Was playing around today and found two unsecured wireless networks that I could access. Evil things came to mind, so I thought I'd do a poll.

The one network I ran tests on was Charter Cable with tested speeds of 939/234.

People around me must be more security concious as none of their nets are 'open'. However, I wonder how many are using WEP instead of WPA??

I admit I voted the 2nd option - really

Most people around here are very lax with there security. I can drive around for 10-15 minutes with my laptop and find 30 access points. Usually around half are unencrypted.

I voted for #3...

Of course it was only for educational purposes.

Good luck to anyone trying to access my access point. I can only just get a signal downstairs.

How did you find them, just setup your wireless card and they popped up or actually had to go round with a PDA looking for hotspots?

That's the cool part. I'm just sitting at home, messing around on my laptop and there they were. The number has increased though... there are now 3 I can access.

The signal strength is pretty good for all, so they have to be close... in the same building close.

Last time I looked there was only 1 other within range, but I know the guy, and his is secure.

I've been "testing" the connections on newsgroups, with their newsgroup servers.

imo if you pick them up without moving, then its fair game, its not like your maliciously aiming to hack.

They are broadcasting insecure data into your house (and into your brain), imo in this situation you should feel free to use it, given that they also don't own a radio license most likely

I live in a semi-detatched and the neighbours are biddies, no chance of them using wireless to pick up their pension.

So these don't even have WEP key? That's just silly...

Nope, complete default settings. Just like they plugged it in and that was it.

lol, fair game imo. There was a similar thread @ fh.org and someone said "if there was someone lying on the floor would you steal their wallet"... which is the silliest and completely wrong analogy to make.

For a start the person isn't knowingly and willingly broadcasting his wallet into your house

Noooo, am I being too honest? Sat here now in my house I'm picking up 2 secured networks. Both of which I know because of the obvious names they have used. However, if either were insecure I would tell them. I know these people.

It's not just about using their connections either, what about LANs, and access to shared folders and files.

Anyway if using WEP, that user isn't secure anyway. I've read it can take 10 minutes to break a WEP secured net. Not looked into it any more than this suffice to say I do use WPA.

Looks like only 1 is able to be "used". The third one is gone, and the other one didn't work out.

Linksys:
BEFW11S4
-(blank)/admin
-router address: http://192.168.1.1/
-Chater Cable: x.x.x.x
-average tested speed: 829/235
-shared printer/default windows shared folders

Netgear:
WGR614 v3
-admin/password
-router address: http://192.168.0.1/
-no ip address, possible dial-up
-average tested speed: n/a
-no network

The people with the Linksys have their computers named after themselves, so finding them wouldn't be that hard.

if not secured is their own fault so down all you can