Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2009/07/17/oz_plod_wardriving/

Oz cops turn to wardriving to fight Wi-Fi 'jackers

Fuzz logic

By Tony Smith

Posted in Security, 17th July 2009 09:34 GMT

Police in the Australian state of Queensland are to go on the hunt for unsecured wireless networks.

Claiming that "the crooks are out there driving around trying to identify these [open] networks", Queensland Police Detective Superintendent Brian Hay told local site ITnews that the Boys in Blue will now do the same.

Folk found to be in possession of an un-WEPed WLAN will be warned of the dangers they face, as will wireless router owners who enabled security but retained the default password.

"Look, lads, there's another 'Belkin54g'..."

Some might argue that Queensland's cops have better things to do than war-drive around the state's 'burbs. But Hay compares the scheme to any other crime prevention activity, from warning home owners to secure their property and telling car owners not to leave their vehicles unlocked when unattended. ®