Within today’s modernization, where connection to the internet is as fundamental as breathing, our wireless networks must be protected. Craw Security is the top provider of VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) solutions in Singapore. They are dedicated to keeping your digital space safe from many types of wireless network attacks.
This article explores a range of wireless network attack types and provides an overview of efficacious preventive measures.
Unauthorized activities that are directed at wireless networks constitute wireless network attacks. By capitalizing on weaknesses in wireless technology, these assaults illicitly enter networks, pilfer confidential information, or disrupt normal operations. Wireless networks are more open to interception and unauthorized access than traditional networks. This is because they send data through the air.
1. Evil Twin: An ‘Evil Twin’ attack can happen when a hacker sets up a fake Wi-Fi access point. This fake point looks real, but is actually controlled by the hacker. When users connect to this network, they provide the attacker with access to their data without their knowledge.
2. Packet sniffing: Data packets transmitted over a wireless network are captured and analyzed by devices called packet sniffers. Intercepting sensitive information is possible through the use of this method by attackers.
3. Wireless access point: Attackers can acquire network access or intercept data by exploiting wireless access points that are either unauthorized or that lack adequate security.
4. Jamming: To interfere with the typical operation of a wireless network, wireless signal jamming involves the interference of noise or other signals operating at the same frequency as the signal being jammed.
5. Encryption: To gain illegal access to a network, attackers may take advantage of encryption methods that are either ineffective or obsolete, such as WEP.
6. Bluejacking: The act of sending unsolicited messages or files to Bluetooth-enabled devices is known as bluejacking. This practice can serve as a precursor to more destructive operations.
7. Denial of service: In a denial of service attack, the attacker overwhelms the network with an overwhelming amount of traffic, making it inaccessible to those who are authorized to use it.
8. Password theft: This is accomplished by collecting the passwords that users use to access a wireless network, typically through the use of phishing or other forms of social engineering tactics.
9. Spoofing: An attacker can carry out a spoofing attack by masquerading their device as a genuine component of the network to intercept or inject harmful data.
10. Cracking attack: These attacks aim to get into a network without permission. They do this by breaking security measures, like passwords or encryption keys.
Besides the types of wireless network attacks mentioned above, other types are shown in the table below:
WEP attacks | Wire Equivalent Privacy, sometimes known as WEP, is susceptible to a wide variety of attacks because of the inherent vulnerabilities that it possesses in terms of encryption. |
Open Network Attacks | Due to the absence of encryption and robust authentication, open networks that are not secured are extremely vulnerable to a wide variety of cyber attacks. |
Piggybacking | The term “piggybacking” refers to the act of gaining unauthorized access to a wireless network by taking advantage of the connection of a valid user. |
Replay Attacks | An attacker will perform a replay attack by intercepting a data communication and then retransmitting it to produce an effect that is not authorized. |
War Chalking | War chalking is the practice of marking regions where people have access to unprotected Wi-Fi networks to make those sites known to anyone who might be interested in attacking them. |
WPS Attacks | The Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) protocol, which is utilized in the process of connecting devices to a wireless network, is vulnerable to attacks that take advantage of weaknesses. |
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks | During these assaults, communications between the two parties are intercepted and altered without the knowledge of either of the parties involved. |
War Driving | The practice of searching for wireless networks by traveling around in a vehicle is known as “war driving.” Attackers frequently employ this technique to discover networks that are vulnerable to attack. |
DNS Hijacking | DNS hijacking is a technique that redirects users from genuine websites to fraudulent websites, to potentially steal information or deliver infections. |
Wardriving | War driving is a term that is used to describe the process of driving around to attack vulnerabilities in wireless networks. Wardriving is a very similar term to war driving. |
To protect against these attacks, implement the following strategies:
Use Strong Encryption | To ensure the safety of your wireless networks, you should implement strong encryption standards such as WPA3. |
Regularly Update Firmware | Your routers and access points should always have the most recent firmware installed on them. |
Secure Wi-Fi Access Points | Make certain that every access point has been allowed and is set up securely. |
Monitor Network Traffic | Make use of tools for monitoring networks to identify unexpected behaviours. |
Implement Strong Password Policies | Use passwords that are difficult to guess and change them frequently. |
Educate Users | Users should be made aware of the dangers of connecting to networks they are unfamiliar with and the significance of following security procedures. |
Disable WPS | Wi-Fi Protected Setup, notorious for its weaknesses, should be disabled if it is not strictly necessary. |
Use a VPN | The use of virtual private networks (VPNs) should be encouraged to provide greater security, particularly for remote access. |
Implement Access Control | Access to the network should be restricted according to user roles and devices. |
Regular VAPT Assessments | To discover and address potential security gaps, it is important to conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing regularly. |
About Types of Wireless Network Attacks
Understanding the many kinds of attacks that can be launched against wireless networks is the first step in protecting them. To reduce the chances of these dangers, we need strong security measures. We should also teach users safe practices. Regularly checking and updating network security is very important, too. If you have a network that needs help, contact Craw Security. They are the best penetration testing service provider in Singapore. They offer top-notch VAPT solutions with skilled penetration testers in Singapore. To book a slot with our international-standard pen testers, call or WhatsApp our hotline number: +65-97976564.