sundance-communications.com/forum Forums VOIP Phones & IP PBX Networking Wireless networks w/o security

When I'm working on customers wireless networks I quite frequently am able to identify and connect to the wireless network of other businesses in the area. Obviously those businesses would not want just anyone being able to connect to their network, but how do you approach them and let them know that their network is not secure? This could become a touchy issue, since they may feel you were invading their privacy. On the other hand, some may be glad to know their network is not secure. Comments? :confused:
Thanks,
Bill

I've thought about this several times myself, and it s always a little enticing to help out (and potentially gain a customer). But you're right. I think many people would be put off and take you for a hacking scammer or a scamming hacker.
Probably best to wait for a lucky opportunity. Of course, if your customer knows the owner of the business who's unknowingly a free ISP, a mention to them might do some good.

I have a pocket wireless network finder. It displays the SSD, channel, and whether it is secure or not. I wouldn't have any second thoughts telling a business that you were working in the area and noticed that their wireless network was insecure and that they were vulnerable to attack. If they don't care, that's their problem.

I think of every business as a potential customer. It just seems like a risky first impression.

It could be. The little Canary handheld thing I have makes it less intimidating. It's not like you're hacking but just locating hot spots. I'm not in that business so I've never tried to sell network security to someone but if I were a local business and someone told me about my vulnerability, I'd be appreciative.

I see what you mean. If you're not in the business, it certainly wouldn't seem as fishy. Also, I've seen those hotspot locaters, and I agree that it certainly wouldn't freak somebody out like walking in with a laptop and saying, "Look! Here's your 'My Documents' folder!"

Kyawa,
Thanks for the comment - didn't think about using a Canary. I agree that it would not appear that you were hacking if you went into a business with a Canary and showed them their network was unsecure.

Bill

my dell b130 with wireless in it, wlan card utilty shows from my office 7 wlans 3 with wep
data enccrytion. 4 without 3 useing channel 6
2 on channel 1 2on channel 11
most of the new stuff can do this ,but if the users of those non secured ap,s would ask there
isp,s when there installed, will help them set it up. but most don't even care. untill some idiot
sends the president of the USA a threating email
and all them black SUV's show up at there location.this has happen.I was there when they came in and took the guy away.oh this was at a hotel which had wireless access.I was there working phone problems.