Cyber Criminals: Lowe’s Computer Intrusion

Ever hear of something called “wardriving”? If you have, then you know it’s when someone drives around searching for unprotected Wi-Fi spots to sneak access to the Internet. If you don’t know what it is, well, you should re-read the last sentence.

Anyway! Recently, a Michigan man pleaded guilty to illegally accessing computers at a Lowe’s home improvement store. He didn’t realize it was a protected computer until after he tried to visit a Web site but kept getting forced back to a Lowe’s corporate site. As soon as he realized what he had done, he signed off immediately. The man’s roommate, however, decided to use the unprotected Wi-Fi to steal credit card numbers from the store’s customers. They were both caught and are now facing federal charges, which brings me to my next point: don’t steal Internet access!

Just because someone left their Wi-Fi access point unprotected doesn’t give anyone the right to use it without their permission. That’s like saying if you forget to chain up your bike one day, it is ok if someone comes along and takes it! So remember, always keep your Wi-Fi protected, and never use someone else’s Wi-Fi unless they give you permission.

posted by Officer Ward
topic: Cyber Criminals