War Walkers

War walking. Also known as heat mapping, it’s the act of finding open Wi-Fi access points.  If you see a person walking repeatedly in front of your house or business with a backpack containing a square in it looking like it has a bit of weight and holding a cell phone. The person probably has software like Google Maps in Street View on the screen. They’re are recording a heat map. Noting where Wi-Fi access points are located and those that are unsecure. 

It was more popular a few years ago. But most access points are password protected or secured. But now it’s a Bluetooth access point that seems to be of interest to war walkers. 

Although it is not illegal. As WAR walkers https://hackaday.com/tag/wardriving/ are quick to say.  My opinion is there is no positive reason for a stranger to collect your Internet data and Wi-Fi access points.   

Why are walkers holding phones with backpacks containing computer instruments scoping your home?  Who would this information be of use to?  This week’s news talked about millions being scammed from New Brunswickers this year. 

How is this monetized?  I don’t believe it is a great effort for no pay.