Professional Documents
Culture Documents
WIFI SCAN
The aspect of wireless networks that is of most concern is the possibility that its security can be breached. An attack on a wireless
network can be conducted from a distance, minimizing the potential for the perpetrator to be apprehended. One of the main tools
used in WiFi attacks is called a WiFi sniffer. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly a wireless sniffer is and how it can impact your
WiFi network.
There are valid and legal uses for a wireless sniffer tool to be used. An example is where a network administrator makes use of one
to secure or monitor their network. Home users may employ a sniffer to better understand how their network operates.
Unfortunately, a prime reason that WiFi sniffers are used by unscrupulous individuals is to attempt to collect information from, or
gain access to, an unsecured network. A wireless sniffer allows someone to attack your network from a distance, making it hard to
determine if there are attempts to compromise your data.
A WiFi sniffer for Android devices uses add-on tools and will offer a similar display when searching for networks. Quality hardware
sniffers will be able to detect a wireless signal in spite of interference from Bluetooth devices, microwaves or cell phones.
Tools such as Wireshark and Network Miner serve as WiFi sniffers for the Windows platform. Users can download tools such as
aircrack-ng or Zanti to perform WiFi sniffing on an Android device. There are many applications that enable WiFi sniffing on a Mac
as well. We are going to use a free WiFi sniffer named KisMAC to see how you go about capturing WiFi traffic.
Unfortunately, since KisMAC is an open source project there are limitations on its ability to function on newer MacBooks with the
Airport Extreme Card. In these cases, you must obtain a USB WiFi card that will enable the tool to perform its sniffing activities.
Once you are collecting data packets from the network you can attempt to crack the WEP or WPA security which will allow you to
access the network. We leave those steps to be found with your own initiative.
WiFi sniffers definitely have valid uses in the business environment and can be an important tool in the hands of network
administrators. These will normally be commercial-grade sniffers and often are implemented in hardware devices. Using this tool,
admins can perform diagnostic tests on their network and troubleshoot problems. They can also help detect if the network has been
subject to unauthorized access.
A powerful tool such as WiFi sniffer in the wrong hands can cause serious trouble for your network and the data it transmits. A
hacker can obtain your account information, steal passwords, read your emails, and track your online movements.
When accessing WiFi in locations that are not secured or where security is doubtful, follow these practices to safeguard your data.
You need to assume that the nice guy with the laptop sitting across from you is there to steal your banking info. To thwart these
kinds of attacks:
Refrain from doing any banking or financial activity while connected to an unsecured WiFi network.
Only use https encrypted websites.
Use a VPN to route your Internet activity through encrypted networks that cannot be compromised by hackers.
Now that you have seen what a WiFi sniffer can do and how it can impact your online activities, you should be better able to protect
yourself and your data. The convenience of wireless networks can be enjoyed without risk if you take the necessary precautions.
Make sure that you do.
Related articles:
How to Get Free WiFi From any Location
Packet Sniffers and How to Use Them
What is a WiFi Stumbler and What Can It Do?
How to Perform Penetration Testing with KisMAC
Hacking WiFi Passwords with KisMAC
What is Wardriving and How To Protect Your Network
© 2020 KisMAC.
!