Is this illegal?

[imported_waldo]

I run a wireless network, and I leave it unsecured for various reasons, one being that I don't mind sharing the internet with everyone around me....the question is, if I use a few tools, is it illegal to "sniff" out the people on the network and their activity?

 

[globalcitizen]

Yes. That is just cracking the nework and spying.

Edit: Sorry it is not. I was thinking other people's networks.

 

[gigapet]

your legally responsible for what goes on with your network so i'd say you can snoop all day long if you please.

 

[dabuddha]

Originally posted by: globalcitizen
Yes. That is just cracking the nework and spying.

But it's his own network.

 

[cjgallen]

As long as you're not using the information you gather maliciously, I don't see the problem (it's your network).

 

[TallBill]

I cant imagine the kind of data that gets nabbed at wireless cafes and such.

 

[phisrow]

IAMAL and all that; but my understanding is that, assuming you avoid a few relatively obvious things you should be fine. At least in the case of employers spying on employees, American law and courts give the owner of the network pretty much free reign. I would imagine that the same thing applies here, as you own this network. You are most likely to get in trouble for using data you pick up this way, rather than for picking it up. Don't use people's username/password combinations to hack their accounts or represent yourself as them(even if they send in the clear) really don't use any financial information you should happen to pick up, if you think they are looking at kiddie porn make very very sure to keep your hands clean, etc. Other than that, though, you should be able to observe traffic on your own network to your heart's content.

 

[kranky]

It appears to be legal, which is why you are seeing growing activity with "evil twins" - WAPs which grab connections in places where people know there is public access. Jam the legit hotspot and take over the connections, redirect all connections through the hacker site and collect data.

 

[vood0g]

you never know, it could be the case of the guy who was sued by the burglar that broke into his house, and the burglar won. the system is all screwy.

 

[imported_waldo]

What would be the best ways to do this? and how would I protect the computer doing the monitoring?

 

[Blain]

Don't share with everyone... encrypt.

 

[imported_waldo]

Originally posted by: Blain
Don't share with everyone... encrypt.

I would encrypt, but my situation does not allow for it....I live in an apartment and am at school, and a variety of people use my network from study groups and the like as well as orgnaiztions and such I belong to and my house is usually the meeting place, because I live so close to campus. That being said, it would be a pain in the butt to adminster.

 

[Toasthead]

I would think that if it is your network..you can do whatever you want on it. Right?

 

[ace up my sleeve]

If you own it, you run it.

 

[Ausm]

Originally posted by: Blain
Don't share with everyone... encrypt.

:thumbsup:

Ausm