Network consulting thru wardriving

[tbytnar]

I posted this in the "Starting a business" forum orignally and didnt get any replies... hoping maybe someone here could help.

What is the name of your state? Missouri.

Hi and thanks for taking the time to read this, and possibly answer back with much needed information. I am currently in the idea phase of starting a computer network consulting buisness.

I would be the only employee.

I am looking to focus mainly on residential accounts to start as I am doing this as a side project.

Here is the catch that I am most worried about. I am going to be what is known as Wireless scouting, or Wardriving to some. This is the practice of driving around neighborhoods with basically a laptop, and scanning for wireless network access points that are insecure. Whenever I pinpoint a wireless access point in a home that is insecure, I am wanting to leave a letter of warning about the insecurity, which will also direct them to a website that has more information on the subject and even tips on securing the network themselves. Also on this website is my information, that they can contact me to secure their network for them. Of course for my services I would charge a fee which at this time is undecided.

There will be many other services that I will be offering, none of which concern me on the legalities like the one mentioned above.

What I basically wanna be sure of is that what Im doing isnt concidered solicitation, and if it is then what I need to do to be concidered legal and abiding by all applicable laws. So.. anyone got any ideas?

 

[CheeseBlotto]

I'm going to go from house to house, ringing doorbells. If no one is home, I'm going to try to open the door. If unlocked, I'm going into the house and leave a note on their kitchen table with my number advertising myself as a "security consultant".

I'd go to prison and so will you.

 

[tbytnar]

Well that wasnt exactly the constructive criticism I was looking for. Im not going into anyone's houses.. just leaving something at their mailbox.. or whatever.

 

[CheeseBlotto]

Do you want me to lie? What you're talking about doing is illegal. Period. Which part of illegal do you not understand?

 

[tbytnar]

Explain to me what is illegal about it? I am not connecting to any of these networks. All I am doing is providing people with information that they are broadcasting their personal data freely to everyone. How is that illegal?

 

[CheeseBlotto]

Fine, go ahead and argue. Do whatever the hell you want.

 

[HomeGuru]

Well that wasnt exactly the constructive criticism I was looking for. Im not going into anyone's houses.. just leaving something at their mailbox.. or whatever.

**A: using the mailbox would be a Federal offense.

 

[tbytnar]

Boy getting Advice from a forum thats titled "Free Advice" sure seems to be like pulling teeth here. Great using mailboxes is a federal offense okay fine. What about putting it on their door knob then? I mean does anyone have any ligitimate advice they can give me here?