Types of cyberattacks and threats that target wireless networks


Here are some types of cyberattacks and threats that target wireless networks, based on the sources provided:

  • Rogue Access Points and Evil Twins:Threat actors can set up fake access points, often disguised with legitimate-sounding SSIDs, to trick users into connecting. [1]
  • One variation is the “evil twin” attack, where the attacker uses the same SSID as a legitimate network in the vicinity. [2]
  • Once connected, the attacker can intercept and manipulate traffic, potentially gaining access to sensitive information. [1]
  • Deauthentication Attacks:These attacks aim to disconnect users from legitimate wireless networks, often as a precursor to an evil twin attack. [3, 4]
  • The attacker floods the target network with deauthentication frames, forcing devices to disconnect. [4]
  • When the devices try to reconnect, they may automatically associate with the attacker’s evil twin network. [4]
  • Exploiting Weak Security Configurations:Many wireless attacks target networks with weak passwords or outdated security protocols. [5, 6]
  • For instance, using WEP encryption, which is known to be easily crackable, makes a wireless network highly susceptible to attacks. [7]
  • The sources emphasize the importance of using strong, unique passwords and enabling the latest security protocols like WPA2 or WPA3 to mitigate this risk. [6, 8]
  • Wireless Reconnaissance and Sniffing:Even without connecting to a network, attackers can passively gather information about it. [9]
  • By capturing wireless traffic, attackers can glean details about the network’s SSID, connected devices, and even the type of data being transmitted. [9]
  • This information can then be used to plan more targeted attacks. [9]

The sources provide examples of tools like Aircrack-ng that cybersecurity professionals use to detect rogue access points, monitor for deauthentication attacks, and perform wireless security assessments. [2, 10] They also highlight the importance of implementing security best practices such as:

  • Using strong, unique passwords for the wireless network and access points. [6]
  • Enabling network access control (NAC) to authenticate and authorize devices before granting them access. [11]
  • Disabling unnecessary features like WPS that have known vulnerabilities. [12]
  • Using a dedicated wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS) to detect and block suspicious wireless activity. [This bullet point is not directly from your sources, but they do mention the importance of threat detection solutions, and WIPS is a common technology used in this context.]

It’s important to note that securing wireless networks is an ongoing process. Threat actors continually develop new tactics and techniques, making it crucial to stay informed about emerging threats and update security practices accordingly.


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