Currently, where I work; I am responsible for network security, and I intentionally leave the wifi open. We have firewalls and all technical people are using openvpn for any secure server access. But, when field personnel, and or executives and other non-technical types come to visit, it is MUCH easier to let them log on to an open AP. Of course, people could sit in the parking lot and get free wifi, but, considering our somewhat remote location (near the blimp hangars in Irvine), anyone willing to come all the way out here just to war-drive probably deserves a little bandwidth. The theft-of-service notion is just another case of insane overreaction -- like the TSA. Weaponized shampoo, open wifi, what else are these bleeding heart hippies going to demand, free speech and privacy?
Jo3 On Fri, 2008-01-11 at 12:51 -0800, Mike Outmesguine wrote: > > In related wireless security news, did anybody have thoughts on Bruce > > Schneier's remarks on just leaving your AP open? > > > > > http://www.wired.com/politics/security/commentary/securitymatters/2008/01/se > curitymatters_0110 > > > > Kevin > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > > I don't know if prepared to take another beating on a controversial subject, > but I'm for it. I appreciate people that leave their WLAN open for others. > I've used them now and then when my EVDO wsa sketchy, or when I needed > higher bandwidth temporarily in low-speed 1xRTT coverage. > > However, *using* an open WLAN has become a bit risky. Aside from the > security of sending your traffic over an untrusted network, there are cases > across the country of people being arrested or charged with some form of > "theft of service" for using someone elses WLAN without explicit permission. > > So, I like that he leaves it open. But I wouldn't use anonymous open > wireless as a rule. > > btw, has anyone done any wardriving lately? I ran netstumbler down my street > the other day and nearly EVERY house had a wireless AP. (Maybe it's time for > another SF to LA vacation wardrive, eh Frank?) > > -Mike > > > > -- [EMAIL PROTECTED] --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "SOCALWUG" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/SOCALWUG SOCALWUG website: http://www.socalwug.org -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
