32 percent admit to leeching off neighbor's unencrypted Wi-Fi

According to a new survey commissioned by the Wi-Fi Alliance, 32 percent of respondents admit to logging into their neighbor's unencrypted Wi-Fi at least once.

In 2008, the last time the group did the poll, the number was 18 percent.

Says Kelly Davis-Felner, marketing director at the Wi-Fi Alliance (via USAT):

The reality is that many consumers have not taken the steps to protect themselves.

The risk of leaving a Wi-Fi connection open is neighbors (or anyone really) can use readily available software to steal info, like passwords.

One such tool, Firesheep, is noted by anti-virus firm ESET. Says the company:

With Firesheep, almost anyone can effectively hack into your Facebook, Twitter and other accounts. Almost anyone has the skill to use Firesheep to be a nosy neighbor."

The Wi-Fi Alliance urges everyone with a wireless router to use WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) security.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 4 Feb 2011 2:18

themind

When the law doesn't stop them, try scaring them into doing what you want them to do.

I heard that if you leave your wifi open, with or without sites and doors that have padlocks on them your 97% more likely to have your baby stolen.

4.2.2011 02:31 #1

KillerBug

I hear that unencrypted wifi causes Aids, Cancer, Terrorism, and it makes you gay!

4.2.2011 04:03 #2

NHS2008

Why the f*** I don't have dumb neighbors!

Join my FB Group.
If you want Android on Samsung Wave!

4.2.2011 04:31 #3

domie

This proves what exactly ? That 1 in every 3 people is stupid ? Or that the entire world is trying to illegally tap into their neighbours wi-fi ? Either way I think the figures are bollox. About as accurate as a North Korean Governemnt Crop Production Forecast.

4.2.2011 05:22 #4

NeoandGeo

I would say the number is higher with people unknowingly using their neighbors, or others close by. Smartphones actively "steal" open wifi signals if you leave Wifi on.

If it's open, it's fair game to all. Period.

4.2.2011 08:45 #5

Semperfipal

My neighbor and I share, and split the monthly cost 50/50. I guess the ISP loses a customer, but so what, they like screwing customers, so a little pay back feels good.

4.2.2011 14:19 #6

toked

Well I didn't know about Firesheep....until now.

4.2.2011 14:51 #7

philosoweed

Originally posted by Semperfipal: My neighbor and I share, and split the monthly cost 50/50. I guess the ISP loses a customer, but so what, they like screwing customers, so a little pay back feels good. We do the same, but I live in the middle of the family property, so I am the hub and the other 3 families bite off me.

4.2.2011 17:14 #8

blueboy09

Originally posted by KillerBug: I hear that unencrypted wifi causes Aids, Cancer, Terrorism, and it makes you gay!

Not to mention those ugly viruses that are very hard to get rid of. Achoo!

Chance prepares the favored mind. Look up once in a while and you might learn something. - BLUEBOY

4.2.2011 23:15 #9

ntense69

thanks for the fire sheep info and well i have stolen wifi before if some dumb idiot wants to leave it open why not use it...that's why retards should drive too....i live in a small town of about 3000 and i can anywhere in my town and connect flawlessly just ridiculous how people don't take their security serious.

5.2.2011 00:17 #10

themind

You know how many houses don't have ADT it's ridiculous how people don't take their security serious.

5.2.2011 01:31 #11

DXR88

Originally posted by themind: You know how many houses don't have ADT it's ridiculous how people don't take their security serious. i don't need ADT i have something much better called M3 and if im feeling generous .44.

all security related issue's Aside, most people that have unprotected wifi are 30+ have one laptop and struggle with anything that has more than 4 buttons.

the rest are either begging you to connect to there wifi, or leave it on without using it...simply because there is no apparent way to turn it off(Yes belkin im looking at you)

5.2.2011 17:08 #12

1nsan3

if u leave your wifi open then u deserve it. I Leech off anyone in the area there loss my gain. Screw ya

For Sale:

Parachute, Used Once, never opened small stain.
Best Offer!

5.2.2011 18:49 #13

TreePro

Originally posted by DXR88: Originally posted by themind: You know how many houses don't have ADT it's ridiculous how people don't take their security serious. i don't need ADT i have something much better called M3 and if im feeling generous .44.

all security related issue's Aside, most people that have unprotected wifi are 30+ have one laptop and struggle with anything that has more than 4 buttons.

the rest are either begging you to connect to there wifi, or leave it on without using it...simply because there is no apparent way to turn it off(Yes belkin im looking at you) On my Belkin Vision N1 you can turn off wireless by going to 192.168.2.1 then go to wireless then channel and SSID next go to wireless mode and scroll that down to off.
I don't need ADT either my 3 overprotective 100 pound each furry friends will hold off anyone until I can get the safety off of my 9mm.

5.2.2011 22:35 #14

DXR88

Originally posted by TreePro: Originally posted by DXR88: Originally posted by themind: You know how many houses don't have ADT it's ridiculous how people don't take their security serious. i don't need ADT i have something much better called M3 and if im feeling generous .44.

all security related issue's Aside, most people that have unprotected wifi are 30+ have one laptop and struggle with anything that has more than 4 buttons.

the rest are either begging you to connect to there wifi, or leave it on without using it...simply because there is no apparent way to turn it off(Yes belkin im looking at you) On my Belkin Vision N1 you can turn off wireless by going to 192.168.2.1 then go to wireless then channel and SSID next go to wireless mode and scroll that down to off.
I don't need ADT either my 3 overprotective 100 pound each furry friends will hold off anyone until I can get the safety off of my 9mm. older belkin's you cant, you can hide the SSID but thats just about it

5.2.2011 23:37 #15

DoomLight

that number is way higher sheesh!

6.2.2011 09:24 #16

Scaldari

what is with all this *down* talk on those who leave their wi-fi open? i do it. i dont do it out of stupidity, I could lock it down 8 ways to Sunday if i wanted to. I do it as a service to my fellow man and i watch it for bandwidth abuse ( has not been an issue so far ) i even have a hotspot sticker on my front door. It has two benefits, one is if someone desperately needs a wifi signal to contact someone its there ( i have been there myself, i hate cellphones and dont own one) and the other gives me a legal precedent that i wont detail.

11.2.2011 11:04 #17

dbldwn02

@Scaldari

As long as you're not worried about them using firesheep, or whatever its called, to steal your facebook profile, that's cool. The "legal precendent" you speak of is a pretty good idea, now that I think of it!

11.2.2011 14:23 #18

fandr78

What is facebook??

11.2.2011 15:28 #19

themind

Originally posted by fandr78: What is facebook?? It's where all the sheople go to be 100% monitored.

11.2.2011 17:37 #20

fandr78

Yeah, i know what facebook is.. However i don't waste time, on anything, that doesn't make me money.

Franco

11.2.2011 17:50 #21

themind

Sorry, I miss read it. Thought you said

Originally posted by fandr78: What is facebook??

11.2.2011 18:44 #22

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