best friend and also your worse enemy!
Hijack only when necessary in only short bursts, never long term.

WEP is easily bypassed. Use WPA2.

All of the wireless security measures are breakable now. If you want true security, use the wireless as a medium, and use a VPN to go from wireless to your real LAN.

As to using someone elses, yeah, I'd be cautious... more than one "unsecured" network has been set up on purpose. Also in some states it is a crime...

I found that a neighbor was borrowing my wifi. She was very upset when I locked it down, and was even irate when I told her I could press charges against her. I would recommend just setting your own up. While you wait just go and ask the neighbor if it would be ok to use his till yours is set up. Just be upfront with him.

thief

How do you tell if someone is on your router, mine is secure WPA + PSK but can you still tell if people try?

You can access your router through explorer and see who is log onto your network. Logging onto your router will also allow you to change access to the router along with password and the type of security you want on your network.