WarXing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
WarXing is the activity of detecting publicly accessible computer systems or networks. The 'X' may be replaced by a more specific activity to give the following terms:
- Wardriving — detecting Wi-Fi wireless networks by driving around with a Wi-Fi-equipped computer, such as a laptop or a PDA, in one's vehicle.
- Warbiking — similar in nature to Wardriving, except that it is done on a bike rather than a motor vehicle.
- Warwalking — similar in nature to Wardriving and Warbiking, except that it is done by walking rather than from a vehicle.
- Warchalking — the name for marking the location of an active Wi-Fi wireless network with a chalk mark on the sidewalk.
- Warspying — detecting and viewing wireless video. Usually done by driving around with an x10 receiver. Similar to "Wardriving" only with wireless video instead of wireless networks.
These terms originated from wardialing, a technique popularized by a character played by Matthew Broderick in the film WarGames, and named after that film. Wardialing in this context refers to the practice of using a computer to dial many phone numbers in the hopes of finding an active modem.
