Saturday
May152010
From Germany: Use Passwords or Face a Fine
Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 12:51PM 
Germans have often been characterized by their no-nonsense approach to things, and the most recent actions by Germany’s highest criminal court would probably fit that characterization, as now Internet users in Germany whose wireless networks are not password protected can face fines of up to 100 Euros ($126 USD).The reasons for properly securing your wireless network are many, but in this specific case, the ruling was in response to a musician’s lawsuit against someone whose unprotected wireless network was used to download and share music illegally. This concept, where people drive around looking for unsecured wireless networks, is called wardriving. Once a network is found by wardriving, malicious people then piggyback (access the network without the person’s knowledge or consent) onto the network so that they can hide illegal activities such as downloading child pornography, engage in identity theft, commit cyber terrorism, or, like in the case in Germany, illegally download and distribute music.
The actions of the German court are intended to help protect the greater public interests, and this isn’t the first time a country has considered deploying wardriving police units. You can read more about the legality of piggybacking across the globe on Wikipedia.
We’ve heard people argue that the reason they don’t password protect their wireless networks is because they can’t remember their passwords. But Mitto users don’t need this excuse because they can easily use our secure online password manager store wireless passwords in their account. When in the “Add a Service” section, select the WiFi tab and you’ll can easily add your secure credentials. It’s that easy.
What are your thoughts on the German law? Did the German court go too far, or are they acting in the best interests of the public? What would you think if this law was passed in your state? Let us know by commenting below.
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Reader Comments (1)
I guess some people don't secure their networks because they can't remember their key, but it seems more likely that either they didn't know how/why to secure it, or they're deliberately sharing their internet connection with anyone that wants to use it.
The part of this that I don't understand is the difference between an individual providing open WiFi access (assuming his ISP doesn't prohibit it) and places like McDonalds and Starbucks that have open WiFi. Does the German law require the latter to be secured as well? The danger of someone using the McDonald's WiFi for illegal activities, etc. is just as great as with an individual, isn't it? Even if McDonalds' WiFi is secured, they probably hand out the key to anyone who asks.