Wi-Fi Security & Cracking Basics

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📶 Wi-Fi Security & Cracking Basics

⚠️ This topic is explained strictly for educational and defensive cybersecurity purposes. Unauthorized access to Wi-Fi networks is illegal.

📘 1. What is Wi-Fi Security?

Wi-Fi Security refers to the protection mechanisms used to secure wireless networks from unauthorized access, data theft, and cyber attacks.

Wireless networks are more vulnerable than wired networks because signals travel through air and can be intercepted.

📡 2. Why Wi-Fi Networks Are Vulnerable

  • Signals broadcast openly

  • Weak passwords

  • Outdated encryption

  • Misconfigured routers

  • Rogue access points

🔐 3. Types of Wi-Fi Security Protocols

1️⃣ WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)

  • Oldest security protocol

  • Uses RC4 encryption

  • Weak and easily breakable

  • Not recommended

2️⃣ WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)

  • Improved version of WEP

  • Uses TKIP encryption

  • More secure than WEP

  • Still outdated

3️⃣ WPA2

  • Uses AES encryption

  • Much stronger security

  • Most widely used

4️⃣ WPA3 (Latest & Most Secure)

  • Strong encryption

  • Protection against brute-force attacks

  • Improved authentication

Recommended for modern networks.

🔎 4. Common Wi-Fi Attacks (Basic Understanding)

1️⃣ Password Guessing (Brute Force)

  • Trying multiple passwords

  • Exploits weak passwords

Prevention:

  • Use strong password

  • Minimum 12+ characters

2️⃣ Dictionary Attack

  • Uses common password lists

  • Targets weak passwords

3️⃣ Deauthentication Attack

  • Forces users to disconnect

  • Used to capture handshake

Prevention:

  • WPA3

  • Enable management frame protection

4️⃣ Evil Twin Attack

  • Fake Wi-Fi hotspot created

  • Users connect unknowingly

  • Data can be intercepted

Prevention:

  • Avoid public Wi-Fi

  • Verify network name

  • Use VPN

5️⃣ Packet Sniffing

  • Capturing wireless traffic

  • Reading unencrypted data

Prevention:

  • Use HTTPS

  • Use VPN

  • Enable WPA3

🔐 5. What is Wi-Fi Cracking?

Wi-Fi cracking refers to attempting to gain unauthorized access to a wireless network by exploiting weak encryption or passwords.

In cybersecurity education, it is studied to:

  • Understand vulnerabilities

  • Strengthen network security

  • Perform authorized penetration testing

🛡️ 6. How to Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

✅ 1. Use WPA3 or WPA2-AES

Never use WEP or WPA-TKIP.

✅ 2. Strong Password Policy

  • 12–16 characters

  • Mix of uppercase, lowercase

  • Numbers and symbols

  • Avoid dictionary words

✅ 3. Change Default Router Credentials

Default usernames and passwords are widely known.

✅ 4. Disable WPS

Wi-Fi Protected Setup can be vulnerable.

✅ 5. Hide SSID (Optional)

Adds minor extra protection.

✅ 6. Enable MAC Address Filtering

Allow only trusted devices.

✅ 7. Update Router Firmware

Fixes security vulnerabilities.

✅ 8. Enable Firewall on Router

Adds extra layer of protection.

📊 Comparison of Wi-Fi Security Protocols

ProtocolSecurity LevelRecommended
WEPVery Weak❌ No
WPAWeak❌ No
WPA2Strong✅ Yes
WPA3Very Strong✅ Best

🏠 Home Wi-Fi Security Checklist

✔ WPA3 enabled
✔ Strong password
✔ Router firmware updated
✔ WPS disabled
✔ Firewall enabled
✔ Guest network enabled

🧠 Real-World Risks of Weak Wi-Fi

  • Data theft

  • Identity theft

  • Banking fraud

  • Malware infection

  • Legal trouble (if attacker uses your network)

🎓 Short Exam Definition

Wi-Fi security refers to the protection of wireless networks using encryption protocols like WPA2 and WPA3 to prevent unauthorized access and cyber attacks.

🔥 Important Terms to Remember

  • WPA3

  • AES Encryption

  • Brute Force

  • Evil Twin

  • Packet Sniffing

  • Deauthentication

  • MAC Filtering

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