Wireless poaching: Who's liable?

NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: JOANIE WEXLER ON WIRELESS IN THE
ENTERPRISE
08/03/05
Today's focus: Wireless poaching: Who's liable?

Dear security.world@gmail.com,

In this issue:

* Who takes ownership for harmful content?
* Links related to Wireless in the Enterprise
* Featured reader resource
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This newsletter is sponsored by Nokia
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Nokia believes that business mobility will fundamentally change
the way work gets done-and for the better. To allow the entire
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increased efficiency through enhanced mobility. Learn more by
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WIRELESS LANS BUYER'S GUIDE: THE GOODS ON 185 PRODUCTS

We've compiled the largest buyer's guide ever on wireless LAN
equipment. Whether you're looking for an access point, PC Card
or trying to decide between 802.11a, b or g, take a look at the
information that vendors have provided us. We've got the goods
on 185 products. Click here for more:
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Today's focus: Wireless poaching: Who's liable?

By Joanie Wexler

Given the fact that a wireless signal is not containable like a
segment of cabling, Wi-Fi can leak through walls and into a
neighboring office or driveway. This characteristic allows
others with 802.11 client devices to piggyback onto your network
by happenstance or intent, if your network has not been properly
secured.

One reader who responded to my request for opinions on the St.
Petersburg, Fla., case, in which a man was arrested for mooching
off an 802.11 residential connection from his SUV
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlwir4089>, brought up the issue of
liability when poachers go to work.

Martin points out that service providers are actively getting
into the business of installing wireless router/access points as
part of package and managed service deals. So, questions Martin,
if an intruder should download harmful content such as child
pornography or illegal copyrighted material, who is liable if
that activity is discovered and traced?

Would it be the official user/owner of the wireless LAN or the
managed service provider? If a provider is taking ownership for
making sure you are "up and running" with a service, should that
provider make sure, too, that you are secured with an
appropriate configuration?

Opines Martin: "And I still believe the broadband market, now
also including WLANs as the last connectivity segment, is
immature, and what will follow should be tougher requirements on
the providers and how they offer and terminate their services."

Finally, a nod to J.R., who comments, with regard to the St.
Petersburg case: "In this 'civilized' world of ours shouldn't
the 'guy in the car' and the 'guy with the wireless' just be
able to work it out without all the government involvement?"

In an ideal world, yes. But if the "guy in the car" was, indeed,
stealing by intent, that would be like asking, "Can't thieves
and their victims work out their problems without a legal
system?"

But if the "guy in the car" had no criminal intent, perhaps his
action will lead to some clear guide as to what is and is not
legally acceptable behavior in this area. Then, at least people
will know when they are and are not doing something wrong.

The top 5: Today's most-read stories

1. Leaked Cisco slides pulled after legal threats
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlwir4310>

2. Cisco vulnerability posted to Internet
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlwir4311>

3. Router flaw sparks battle
<http://www.networkworld.com/news/2005/080105-blackhat.html>

4. Google now a hacker's tool
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlwir4312>

5. Michael Lynn and Cisco: Stepping in front of the freight
train
<http://www.networkworld.com/columnists/2005/080105backspin.html>
_______________________________________________________________
To contact: Joanie Wexler

Joanie Wexler is an independent networking technology
writer/editor in California's Silicon Valley who has spent most
of her career analyzing trends and news in the computer
networking industry. She welcomes your comments on the articles
published in this newsletter, as well as your ideas for future
article topics. Reach her at <mailto:joanie@jwexler.com>.
_______________________________________________________________
This newsletter is sponsored by Nokia
Empower Your Mobile Enterprise

Nokia believes that business mobility will fundamentally change
the way work gets done-and for the better. To allow the entire
organization to get the most from this paradigm shift in
productivity, Nokia Enterprise Solutions focuses on delivering
increased efficiency through enhanced mobility. Learn more by
downloading this white paper today!
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=109271
_______________________________________________________________
ARCHIVE LINKS

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Latest wireless news, analysis and resource links
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What you need to know about web-based collaboration

Enterprise messaging and collaboration expert, Paul Ritter
advises you on how to make the business case for web-based
collaboration. Gain insight on how firms have dramatically
improved the way they work together.
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=109126
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FEATURED READER RESOURCE
HARD WORK, GOOD PAY

According to Network World's 2005 Salary Survey, network
professionals are enjoying substantial increases in pay,
especially at the highest- and lowest-tier job titles. But are
those increases coming with higher titles, more work or both?
Find out if compensation alone is keeping network professionals
happy in their careers - or is something else? Click here:
<http://www.networkworld.com/you/2005/072505-salary-survey.html>
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