But anyways here are my thoughts/ concerns. Im coming to you b/c for one you are no where near me so if you stold this idea it would not really impact me, and two you have a computer background. Im sure you know what wardialing is/ was as im sure most people dont do this much anymore. But do you know what wardriving/ Walking is? if not let me tell ya, you either use a laptop with a wifi card or a pda or ppc with a wifi card and actively search for unsecured wireless networks. Here is my idea/ concern. I want to go around and find these unsecured networks and inform these people that is dangerous and that I can secure thier network for a fee. I guess im just worried about legal issues. From what I can tell, as long as i dont try to "hack" thier router or computer or use thier internet connection its legal b/c they are broadcasting much like the radio. I have already done a test run with both my laptop and my pda and i have found about 30 unsecured networks in about a 2 block strech of road behind my house. The only info i am collection from the router is the mac addy, the SSID, and the channel. Although i can get more info if i connect to the network then i can get the routers IP, and ips of the other computers on the network. But i am not trying to do that do to legal issues that i am trying to avoid. Im just wondering your thoughts on this...thank for the help and for reading this.

anyone have any comments about this idea? good or bad im really needing feedback.

It sounds interesting...

However, it has all of the makings of something like the people who drive around neighborhoods offering to seal driveways, trim trees, etc. Some of them are legitimate, but many are scammers. I would not hire a home improvement person based on them coming by and offering to do something like this.

I probably would not be prone to hire an IT person based on a door to door solicitation either. However, many probably would.

I think you're on to something here... worth exploring further.

Here's a suggestion. Survey potential clients. When you find an unsecured network talk to the person. Let them know their network is unsecured and tell them what your idea is and see what their reaction is. Tell them how much you're thinking of charging for your service and listen to what they have to say.

Good luck!

Hey, if it is unsecured, it's their own fault. You were just "driving by" and happened to "notice".

While wardriving and warwalking aren't illegal (as long as you don't actually connect to the network) I think most people you approach this way will see you more as someone that isn't particularly honorable. There are many stories of people who discover a security issue with a network and then tell the network administrator about it only to then be talking to law enforcement not long after.

You would certainly be identifying people who could use your services, but be careful with it. I'm not sure how the approach would go over with most people.

The way I see it people will have mixed feelings about it just like anything else, some tell me its a good idea, some tell me they dont like the idea. So the way i see it is that while some customers will like the idea some wont. Im not trying to do this full time I just want to get my name out and help those who need it. And myself feel that unsecured wireless networks are a major security risk. Im not sure if i plan on targeting people themselves with the unsecured network or an area that i find alot of them and just send out a generic letter saying that we conducted a wireless survey and found unsecured wireless networks in the area.

Why don't you try it for a few houses, and see what type of responses you get?

Yeah that’s kind of the plan, I have already conducted a survey behind my house that has a new track of houses, and within 1/2 I found 20 unsecured networks and like 10 secured ones. I guess Im just not sure how to approach these people either via door to door or be it snail mail. I was leaning towards snail make as it just seems more professional.

Went for a drive last night just poking around and found close to or over 200 unsecured wireless networks. The way I see it...it cant hurt.