Using your neighbours unsecured wireless network!

babybimbles

Took my wireless lap top to my in laws and brother in law detected an unsecured network and starting surfing the web. Is this allowed and does this pose any problems to me as it's my laptop? He wanted to check his ebay acct and I didnt feel comfortable with this whole idea of using the neighbours network. Am I right?

tia

spurs1234

I wouldnt say its illigal its more of a civil matter , as your using something there paying for, this cant harm you in anyway your mac address will show up on there router but if its unsecure they prob dont even know what that is..

$17mma

We are always picking up pur neighbours wireless, ours is protected though so no one can use it without a key.

rizla01

iT'S UP TO THEM TO SET THEIR SYSTEM SO THAT OTHER CANT USE THEIR CONNECTION AS A HOT-SPOT (sorry Caps).

You can in fact find out all sorts of info about them this way inc passwords and bank details!

I think I'd use it (dont tell them) but tell them when your done, to make their system more secure in future.

Poppycat

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4721723.stm

Toon

Yes, it's illegal. I heard someone has been fined for doing it.

spurs1234

I stand corrected poppy nice find

Aiadi

There was also something on channel Five's gadget show the other day about this activity being completely illegal.
BTW, anyone aware of any intrusion detection software and how useful they are.

Poppycat

Try this for wifi

http://www.mywifizone.com/

I use it you can set it ip for blacklists and whitelists (friends)

$17mma

How can i double check just to make sure that my network connection is locked from outside users?

I can pick up theirs no doubt my neighbours can pick up mine but mine has a padlock on it does that mean it is secure?

babybimbles

Thanks all, have told bil to get a router!

ANy links to a simple way of securing my network (once I have my router installed (just replaced a belkin with a netgear,not yet unboxed!)

much aprpreciated!