Proposed Maryland bill would make use of open wireless networks a crime
So, I’ve got insomnia and I’m catching up on some of the tech sites I haven’t read in a while and I come across an article about a bill being presented by LeRoy E. Myers Jr. that would make it a crime to surf the internet using unsecured wireless networks without permission. The article quotes Myers:
He (Myers) told the House Judiciary Committee that one of his neighbors, after buying a new laptop computer, got onto the Internet, thinking it was through a cable TV hookup.
Actually, the connection was through Myers’ home wireless Internet system.
He said he didn’t want unintentional use like that to be prosecuted the same as computer hacking.
According to the bill, intentional unauthorized access to another person’s computer, network, database or software is a misdemeanor. The penalty is up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000.
A quick search of Amazon showed at least a half-dozen books on wireless network and the one shown here is for people who aren’t that techno-savvy but want to set up a home network. I checked the table of contents and there is a section on securing your network. In fact, most of the books with a look inside have a section on securing your network.
We have a home network and it’s secured. No one can use our network unless we put them into the allowed table of MAC addresses and give them the proper security key, or if we intentionally open it up for all users. It’s simple and easy to do. I’ve read about other states trying to pass similar legislation and find it hard to believe that our representatives are so clueless. If you don’t want people surfing by using your wireless network — secure it. Networks left open are assumed to be available for use since they are so easy to secure against outside users connecting.
It’s kind of like McD’s putting those newspapers up by the front counter. It’s assumed because the papers are there and there’s no price on them that they are for people to read and return. At least I’ve never seen anyone pay for using the papers there. On the other hand, in hotels there is prominently displayed price lists by the fridges in the room so that you know if you take something, you will be charged.
All use of an unsecured network is unintentional use, in that I couldn’t use it if you didn’t specifically allow me to. If you don’t want someone using your wireless network Rep. Myers then secure it. Don’t try to penalize others for your lack of attention to detail in such a critical area. It seems that Maryland’s motto should match that of the US — Never take responsibility for your own mistakes, just criminalize anyone who happens to stumble over your mistakes. Isn’t that why whistle-blowers still take the fall for pointing out errors?