How Does Wireless Bandwidth Theft Happen?
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Definition of Wireless Bandwidth Theft
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Stealing wireless bandwidth is the simple act of connecting to the Internet through a wireless Internet router for which one is not authorized to use. It may seem like a victimless crime, but wireless bandwidth theft is stealing just as much as taking someone's computer would be. Those who pay for their wireless service expect it to function optimally, but actually suffer from slower performance or intermittent disconnection due to bandwidth theft. In most cases, bandwidth theft is limited to piggybacking Internet access. But, in more malicious cases, it can be used to gain access to the owner's computer and commit identity theft as well. Because it's so easy, though, and because wi-fi is such a part of modern urban culture, bandwidth theft is extremely common and rarely ever punished.
How it Happens
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The entire purpose of a wireless router is to provide the convenience of Internet access without having to be tethered to the router itself. The router broadcasts its wireless signal for a range of 150 to 300 feet depending on walls and other obstructions. But, just as the rightful owner of the router and Internet service can connect with multiple machines, anyone else in the router's range can connect as well. And, since the router can only provide so much bandwidth at a time, additional users mean decreased performance.
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How to Detect and Stop
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Most bandwidth theft occurs because it is unrecognized and simply allowed to occur. A telltale sign is irregularity in the performance and functioning of the Internet connection. Intermittent slowness can occur when an unauthorized user accesses the Internet through the wireless bandwidth. If bandwidth theft is suspected, viewing the network location in the computer's network management portal will reveal the users logged in through the network. There are also software packages available that automatically track bandwidth usage and can identify theft. Luckily, wireless bandwidth theft is easy to prevent and stop. The easiest countermeasure is configuring the security encryption function on the router itself, which prevents any user from connecting through the router without the security password. Frequently changing the password and updating the encryption software in the router can provide additionally security. Installing a firewall can protect individual computers on a network from being hacked by users that gain access to the network.
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- Photo Credit Sergio Sanchez Lopez (GFDL 1.2)
