JGarrick said:
I recently read an article that suggested the idea of a law like this is just wrongheaded. The author proposed that if someone leaves their wireless network unsecured, what business is it of the government to make it a crime to access it. In this case, the only thing "stolen" was some bandwidth.
Well, many answers.. #1, if you leave the door of your house unlocked... Is it a crime to enter the house and steal your television? I mean, you have an obligation to lock your door so was a crime comitted?
When a couple of Aggressive Hostiles entered the unlocked garage at my other house and walked off with two power generators and a snow blower, among other things, did they comitt a crime, I mean the lock was broken after all
Stealing is, well, stealing, locks not withstanding.
Now, entering someones land for legitimate purposes such as hunting Deer, (ulness he raises deer) is not stealing, in fact you may well be doing him a favor. Thus the No-Tresspassing requirment
But stealing is stealing and some folks stil pay for bandwidth, And who knows what else someone might snarf up while they are connected to your LAN.. Perhaps your credit card number,, Or the lovely "Glamor Shot" of your spouse.
No, stealing bandwidth is stealing, pure and simple.
In fact, in many states it is illegal to approach a computer without authorization.. This means any attempt to access my computer, either locally or remotely, or my network (which is a computer after all) requires you have my permission.
There are exceptions.. For example if there is a big sign (or even a little one) that says "FREE WI-FI" Then I tend to believe it. This is an invitation to anyone and everyone to log on, Permission has been granted.
But my house.. NO WAY. you must ask.. and of course in my case you must have the password