Wireless networks within range

edthegr8 · 21-09-2005, 18:59

Hi
Just a quick question about wireless networks, when i boot my laptop up, the 'wireless networks detected' bubble pops up and windows lists two wireless networks as being in range. (i do not myself have a wireless network connection)

One is called xxxxxx security enabled wireless network, where xxxxx is the name of the family over the road, so no prizes for guessing what that is.

But, there is also a Belkin54g unsecured wireless netowrk to which i can connect. Is this going to be somebody local who has got their security settings wrong??

Also, do i need to do anything about people being able to access my laptop even though i dont have a wireless network set up, is me having a wireless card enough to give them access?

Cheers

Hom3r · 21-09-2005, 19:04

I had this They are only going to be not much more than 5 house away.

You could take a guess who they belong to and knock on there door. the other thing to do is block there MAC address in the filter of your router, or other means,

edthegr8 · 21-09-2005, 19:06

it doesnt bother me as long im safe from intrusion by anyone

jrhnewark · 21-09-2005, 20:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by edthegr8

it doesnt bother me as long im safe from intrusion by anyone

You're not even connected unless you, well, connect!

Although, if you do decide to make a few sneaky downloads using anyone else's connection (best done in the early hours, I suppose), be aware that if caught you could be subject to legal action - although, how would they find you?!

nffc · 21-09-2005, 21:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrhnewark

Quote:

Originally Posted by edthegr8

it doesnt bother me as long im safe from intrusion by anyone

You're not even connected unless you, well, connect!

Although, if you do decide to make a few sneaky downloads using anyone else's connection (best done in the early hours, I suppose), be aware that if caught you could be subject to legal action - although, how would they find you?!

MAC address, DHCP log, though if they're n00bs then they probably wouldn't even notice and would blame it on their hormonal teenage kids...

It is illegal as you say. As is hacking accounts, and creating multiple IDs on forums.

jrhnewark · 21-09-2005, 21:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by nffc

MAC address, DHCP log, though if they're n00bs then they probably wouldn't even notice and would blame it on their hormonal teenage kids...

Depends how fast their connection is.

However, they clearly are n00bs, including any teenagers in the household - frankly, they're probably never going to find out. Let alone where to find you!

Quote:

It is illegal as you say. As is hacking accounts, and creating multiple IDs on forums.

Not sure about multiple IDs on forums - depends on whether or not you lie about your name, DOB, etc.

Using someone else's wi-fi network, though, is certainly a form of theft. More morally than legally, I should hope.