Unencrypting WiFi Networks

Published March 3, 2008 @ 16:19 in Technology

wifi The other day I was downtown with an hour to kill and I had some work to do. I had my laptop with me, but I needed a WiFi hotspot so I could jump on the web. Sitting in the McDonalds in the Eaton Centre at Queen and Yonge, I started scanning for an open network.

The One Zone wireless network was strongest, as you'd expect considering its radio access points are installed on streetlighting poles, but it's not free. Several other WiFi networks were encrypted. One, named The Apple Store, was left open and was just strong enough to get me online so I could do what I needed to do. I was very happy I found it.

This got me thinking... Isn't it awesome when you find an open WiFi network when you need one? It's been drilled into our heads that we need to encrypt our networks, but why? Is the fear that someone will use the connection for illegal activity? If so, why do so many coffee shops and hotels offer open free hotspots?

I'm starting to think of an open WiFi network as a sign of good citizenship. Share access and earn karma credits, spread the love. It's for the greater good, isn't it?

6 Responses to "Unencrypting WiFi Networks"

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felix
March 4, 2008 / 02:22

So, next time I'm war-driving west of Yonge in Toronto, should I be looking for the open TorontoMike wi-fi network?

Andrew
March 4, 2008 / 08:04

There are a lot of reasons not to have an open network. It is usually about doing illegal stuff or spamming or whatever. I could supply you with a list. Always encrypt. It isn't about good citizenship it is about protecting yourself.

Toronto Mike
March 4, 2008 / 09:03

Felix, my open WiFi network has a slightly more cryptic name...

I wouldn't want to be tracked in Anton-like fashion.

Greg
March 4, 2008 / 09:32

I agree with Andrew. There are tons of reasons to encrypt your network. You are leaving yourself open to many forms of attack and account hijacking. Be careful when accessing open networks.

Toronto Mike
March 4, 2008 / 09:42

Some people think aloud ... this is thought via blog.

Daniel
March 5, 2008 / 01:17

If I had a nice fat internet connection I would definitely consider having an open wireless network separate from my internal one. Encryption for me isn't primarily about keeping people from using your network (that's what MAC address filtering and such is for), it's about keeping my traffic safe from prying eyes. If I'm at home on my notebook in the living room and want to make an online purchase or do my online banking, I don't want to worry about Joe WarDriver sniffing my data. Like I said, if I had the bandwidth, I'd be a good citizen and provide a hotspot for free, but my personal traffic will always be kept private, separate and encrypted. :)

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Unencrypting WiFi Networks

6 Responses to "Unencrypting WiFi Networks"

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