Wi-Fi??????

[/pine]

a moot point since it's not a viable security mechanism for the home users

something the "home use" can easily use is a program called "SNORT" (Google it)

Snort is fully configurable via the snort.conf file generally located in the /etc folder. To see what kind of wireless threats this IDS can detect, it is best to just review the various options of this file. The following breaks down the main detection categories.

Rouge AP: Detects any access point that is not designated in it the list of authorized devices.
AntiStumbler: Detects the use of a NetStumbler like program by detecting numerous probes/responses that these programs generate.
DeauthFlood: Detects attempts to kick users offline via deauthentication packets.
AuthFlood: Detects attempts to kick an access point offline via an authentication packet flood.
MAC Spoof: Detects attempts by an attacker to spoof their MAC address for unauthorized access to a wireless network.

Like I pointed out earlier in the thread...most cracking software uses a script that disconnects existing connections so a second script can detect the credentials of legitmate users...monitoring the interuptions is the key to preventing intrusions...

 

[jdbower]

something the "home use" can easily use is a program called "SNORT" (Google it)

You're confusing "home user" with "what an IT guy can do at home". A home user is running Windows or MacOS and doesn't want to be concerned about monitoring their network - it's hard enough to get them to install AV and firewall software. Using a simplistic security mechanism and then advanced monitoring heuristics to detect the rare cases when someone may be hacking a network is kind of like installing security cameras all over your house but then putting a big sign on the front yard that says "on vacation for two weeks". It's a much better solution for the general public to enable the best security their router/NIC supports because they don't have the skills, inclination, or time to actively monitor their network. Now if they do want to monitor in addition to high end security that's even better, but you can't expect many people here to install Snort or Ethereal (or WireShark or whatever they call it these days).

 

[/pine]

Sorry but I am not the one that seems to be confused...go back and re-read the thread...and the questions you posed based on what I posted...

 

[MossRoad]

Caution, geek fight in progress!
Hey, at least you guys are interested in why stuff works!

As far as stealing internet access goes, I'm pretty sure there have been some cases of prosecution. I recall one where a homeowner kept seeing a car parked in front of his house each morning with some guy using a laptop in it. The guy was confronted by police and charged with stealing the homeowner's internet access.

 

[MossRoad]

Aha! I found an article from Information Week back in 2005. It is a very good article which goes over the moral and legal aspects of using open networks and mentions the case I spoke of earlier where someone was arrested outside someone else's home using their internet unauthorized. Here is a link to it. The Privacy Lawyer: Wireless Freeloaders Are Breaking The Law -- Wireless Network Theft

Here's another case.
Tampa Arrest Shines Light On Wireless Internet Theft Issues

And another.
Man arrested over wireless 'piggybacking'

And another.
bit-tech.net | Lincolnshire boy arrested over WiFi theft

And another.
Man arrested for abusing wireless Internet access - TechSpot News

So, I guess some people have been arrested for this practice. Every expert uses the analogy that a wireless access point is like a door to your house. Even if you leave your door unlocked, no one, NO ONE, has the right to come inside without your permission(some life and death situations may allow this... like they need to call an ambulance or police from your phone or google the nearest hospital from your wireless network).

 

[Mark_in_NH]

I read through the articles that MossRoad linked to and I certainly can't argue with what I read. So it clearly appears that we need to watch out for the internet police. I still think and believe that if a person doesn't want somebody accessing their wireless network then they need to secure it.
I walked past my neighbors yard this past spring and inhaled the aroma from his Lilac trees, I surely must be guilty of something for commiting such a heinous act.

 

[scott_vt]

I walked past my neighbors yard this past spring and inhaled the aroma from his Lilac trees, I surely must be guilty of something for commiting such a heinous act.

Good Mornin Mark,
I love the smell of lilacs also, so my wife planted some in our yard too !

My son graduated with a degree in computer science from Univ of RI, sure wish I had him here this mornin, so he could explain what /Pine and jdbower were talkin about this mornin !

 

[drssg]

My wireless network is unsecured, my computers whowever are as protected as they can possibly get. If somebody wants to and is able to connect to my network and access the internet, more power to them.

There are at least two scenarios you may wish to consider:

1. If someone uses your WIFI connection to attempt to solicit children, the cops will come to you.
2. It doesn't matter how much security is ON your computer, if your WIFI signal is not encrypted, then your communication to your router can be intercepted.

 

[drssg]

If you want to remedy this...you can buy a supported router on e-bay etc and change out the firmware...here is a link to everything you need to turn a cheap wireless router into powerhouse...

generally the transmitting power of the average wireless router is 28mW...with this hack you can pump it all the way up to 251mW

Boost your wireless signal

That is an interesting article, but I would be worried about creating a fire hazard. My router gets fairly warm in its supported configuration. I'm thinking there is a good reason why the power is not substantially higher.

 

[/pine]

So, I guess some people have been arrested for this practice

sure there have been a few arrests but in the US you will have to do some real looking before you find any convictions...the reason being...unless a signal is protected with some sort of encryption there is no way to prove the signal is not an open "public" network i.e., free to the public...

Some wireless card software will automatically connect to the strongest signal available...in some neighborhoods there could be a dozen or more available signals and if a user does not monitor their connecting software they will not even know what signal they are connecting to...

the gist of the later part of the thread is that even if a signal is protected it can be cracked and accessed...

Prudent wireless users protect their signals...but what is often overlooked is the use of logs...many wireless router users fail to activate the logging feature of their router firmware... if someone is tapping into your network the logs wil give you hard copy evidence...