15 November 2007
An investigation by The Times has found that more than half of computer users have illegally logged onto someone else’s wireless Internet connection, however there have only been 11 arrests.
Known as “wi-fi tapping” or “piggybacking”, the trend has boomed in recent years as hackers take advantage of unsecured computers to get online for free.
Hacking onto someone else’s connection is regarded as a serious offence, not only because they are doing it for free, but also because intruders are able to download pornographic materials and illegal images without being tracked and caught. It is the legitimate owner of the wi-fi account that would be caught.
Another fear is that hackers can obtain personal details from the owner of the connection, for example, passwords and credit card numbers; information that can be used to commit identity theft.
The current penalty for this crime is a maximum fine of £1,000 and up to five years in jail. For something that has been found to be regularly occurring, only 11 people have been arrested for the offence.
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