Wireless Networking

Computers' transmission is either wired or wireless. Wired transmission involves more hardware than wireless, such as optical fiber connectors, jacks, and wall plates. Wireless transmission involves radio waves, satellite messages, infrared, microwave, and laser beam transmits. With a proliferation of wireless devices such as smartphones, netbooks, and gaming devices and the strengthening of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) signals in homes, there have been many discussions on the ethics of specific wireless networking conduct—especially accessing unsecured wireless networking service.

For some, the situation is clear; they would argue that wireless systems must be secured, and when they are not, it is usually a result of a lack of technological sophistication and/or ignorance. The common metaphor used to describe this situation is that an unsecured wireless network is like a door to a home being left open. Such a door leaves the contents of the home vulnerable to both theft and destruction. Another metaphor is that of reading a newspaper over someone's shoulder—a newspaper that the invading reader has not purchased or requested the permission to read. An unsecured wireless network also leaves its user vulnerable to data and privacy loss. Given this perspective, the ethical thing to do is to not take advantage of another's ignorance as indicated by the other person leaving his or her network unsecure, or to not use another's property uninvited and without permission. The level of disapproval with this activity varies. Some perceive the activity as borrowing, others as freeloading, and still others as theft. Internet service providers are more inclined to use the latter characterization as unauthorized wireless access deprives them of revenue.

On the other hand, there are those who believe that the ethical issues are grey or less clear. They assume that wireless networks are left unsecured on purpose in a spirit of sharing; thus, these networks are as free to use as the World Wide Web itself. Some who perceive unauthorized access as acceptable further argue that they did not venture out to take someone else's property; it came to them while in their own home or on a public street. How might they be expected not to take advantage of something that is right there and available? They might compare it to listening to a radio that is being played down the street. The questions then become: Did the owner really leave the wireless network unsecured on purpose? How many people pay for services to share them with strangers? It seems more likely to be the case that most of these persons are unaware [Page 1026]of the access they are providing and of their vulnerability in doing so.

Besides the risk of loss of data through viruses and a much slower online connection, a person who has unsecured wireless access might even find him or herself facing possible criminal charges. For example, people who share child pornography online often engage in “piggybacking” (unauthorized wireless access). Thus, an investigation may lead to the owner of the service's Internet protocol address instead of that of the perpetrator's computer.

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