Amazon Kindle hacked for 'free' 3G Internet browsing

Published February 28, 2012 7:02pm

With a clever hack, the Amazon Kindle tablet's free 3G Internet connection has been "extended" to let a user surf the Web for free.

The hacker, "Excelangue," posted a guide on how to use the free 3G connection as a tether to a laptop or computer, according to HackADay.com.

"The hack requires a Kindle Keyboard 3G and the free worldwide Internet access that comes along with the purchase price. After jailbreaking the Kindle and applying a USB network hack, [Excelangue] managed to connect his laptop to the Internet through his computer," it said.

It added "Excelangue" is looking into how to tether the Kindle over WiFi so Android and iOS devices can "benefit" from the hack.

But it said that while tethering the Kindle’s 3G is easy, but we a "solution" will likely surface soon.

It also warned that tethering the Kindle will violate Amazon's terms and conditions, and Amazon may trace the action.

"Amazon knows who you are and is more than likely willing to brick your device," it said.

Other requirements

A separate article on Gizmodo said one will need an older Kindle Keyboard with 3G service that has been jailbroken so a user can run a USB network hack.

"Once it's then connected to a computer via USB you just need to configure your DHCP and browser settings accordingly, as outlined on his site," it said. — TJD, GMA News

Tags: amazon, amazonkindle, hack, internet