Wireless Broadcasts

• With the popularity of wireless access points expanding, you may come across wireless signals in public places or even your home. If the network is unlocked, you can technically use it. If on the other hand it's locked with a password and you decide to crack it, you are now illegally breaking into someone's property.
  
  

Wired Connections

• You may come across an open Ethernet jack in your travels. This can be anywhere from hotels, airports, malls or cafes -- anywhere there is public space, there could be Ethernet jacks. Unless there is something specifically saying you cannot plug into that network, you can try your luck and connect with an Ethernet cable. If it connects, you're free to use the extent of that network.
  
  

Protect Your Network

• If you have a network at home or your business, take the necessary precautions and protect it from unauthorized use. Put a password on your wireless network; use WPA or WPA2 if you can. Use a complicated password, and don't give it out to just anyone. If your network is left completely open, you can be held accountable for any illegal activity coming from it. Any data circulating on your network can potentially be collected and used against you. An open network also means you're offering your bandwidth for free to anyone who connects. Don't take the blame for someone else's actions; even the most basic security can save you incredible amounts of hassle.
  
  

Responsibility

• Above all else, it is what you do with the access you have gained that determines the severity (if any) of your transgression. Stealing information, exploiting network resources and causing other damage to property that is not yours is illegal. Breaking through security measures set up to protect a network is also illegal, even if you do no harm to the network and its resources.