John From Detroit
Well-known member
In reading that article (in the context of this thread,,, USING a wi-fi connection you happen upon) it appears they are concentrating on laws which prohibit unauthorized computer access.
One could argue if the Linksys Router (or whatever the provider is using) is, in fact a computer, since it does nothing but pass traffic.
However there is more
In the opening paragraph they said they set out to do a Wi-Fi Hack, to read their NEIGHBOR's E-mail.
This, is illegal on it's face
But what about reading your OWN E-mail?
Ok, I'll use myself as an example.
I connect via a stumbled upon Wi-Fi. Have I accessed the connection owner's computer (likely not, likely only his router and modem were involved) Have I gotten any "information" from him (Just his SSID)
Now I go for my E-mail... Have I accessed the computer it's on (Yahoo) without permission (NO, I have permission) Have I obtained information from it, Yes, but again, I have permission.
Did I violate the law? Depends on where I'm parked and how I stumbled across his connection.
Did he break the law.. Much the same answer
One could argue if the Linksys Router (or whatever the provider is using) is, in fact a computer, since it does nothing but pass traffic.
However there is more
In the opening paragraph they said they set out to do a Wi-Fi Hack, to read their NEIGHBOR's E-mail.
This, is illegal on it's face
But what about reading your OWN E-mail?
Ok, I'll use myself as an example.
I connect via a stumbled upon Wi-Fi. Have I accessed the connection owner's computer (likely not, likely only his router and modem were involved) Have I gotten any "information" from him (Just his SSID)
Now I go for my E-mail... Have I accessed the computer it's on (Yahoo) without permission (NO, I have permission) Have I obtained information from it, Yes, but again, I have permission.
Did I violate the law? Depends on where I'm parked and how I stumbled across his connection.
Did he break the law.. Much the same answer