Description: Obtaining access through wireless attacks refers to exploiting vulnerabilities in wireless networks to gain unauthorized access to systems. This type of attack relies on intercepting communication signals transmitted over radio waves, allowing an attacker to infiltrate a network without the need for a physical connection. Wi-Fi networks, which are the most common, can be particularly vulnerable if not properly secured. Attackers may use various techniques, such as packet sniffing, identity spoofing, or brute-force attacks to crack passwords. The relevance of these attacks lies in the increasing use of mobile devices and the expansion of wireless networks in various environments. The lack of robust security measures can lead to the exposure of sensitive data, making obtaining access through wireless attacks a critical concern for cybersecurity. Therefore, it is essential for organizations to implement appropriate security practices, such as using strong encryption protocols and multi-factor authentication, to protect their networks from these types of threats.
History: The history of wireless attacks dates back to the early days of Wi-Fi technology in the 1990s. With the growing popularity of wireless networks, the first vulnerabilities also emerged. In 1999, the WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) standard was introduced, which was quickly identified as insecure. As attackers began to exploit these weaknesses, new security standards were developed, such as WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) in 2003 and WPA2 in 2004, which improved the protection of networks. However, even these standards have been subject to attacks, leading to the continuous evolution of hacking techniques and the need for constant updates in wireless network security.
Uses: Wireless attacks are primarily used in penetration testing to assess the security of networks. Cybersecurity professionals conduct simulated attacks to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in an organization’s network infrastructure. This allows them to implement corrective measures before a real attacker carries out an attack. Additionally, these attacks can be used by security researchers to develop new tools and defense techniques.
Examples: An example of a wireless attack is the deauthentication attack, where an attacker sends deauthentication packets to an access point to disconnect users and capture their credentials when they attempt to reconnect. Another example is the ‘Evil Twin’ attack, where an attacker creates a fake access point that mimics a legitimate one to steal information from users who connect to it.
