WiFi "Roguing"

Not that I’ve ever done it, but the practice of “Roguing“ (as in being a rogue; connecting to an available, non-protected WiFi signal) is now considered a legal gray area and could land you in jail.

News.com provides a FAQ on “WiFi mooching and the law”.

Here we are, legislating technology again. Bah. Secure your networks people.

Use 128-bit Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) keys. While a WEP key can be hacked (although typically not in the time of the average drive-by rogue), there are other, stronger protocols such as WPA.

For larger organizations, certificates are an option.

If you have a small home network, use a wireless access point or router that allows you to restrict access only to the known MAC addresses of your network cards; this will prevent anyone sitting outside your house (including your neighbors) from connecting to your network.

About Michael Coates
I am a pragmatic evangelist. The products, services and solutions I write about fulfill real-world expectations and use cases. I stay up-to-date on real products I use and review, and share my thoughts here. I apply the same lens when designing an architecture, product or when writing papers. I am always looking for ways that technology can create or enhance a business opportunity .. not just technology for technology's sake. My CV says: Seasoned technology executive, leveraging years of experience with enterprise and integration architectural patterns, executed with healthy doses of business acumen and pragmatism. That's me. My web site says: Technology innovations provide a myriad of opportunities for businesses. That said, having the "latest and greatest" for its own sake isn't always a recipe for success. Business successes gained through exploiting innovation relies on analysis of how the new features will enhance your business followed by effective implementation. Goals vary far and wide: streamlining operations, improving customer experience, extending brand, and many more. In all cases, you must identify and collect the metrics you can apply to measure your success. Analysis must be holistic and balanced: business and operational needs must be considered when capitalizing on a new technology asset or opportunity.

4 Responses to WiFi "Roguing"

  1. Pingback: Remember WiFi ‘Roguing’? « OpsanBlog

  2. Pingback: The ULTIMATE Fashion Statement while Wi-Fi Roguing « OpsanBlog

  3. Pingback: Free Wi-Fi: Safety and Security be Darned! « OpsanBlog

  4. Pingback: When is 3G, like No-G? « OpsanBlog

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