They seem to contradict their own statement of purpose in their FAQ. First, they imply that the primary use would be for your own wireless network:<p>> "It is perfectly legal to block any device you choose from a wireless network you own and/or administer. "<p>...but then change gears and imply that the real use is to plug it in at coffee shops and the like:<p>> "Cyborg Unplug isn't designed for use in those cases where there is already strict control over who uses the local wireless network. Rather, it's for those with networks used by many people (school, office, library, bar, cafe) that either give out the password or provide an open network."<p>As much as I like privacy, this seems less focused on personal protection and more on imposing your own will on other people's public networks because of your dislike for other people's taste in devices.
This just blocks MAC address OUI's, which are easily spoofed. And it looks like it only applies to open networks. There's virtually no real use case.
I don't recommend buying this. Invest time into understanding and securing your local network, and hire capable admins if you manage an office/institution.<p>Even they note the device is useless on networks with tight security, leaving the "all out" mode it's only viable purpose, and I can't imagine blocking (targeted de-auth attacking) devices you don't own on a network you don't manage being legal in <i>any</i> jurisdiction.<p>The reasoning behind blocking certain spy-like wifi devices is in my opinion flawed. You simply cannot reach the result marketed here without jamming cellphones as well, so in reality how is this any different, more appropriate or more legal? It's not.<p>Seems like some people are absolutely desperate to make the cheap Chinese routers + openWRT combo a profitable product. Someone has a stock they need to burn? From a previous failed attempt maybe?
I wonder how long before they (or a Business using their product) get a chat from the FCC.<p><a href="http://fortune.com/2014/10/03/marriott-settles-complaint-that-it-blocked-guest-wi-fi-hotspots/" rel="nofollow">http://fortune.com/2014/10/03/marriott-settles-complaint-tha...</a>
This seems like it would be much easier as a feature on your router/access point.<p>Their description suggests that it's just using a blacklist of MAC addresses so it would be pretty easy to add to something like OpenWRT or a captive portal.