The following are examples of wireless network attacks that can be carried out:
Examples of Wireless Network Attacks
A malicious user can connect to another user’s laptop via a wireless network and install keylogging software to harvest the passwords. A hacker can intercept the data being transmitted by an unsuspecting user, and use the information to carry out other crimes.
Hackers can also gain access to the data sent over the Internet and use it for their purposes. To steal banking and other confidential information, a hacker can gain access to the wireless network and use sniffers to read all communication between the computers connected to this network.
When using wireless networks in schools or offices, malicious users can access the data being transmitted over the air by intercepting and cracking the WEP keys. This leads to a security breach.
Hackers can also get access to confidential information such as credit card numbers, passwords, bank account details, etc. when a user purchases goods online from an e-commerce website and uses a wireless connection for this purpose. Hackers can also steal confidential information from a computer that is connected to a wireless network.
How Wireless Network Attacks are carried out?
Wireless network attacks are carried out in various ways. Some of these methods are –
Man-in-the-middle Attack:
This kind of attack involves the insertion of malicious code into a legitimate computer program or device to alter its normal functioning. The perpetrator can view, modify or destroy any data that is sent through this device without being detected.
Denial of Service Attack:
This attack targets services available on the Internet to deny their use by legitimate users by making them inaccessible or unusable.
Spoofing Attack:
In this kind of attack, one computer poses as another computer to deceive service providers or users into providing sensitive information such as usernames or passwords.
ARP Spoofing:
ARP spoofing is a method used by hackers to gain access to the data being transmitted over a wireless network. It involves a hacker spoofing (or forging) an existing IP address and replacing it with his IP address to gain access to the network.
How to Protect the Workplace Against these Wireless Network Attacks?
The following are some of how the workplace can be secure against wireless network attacks:
Using VPN or Virtual Private Networks:
Employees connecting to their work through their home networks should use VPNs to access the workplace intranet. VPNs protect the data in transmission between the network and the computer. For example, by ensuring that the data is in encryption. Thereby making it difficult for snoopers to access and steal information. VPNs also ensure that hackers cannot gain access to the network by spoofing IP addresses.
Taking Precautions While Using Wireless Networks:
The precautions that are in recommendation by most Internet security experts for using wireless networks include:
- Using strong passwords – These should contain at least seven characters; and must be difficult for any hacker to decode, and must not be for any other online accounts.
- Changing default passwords – Wireless network adapters come with default passwords that must change once they are done setting up.
- Patching the security holes – All new security patches are in release by software makers. Also, that must be on computers to ensure complete protection against wireless network attacks.
- Installing security software – This can help detect if there is any malicious code on a computer or laptop. It can also block unauthorized users from accessing private data stored on a user’s computer or laptop.
- Avoiding public networks – Users should only access their networks when they do not have an alternative connection (such as a virtual private network). When they do have an alternative connection, they should first make sure that it is working properly before accessing their network via public networks.
