How to Protect Your Rights Regarding Illegal Wireless Network Use

Advances in wireless, or Wi-Fi, technology have inspired many households and businesses to connect multiple computers to a wireless network. The obvious benefit of using a wireless network is that no connecting wires are required, so you gain a certain amount of mobility. However, wireless technology is still in its infancy and certain associated risks are beginning to surface, including theft of wireless usage by unauthorized users. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your rights regarding illegal wireless usage.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Set up your network in a low-traffic area. Illegal use of your wireless network is most likely in heavily populated residential areas and in office complexes.
2. Protect the immediate 100-yard vicinity of your network. Wireless technology has spurred a new form of services theft known as "war-driving." All that's required to eavesdrop on or intercept communications (or destroy, steal or corrupt data) is a laptop and easily obtained software utilized in a 100-yard range of the wireless network.
3. Check the security status of your wireless network before putting it to use. Often, wireless network systems are sold with the security features disabled.
4. Check the security status again after installation of your wireless network is complete. Be aware that using the automated installation option to set up the wireless network sometimes will cause the security features to become disabled to speed up the process.
5. File a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission if you believe that your wireless network has been sabotaged or that someone has obtained illegal use from it (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken steps to protect your rights from illegal wireless network usage by prohibiting radio scanners capable of picking up frequencies used by wireless devices from being made in or imported into the U.S. However, this ruling is not very effective at stopping anyone who is determined to listen in or gain illegal use of a network.
• Keep in mind that if you or another person accidentally picks up a transmission from a wireless device, it doesn't mean that a crime has been committed. However, anyone who intentionally distributes the information obtained or overheard may be subject to legal ramifications.
• War-driving, a form of illegal use, could result in additional wireless devices being added to your network without your knowledge.