The Fascination With WiFi When Used In A Crime
from the that's-not-the-issue dept
What is it about the use of open WiFi when used as a part of a much bigger crime that makes journalists focus entirely on the open WiFi instead of the actual crime? Earlier this year we discussed two such stories. In both cases, there were a number of terrible things being done, and the use of open WiFi was the least of the issues, but got all the attention. In the first case, we had someone arrested for: (1) driving the wrong way down a one way street (2) driving without any pants on (3) using a laptop while driving (4) using that laptop to download child porn (5) which he accessed via a free WiFi connection. In the second case, a scam was committed in Finland involving the financial firm GE Money: (1) the company's own head of data security (2) stole banking software from the company after which he (3) took confidential users passwords for its bank accounts. He then (4) stole money from GE Money's accounts by transferring it to a (5) secret account he had set up months earlier. Oh yeah, he did this last bit (6) via an open WiFi connection. In that second case, the case went to trial and the guy and three of his partners were convicted. What does the press cover? Four convicted in rare wireless fraud in Finland. The "wireless" part has almost nothing to do with the story. Even the account of the crime in the article focuses on the fact that they transferred money using WiFi and barely mentions the actual fraud.
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I guess it's up to the tech sites
Or how about kids who are selling drugs at Federal And State Funded Educational Facilities!
Perhaps a few stories like that will convince the non-techs that it's not about the incidentals, it's about the crime itself.
Or, we need to find the person who works for the media who is encouraging these types of stories while quietly cashing the checks from the companies opposed to open and free WiFi.
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Re: I guess it's up to the tech sites
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Re: I guess it's up to the tech sites
A few years ago, I remember reading in an actual newspaper that a stereo was stolen through the open window of a car while it was parked in a parking lot. The thief was apprehended, and it was determined that the owner of the car had not taken the necessary safeguards to protect the belongings in the car, so the thief was not tried for breaking and entering. It was dismissed on the logic that the alleged thief's activities were no different than seeing the stereo laying on the sidewalk, picking it up, and walking off.
Wish I had links. I'll look for them as soon as I get home.
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Re: I guess it's up to the tech sites
I think using an open wireless connection is perfectly legitimate, I would leave mine open for others to use. I know all to well the problem of needing wireless internet access and all that is available is closed. So long as you are simply using it, and not doing anything else, what is the problem? Someone who was doing child porn on that connection is no different then had he done it at home on his own connection. The connection, in of itself, is not at fault. In this stereo case, it's not made clear as to whether this is a stand-alone stereo or a car stereo installed in the car. I will assume the first, and say that that would be perfectly fine to not charge them. If the theif had to actually remove the item, however, then he definitely should be charged.
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No Subject Given
a.) wi-fi doesn't kill people, people kill people
b.) when having wi-fi becomes criminal, only criminals will have wi-fi
c.) you can take my wi-fi when you pry it from my cold, dead hand
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No Subject Given
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the other mike is right
However there is probably some conspiracy about people who are opposed to open acess internet, but that equates to the gun argument as before mentioned. Sure open acess to the internet can be used for good or evil (like a gun) but if you take away that freedom you risk loosing a democracy (in both cases). I think it realy is that important, and it ocmes down to freedom of speech and communication.
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I heard he was left handed and had a beard too...
While I don't agree with the media's FUD there's still no reason to assume that an unencrypted wifi signal is permission to use.
Too many sheeple feel it's not their job to protect themselves and that their laziness and ignorance will hold up in court.
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I wonder if he had ever BLOGGED or maybe had a MYS
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
If your kids or students post a MySpace profile, they'll be abducted and brutally murdered with a spork!
Video games will reduce your mental and emotional innards to mush. And then brainwash you into killing bank tellers with a spork!
Pedophiles in chat rooms! Your child will be powerless to resist; they'll fly like moths to a flame, and some large bubba named Bub will molest your sweet young thing with a spork!
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