Wardriving is commonly perpetrated by individuals driving around in a vehicle while using software and hardware that assists them in locating unsecured networks. The use of a vehicle is not required, and wardrivers can also scan for networks to attack when on foot, on a bicycle, or even by using aircraft. Whatever method of transportation is used, the goal is to secretly penetrate WiFI networks.

Taking the original idea from War Games and naming it wardriving is credited to computer security consultant Peter Shipley. He developed Perl scripts in 2000 which interacted with a GPS to automate the procedure that was to become wardriving.

The ability to plot WiFi access points on a map allowed networks to be found without the need to keep track of the driver’s physical location. He found that among the networks that he identified, only about 15% were protected by encryption. The vast majority of WiFi networks were unprotected and offered unscrupulous individuals the opportunity to access and compromise them and their attached computers and devices.

The simple act of surveying the area and gathering data on wireless networks is, in itself, not considered illegal in the U.S. Actually accessing networks that are not intended for public use does expose the wardriver to potential criminal prosecution. The charges will be determined by the locale in which the unauthorized access occurred as well as the intent of the network intruders.

Wardrivers who are successful in gaining access to your network may be interested in stealing your passwords, banking information, and other sensitive data. They may use their entry into your network to install malware that can use your computer for purposes which are not in your control and could put you at risk of legal consequences.