Is this illegal?

TimothyEBaldwin

Not_so_wise_one wrote: »

It is theft, and you can very well be prosecuted for it.An old story but still applicable. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4721723.stm

"The Communications Act 2003 says a "person who (a) dishonestly obtains an electronic communications service, and (b) does so with intent to avoid payment of a charge applicable to the provision of that service, is guilty of an offence".

I fail to see any dishonesty unless one either uses a MAC address that wasn't properly allocated, uses a manually configured IP address, breaks the encryption, or attempts to deceive someone.

How is this different from using the 6to4 relay router that is accessible via the 6to4 anycast address (192.88.99.1)? Or using a properly chosen Teredo relay?

Or using the incoming email server of some ISP to send email to one of their customers?

Or given that one has connected their computer to a wired LAN with appropriate authorisation use any router connected to that LAN that advertises itself as appropriate for the destination in question?

prowla

I think that simply piggy-backing on someone else's connection should probably be harmless, provided that (a) you don't poke your nose into their business, and (b) you don't hog their bandwidth (eg. torrent downloading).
That said though, I've got our wireless network setup with encryption and to only allow the MAC addresses I say.

Lum

TimothyEBaldwin wrote: »

I fail to see any dishonesty unless one either uses a MAC address that wasn't properly allocated, uses a manually configured IP address, breaks the encryption, or attempts to deceive someone.

As I said earlier, just because some muppet leaves their door unlocked it doesn't give you rights to wander about in their house sit on their couch and watch Sky Sports.

The same is true with an unsecured router, unless they mark their network in some way to indicate that they're happy for you to use it, assume that they're not happy about it and are just two dumb to know how to secure the thing.

sporedude

Meh look at everyone up on the high horse, Go on and do it, You only live once.

fuzzball172

Yes it is illegal you can be prosecuted on 2 charges, the 2003 communications act and the computer misuse act. Police are have made a number of successful cases against members of Joe Public, so if you get found out, be aware its not just the big boys they are going after nowadays. As to comments like its free like the air and brambles in the lane... nope someone is paying hard earned cash for the service and this is a money SAVING forum not a money STEALING forum. Just because they didn't secure their network doesn't mean we should all be advocating theft...

TimothyEBaldwin

Lum wrote: »

As I said earlier, just because some muppet leaves their door unlocked it doesn't give you rights to wander about in their house sit on their couch and watch Sky Sports.

But if they have a sign saying you may come in and do so...

The same is true with an unsecured router, unless they mark their network in some way to indicate that they're happy for you to use it, assume that they're not happy about it and are just two dumb to know how to secure the thing.

But does an SSID broadcast and DHCP service amount to such a label? If so then then the manufacturers of the wireless routers are arguably the criminals.

Lum

TimothyEBaldwin wrote: »

But if they have a sign saying you may come in and do so...

But does an SSID broadcast and DHCP service amount to such a label? If so then then the manufacturers of the wireless routers are arguably the criminals.

IMO

If the SSID says "free wifi" or words to that effect then yes. Otherwise all it says is that the owner of the router is an idiot that didn't lock it down.

Probably a better analogy is a car. If I leave the door open and the keys in the ignition then I am an idiot, but it is still wrong to steal the car. If I put a sign in the window saying "free car" (and sign the logbook) then it's ok to take it.

fuzzball172

good analogy lum

0james0

So when I'm on my iPhone and my phone connects to a unlocked network to send an email I'm breaking the law?

I think the key thing is ab/use, a one off call would neither be spotted or succesfully prosecuted. 12 months of torrents, thats true bandwidth theft.

Lum

0james0 wrote: »

So when I'm on my iPhone and my phone connects to a unlocked network to send an email I'm breaking the law?

Pretty much, yes. Also you're potentially allowing the owner of that network to look at your email as it goes through.