Piggybackers, or users who exploit unsecured wireless networks without the knowledge of their owners, pose a major threat to cyber security. A group of individuals look for wireless access points in different areas and provide this information to piggybackers. These people are called wardrivers, and their aim is to find unsecured networks and to tell piggybackers about them.

The Queensland Police will be using the very same tactic to fight the problem of piggybacking. The cops will search various areas to find unsecured wireless networks. Wherever they find such networks, they will issue a warning to the owners regarding the problems that may be created by their easily accessible devices. For mobile broadband information and advice click on pay as you go mobile broadband.

According to Detective Superintendent Brain Hay, winner of the McAfee International Cybercrime Fighter Award, this strategy is straightforward and cost effective. In an interview with iTnews, DS Hay said that this campaign is not too different from the department’s old campaign to encourage people to lock their cars when they were parked in public spots. In that campaign, the police used to search for unlocked cars near railways stations and other public areas, and put a cautionary note on them. The problem of unsecured networks is similar and requires scanning of neighbourhoods to identify vulnerable networks.

This campaign only involves a few simple steps - scanning local areas, warning the owners, and eventually giving information through the media and informing the public about the importance of secure wireless access points. Therefore, not much expenditure is required for implementing this plan - a fact that will come as a relief to the taxpaying public.