Wi-Fi poaching spreading

There are an increasing number of instances of Internet users piggybacking onto other people's Wi-Fi networks, a security company has warned.

A full 54 percent of internet users admit to having used someone else's connection at least once, a survey from Sophos revealed. Many of those who have a wireless network have failed to secure it through passwords and encryption, the security software company warned. By not securing one's network, one leaves oneself open to hackers who are able to steal passwords and other confidential information. Graham Cluley, a senior technology consultant at Sophos, said: "Stealing Wi-Fi internet access may feel like a victimless crime, but it deprives ISPs of revenue. "Furthermore, if you've hopped onto your next door neighbors' wireless broadband connection to illegally download movies and music from the net, chances are that you are also slowing down their internet access."

By poaching one's neighbor's Internet connection, one may also be adversely affecting their download limit, added Mr Cluley.