'Free wireless internet' virus?

October 25, 2006 6:34 AM

Someone in my work environment is providing an ad-hoc wireless network called 'Free wireless internet'. I can connect to this network using my (firewalled, unix) laptop, but don't get a functional internet connection when I do this. I see numerous similar networks (sometimes 'Free wifi') when using my laptop at airports. Is this the result of a virus? If so, which one?
posted by beniamino to Computers & Internet (5 answers total)

Best answer: You should probably read this thread, from three days ago.
posted by jellicle at 6:39 AM on October 25, 2006

Best answer: The previous thread wasn't very conclusive as to what that network really is, though. I just noticed the same SSID at my workplace yesterday.

This blog post came up in a Google search. Includes a reference to an even earlier thread.
posted by kableh at 6:45 AM on October 25, 2006

Response by poster: Wow, that's lame. And, I guess, so am I. Thanks jellicle.
posted by beniamino at 6:50 AM on October 25, 2006

Oops, me too. I got caught up with the whole MITM attack discussion I never saw the conclusion. Thanks jellice.
posted by kableh at 6:58 AM on October 25, 2006

As I said in the last thread, it's a windows networking bug that keeps the last known access point's name as a computer-to-computer network.

You won't get access by connecting to it and you won't give up any details either. It's not a hack or a virus. Hopefully Vista patches this bug.
posted by mathowie at 7:26 AM on October 25, 2006 [1 favorite]