2005/07/28

BBC NEWS | Technology | Wireless hijacking under scrutiny

BBC NEWS | Technology | Wireless hijacking under scrutiny

Probably the interesting part of this is that the party was charged under the Communications Act for dishonestly using an Electronic Communications Service. He could have been charged under the Computer Misuse Act for not having express permission to utilise resources of a remote computer (that would work just for the Access Point let alone any other kit along the way) and possibly for breaking the RIP (Regulation of Investigatory Powers) Act as by decoding WiFi beacon packets that you're not meant to (though that's hitting grey areas as beacon packets are what identify a WiFi network and most systems will list them automatically, but maybe if you join the network then you can be charged).

Unfortunately too many people run insecure networks without any protection turned on, or the defaults as the WiFi unit comes in the box. People need to change passwords, SSIDs (and if possible hide them) and turn on at least WEP and if possible WPA or something with strong encryption.

It's likely this may provoke further arrests and convictions.

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