Quote:
Originally posted by saltfish
Let us suppose that I find an open access point with default settings and happen to drop a text file alerting the owner of their "open" system.
They will then take care of the problem, set up encryption an make sure that their AP is secure. Thus preventing someone else from doing damage.
If by doing so, I may have helped them prevent a destructive attack...
So, that means that I'm just as bad as the guy who would have attacked them?
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Following that logic:
I walk by my neighbor's door and notice that his keys were left in the door.. ..I knock on the door and let the neighbor know that they left their keys in the door.
Humm, I let them know that they left the keys in the door, and that someone could have opened their door, or even worse taken their car... ...and this is wrong?
Thoughts?
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Whether it's the WLAN or the house keys, if you are "friendly" with your neighbor you go over there
in person and inform them of the problem. If they're not home you leave a note or call.
If it's someone in your neighborhood that you don't know personally, I wouldn't invade their home network or house. You're a total stranger to them and they have no idea about your real intentions.
As for "helping" someone by leaving them a text file... First, they need to actually read the file. This might be questionable based on people's haphazard way of managing their files. If you took the time to browse into their actual Desktop folder then you're a snoop and eavesdropper - not a help. Secondly, if they're computer novices they won't have a clue what you're talking about. Maybe they'll ask a family member for help or they simply get disgusted with their computer and turn it off, return it, or god knows what else. Keep in mind the mental trauma you might give them, just knowing that a stranger had been in their system.
My point: no one knows anything about you, and therefore, by default cannot trust you or your intentions. Think about it - you'd feel the
exact same way if it happened to you.