Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below 
Simon Hayes
APRIL 24, 2006
SECURITY experts are warning internet users of a new threat to their computer systems, with thieves gaining access to other people's broadband from unsecured wireless networks in homes and businesses.
Known as "leaching", the unusual form of theft involves neighbours and passers-by logging on to a home or business wireless network and surfing the web for free. The consequences can range from slower download speeds to massive bills for unsuspecting network owners.
Market research firm IDC estimates there are more than 200,000 wireless networks operating in homes around Australia, increasing the opportunities for sneak thieves.
Stealing internet access has also become easier. Thieves need only a tiny wireless card for their laptop computer.
"Uni students don't necessarily have broadband at home, so they just go out and find a wireless network to borrow," said Kim Valois, global head of security at Computer Sciences Corporation. "It's not really illegal, it's like leaving the door open and someone coming in and watching your cable TV."
Ms Valois, who previously worked for the US National Security Agency, said most home wireless networks did not even have passwords.
With wireless networks now available at any electronics store, many unsophisticated users are not bothering with even basic security measures.
Wireless network hacking has also become a sport, with "war drivers" touring the suburbs breaking into networks to test their tech abilities.
Blake, a war driver from Perth who asked that his surname not be used, found himself in hot water after logging on to a network at his local supermarket that had no password.
"We logged on to it and had a muck around, and printed out a message on their printer telling them their network was unsecured," he said. "A month later I got a call from the police." Blake was arrested, fingerprinted and charged. The charges were later dropped at the supermarket's request.
Unauthorised use of wireless networks also has some security implications, making it harder for police to track people downloading child pornography or accessing terrorist web sites.
The Australian
APRIL 24, 2006
SECURITY experts are warning internet users of a new threat to their computer systems, with thieves gaining access to other people's broadband from unsecured wireless networks in homes and businesses.
Known as "leaching", the unusual form of theft involves neighbours and passers-by logging on to a home or business wireless network and surfing the web for free. The consequences can range from slower download speeds to massive bills for unsuspecting network owners.
Market research firm IDC estimates there are more than 200,000 wireless networks operating in homes around Australia, increasing the opportunities for sneak thieves.
Stealing internet access has also become easier. Thieves need only a tiny wireless card for their laptop computer.
"Uni students don't necessarily have broadband at home, so they just go out and find a wireless network to borrow," said Kim Valois, global head of security at Computer Sciences Corporation. "It's not really illegal, it's like leaving the door open and someone coming in and watching your cable TV."
Ms Valois, who previously worked for the US National Security Agency, said most home wireless networks did not even have passwords.
With wireless networks now available at any electronics store, many unsophisticated users are not bothering with even basic security measures.
Wireless network hacking has also become a sport, with "war drivers" touring the suburbs breaking into networks to test their tech abilities.
Blake, a war driver from Perth who asked that his surname not be used, found himself in hot water after logging on to a network at his local supermarket that had no password.
"We logged on to it and had a muck around, and printed out a message on their printer telling them their network was unsecured," he said. "A month later I got a call from the police." Blake was arrested, fingerprinted and charged. The charges were later dropped at the supermarket's request.
Unauthorised use of wireless networks also has some security implications, making it harder for police to track people downloading child pornography or accessing terrorist web sites.
The Australian
