On a recent radio show (August 31st) I talked with John Iasiuolo about legislation that was passed in California to prohibit wireless piggybacking (using an unencrypted wireless connection of another person).

After further investigation into the legislation I found that the crux of the CA law was to make manufacturers place warning labels on wireless equipment warning purchasers that their wireless connection could be used by others unless they secured it. The law would also require manufacturers to give instructions on how to secure the wireless connection.

I liked John’s ideas of having the manufacturer’s change the default settings on the equipment. Right now the default settings leave the wireless network open for anyone in the area to use. Why not have the default setting install security and a password instead? The CA law is a step in the right direction, but John’s idea is better.