pinging is illegal?

[e980238]

I run an OpenBSD server that I am proud of . I like to do tests on it like have all my comps on the network ping it once every .0001 seconds for a couple hors a day just to see if i can get it to crash by having a large load on it for a long period of time. My friend has just informed me that the millenium act or something like that made pinging like that illegal. Is that true?

[GroundZero3]

i think hes meaning DDOS attacks

http://staff.washington.edu/dittrich/misc/ddos/

[FalcomPSX]

pinging your own computer isn't illegal, besides who would report you? you? the DMCA is bunk.

[Marunad]

I haven't had cause to check the laws with your situation specifically in mind, but in order to have a prosecution on a potential criminal violation you generally have to have a complainant. Now, I suppose you could call the local federal attorney and lodge one against yourself, heh, but unless your pinging activity is absorbing bandwidth outside your own hardware, then there's not going to be a victim and thus no damaged party.

[e980238]

so if i want to do it to my own server from at work (outside my local network) then that would be bad?

[DVNT1]

Pinging is not illegal. Denial of service (DOS) is a different issue though. You probably can't DOS from most single connections anyway, it usually has to be DDOS.

[Marunad]

If you are pinging it from outside your own network then, IF you are clogging someone elses access then in that situation you could, potentially, face some sort of action. Now, while it then becomes theoretically possible to face some sort of charge the actual probability is remote. Slamming your own network with, if I understand you right, what amounts to a denial of service style attack on your OWN network shouldn't degrade in any significant way, anyone not on your network unless, of course, you have your own paying customers or something like that. Like all of us mealy mouth lawyer types here's my caveat....I'm generalizing and have not checked the specific language of the statutes involved

[SickPup404]

Welcome aboard, Marunad!! Actually is nice to have a lawyer around at times!

[Marunad]

TY SickPup! Nice to get a positive reaction for a change rather than having to duck and dodge the flying eggs, tomatoes, rocks, knifes etc.... Although, I'll admit that 7 times in 10 I would generally prefer mid-summer camping next to a Nebraska cattle yard over hanging around with many of my 'colleagues'

[dunbar]

Hmm. Looking at the service agreements people agree to for common ISPs - usually a disclaimer or prohibition is stated in there about inappropriate use of bandwidth, yahda yahda. Hence, the ISP decides whether the packets leaving their connections are harmful. But since you are at work, pinging your own stuff, maybe you need to fire yourself? (Kidding!)