Forum Thread: Sniffing Public Wifi

Hi All,

I've Googled the question with mixed results. I just wanted to know the opinion of a community that knows much more than the average bear on a topic that seems to be a bit controversial.

Is it legal to sniff traffic that's public?

I realize that if you sniff some valuable information on accident, a responsible person would not disclose the information. Currently, my apartment complex has a free wifi so my rent covers it so I would think I could sniff that traffic. However, what about Starbucks? Is the act of sniffing legal?

2 Responses

The reason you did not find an answer on Google is that the laws are very vague. If there is no password, then it is probably legal. If there is a password, it is probably illegal.

Thank you for clearing it up OTW!

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