Easiest way to connect to random wifi network?

**redmage** · 02-14-2005, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by Big Zack

then take a look at the U.S. federal computer crime statute, Title 18 U.S.C. 1030

- Z

Says: "
(1) the term “computer” means an electronic, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other high speed data processing device performing logical, arithmetic, or storage functions, and includes any data storage facility or communications facility directly related to or operating in conjunction with such device, but such term does not include an automated typewriter or typesetter, a portable hand held calculator, or other similar device;
(2) the term “protected computer” means a computer—
(A) exclusively for the use of a financial institution or the United States Government, or, in the case of a computer not exclusively for such use, used by or for a financial institution or the United States Government and the conduct constituting the offense affects that use by or for the financial institution or the Government; or
(B) which is used in interstate or foreign commerce or communication, including a computer located outside the United States that is used in a manner that affects interstate or foreign commerce or communication of the United States;
"

Does a router/AP qualify as a "computer" while it does not process data at all, only routs information. And only with intent to damage/defraud hardware/information or steal information that you have not been granted proper authorization to on said "protected computer" which is 99% positively not a governmen or financial insitution or for such primary use. I believe everyone is granted proper authorization to the web and checking my email by way of rouge AP from a neighbor is hardly a malicious activity.

I can connect to the web via an open AP without intruding on said "computer"

**Chairboy** · 02-14-2005, 03:38 PM

...and that is currently correct. There are some well meaning but flat out wrong folks here who assert that it's already illegal in the US.

**redmage** · 02-14-2005, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by Chairboy

...and that is currently correct. There are some well meaning but flat out wrong folks here who assert that it's already illegal in the US.

Thank you.

**MoFo** · 02-14-2005, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by redmage

Says: "
(1) the term “computer” means an electronic, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other high speed data processing device performing logical, arithmetic, or storage functions, and includes any data storage facility or communications facility directly related to or operating in conjunction with such device, but such term does not include an automated typewriter or typesetter, a portable hand held calculator, or other similar device;
(2) the term “protected computer” means a computer—
(A) exclusively for the use of a financial institution or the United States Government, or, in the case of a computer not exclusively for such use, used by or for a financial institution or the United States Government and the conduct constituting the offense affects that use by or for the financial institution or the Government; or
(B) which is used in interstate or foreign commerce or communication, including a computer located outside the United States that is used in a manner that affects interstate or foreign commerce or communication of the United States;
"

Does a router/AP qualify as a "computer" while it does not process data at all, only routs information. And only with intent to damage/defraud hardware/information or steal information that you have not been granted proper authorization to on said "protected computer" which is 99% positively not a governmen or financial insitution or for such primary use. I believe everyone is granted proper authorization to the web and checking my email by way of rouge AP from a neighbor is hardly a malicious activity.

I can connect to the web via an open AP without intruding on said "computer"

nice

**Alex121** · 02-16-2005, 03:05 AM

Hey, since its not illegal (yet) does someone mind posting me a link to all i need to know, like how it works, what software and tools i need. I am very interested in this topic.

thankyou.

**Vchat20** · 02-16-2005, 12:54 PM

shouldnt be too hard to program (dont ask me to

) something to do this. have ti conect to a random network like it does now, ping google.com, if it goes through, leave it connected, if not, disconnect, repeat.

**mgithens** · 02-16-2005, 01:38 PM

so basically what it comes down to is that this is just a soapbox forums for all you dogooders?? by a show of hands who has a 100% legit license for ALL the software on your systems... now keep your hands up... put it down if you have a copy of a single MP3 that you do not have the rights to... ok, now put it down if you ever made a mix tape for your girlfriend in high school... ok, now put it down if you have ever gone faster than 70mph in a car (75 in some places)... ok, now put it down if you took the tag off your mattress... (j/k about that one..)

my point is that we live in a non-law abiding society... there are enough threads about the general consensus that using wifi that you don't pay for to be illegal... why can't anyone just answer his question and not interject their beliefs?? the original question was how do I do this... not what do you guys think? just don't answer...

there are a zillion starbucks, and just about enough in some downtown areas to have full coverage wifi... the library, various other hotspots that are free & legit... now how do I get it to connect without having to go in and configure each location?? Winc seems to be the only suggestion as of now, but no open source or free apps out there to do the same??

**Gobby** · 02-16-2005, 01:43 PM

All this using 'open' wifi APs .... they'd need to find me first!!! Remember that the wifi card is in a car/van etc .... not a building over the road ..... and for the time you are connected ... no one will be any the wiser. I personally don't feel guilty using someones internet connection for two or three minutes to check e-mail/web access. Its not as if they are paying per kb or mb. If it was per kb or mb, I'd ditch my home broadband and then I'd leech off some unfortunate 'Up to the minute techo' bloke who has all the latest kit but no idea how to lock it down.

I say, if its open .... use it, if they aren't switched on enough to lock it down ... tough! The only thing I wouldn't do is go snooping, unless I have a reason to ;-)