Broadband News

Arrests over Stolen Wireless

(25-04-07) - According to police in Worcestershire, two people in the area have been arrested in the past month for wireless ‘piggy-backing’ – using someone’s unsecured wireless internet connection without permission.

The practice, which is largely frowned upon by internet users, is made possible by those households with a wireless connection that is unsecured. ‘Piggy-backers’ can park up outside a house and log in to the connection, or can even use it from next door.

The two people arrested recently were a man spotted sitting in a car outside a home in Redditch (using a laptop computer) and a 29-year-old woman in the same area, who was also arrested in a car. Both received an official caution for “dishonestly obtaining electronic communications services with intent to avoid payment.”

A recent survey found that up to one in four home wireless connections don’t have appropriate Security Measures, making them vulnerable to intruders. Although many ‘piggy-backers’ just want free internet access, the practice can also be used to hack into personal details, and leaves internet users open to identity theft, fraud and illegal activity being carried out in their name.

And it’s not just home users who are ignoring the risks. Another survey, carried out by Infosecurity Europe, recently found that a quarter of business have no wireless security.

Chris Eagle, Commercial Manager at www.broadbandchoices.co.uk, commented: “This is a pretty dire situation. It seems that either people aren’t taking these risks seriously, or they think that setting up wireless security measures is too much hassle. But that’s a myth – it’s surprisingly simple.”

Read our Wireless Security Guide for more information and help on securing your network.