WiFi is a wireless network system that creates links over the air using radio waves. Cybercriminals frequently decide to enter a firm via exploiting its WiFi network and associated network equipment because of the characteristics of WiFi and its techniques for granting access to the network. Residences are also at danger, particularly with the proliferation of IoT-connected equipment and gadgets.
The six major phases of a wireless penetration test are reconnaissance, network identification, risk investigation, exposure, reporting, and repair. The major goal of these tests is to ensure software security code development throughout the lifespan of the code. The major reason for doing this kind of penetration test is to check for coding errors, specialized needs, or a lack of understanding of cyber attack routes.
A Wireless Penetration Test: What Is It?
During a wireless penetration test, all of the endpoints linked to the company’s wifi are identified and their links are examined. Laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other internet of things (IoT) devices are among these gadgets.
Since the pen tester requires to be within reach of the wifi signal in order to access it, wireless penetration testing are often carried out on the customer’s premises.
A Wireless Pen Test's Objectives
The flaws that are easiest to attack should be the main focus of any certified penetration test.
Going for the “low-hanging fruit” is a common term for this strategy since the weaknesses that have been found pose the most danger and are also the most straightforward to attack.
These flaws are typically discovered in wifi access terminals when it comes to wifi networks.
Lack of MAC filtration and poor network access restrictions are two typical causes of this.
Cybercriminals get a huge edge over the business if these security mechanisms are not employed to properly strengthen the safety of a WiFi network. They may then use different strategies and WiFi hacking software to obtain illegal access to the system.
How to Conduct a Wireless Pen Test
The operation of a wireless pen test is identical to that of conventional pen tests. It varies only in its analysis’s primary target, which is wifi network connection rather than any other assault route like online apps. Any pen test must first acquire data before conducting an attack and then evaluating the results.
Particularly for a wireless test, the procedure is divided into the next 6 phases:
- Reconnaissance
- Discovering networks
- Scanning for weaknesses
- Using wireless networks for gain
- Reporting on exploitation’s outcomes
- Creating a plan to increase security
Let’s examine each of these phases in more detail.
Step 1: Initial reconnaissance
Getting as much data as you can is the first step.
This entails learning more about the systems utilized by or connected to the target company during a wireless pen test. This stage mainly rely on closeness and location. Ideally while traveling in a passing car, the pen tester must circle the business or headquarters in concern and look for:
- All WiFi networks that the company owns or utilizes
- Corporate equipment connect to WiFi networks
- Any WiFi connections that portable devices can connect to
- Other local wifi networks to which a device could be linked
This stage focuses more on broad-brush coverage and gathering raw data than it does on precise analysis and identification.
Step 2: Network Identification
The large list created during the reconnaissance step has to be whittled down in this next stage.
Working with the database of wifi connections at this level entails identifying each network and starting to produce particular data about it. The pen tester starts by building unique identities for each network that was highlighted above. To classify networks, particular attributes are gathered and exploited, including but not restricted to:
- Identities of certain networks and the connected devices
- Consumption and traffic characteristics common to specific networks and devices
- Networks’ endpoints, routes, and sections
The next phase will include using this information to create a dataset that targets and prioritises particular flaws.
Step 3: Vulnerability Analysis
Once the specific WiFi connections have been identified, it’s time to plan your assault strategy. The most important and last stage of planning is this.
The hacker will now start to examine the wireless connections in even greater depth, looking for any vulnerabilities that maybe abused. Any vulnerability that may be exploited could lead to a takeover of the overall network.
The hacker will theoretically search the information produced by the earlier phases as well as other public and private databases to find any potential vulnerabilities.
Which of these possible vulnerabilities that are present on the customer’s machine will be determined by first attacker assessments of the wifi networks and connection points.
When all of this information has been gathered and evaluated, the attack may begin.
Step 4: Utilization of Wireless Networks
The results of all the planning in the earlier phases are realized in this step.
The attack is part of the pen test’s exposure stage. It involves carrying out ethical hacking with the intention of taking over the customer’s digital resources. Any type of pen test will use this step to allow the tester to enter the network as rapidly as possible, penetrate it as thoroughly as they can, and then covertly leave.
This step for a wireless network scan includes a mix of the following:
- Exploiting a specific flaw in a wifi connection to get access to the system
- Doubling back and looking for alternate first entrance points while testing laterally
- Pursuing a single course as far as feasible while exerting maximum control
- Creating new opportunities for system attack in the future
The assault is finished once the hacker has used every available exploit or reached a limit established during the discussion of breadth.
Step 5: Results Reporting
This level is rather simple if the hacker has been dutifully logging all data generated during the previous phases. In this phase, the adversary gathers all available data and organizes it according to the objectives set forth for the assault.
The data collected is segmented into separate reports or parts that describe:
Geographical location and level of the customer’s security structure
a thorough list of dangers, including their prevalence and importance
a list of how, where, and why dangers associated with wifi affect others
This statement isn’t the pen test’s full disclosure.
Along with producing a course of action for fixing any problems discovered and fortifying all defense capabilities, a comprehensive testing advisor will collaborate with the customer.
Step 6: Specific Punishment and Rehabilitation
In order to conclude the pen test, the adversary will switch from offensive to defense.
All discovered weaknesses and all successful exploits serve as the basis for a restoration strategy that the assaulting agent will create on the customer’s side.
This strategy should include a number of cybersecurity procedures that both patch current security holes and build new defenses to thwart intruders who get past the barrier. The ideal remedies would include both immediate and long-term repairs.
The customer will be assisted in putting these tactics into practice by a dedicated pen testing agency (like us).
Conclusion
When implemented and maintained, wireless networks require the same amount of security thought to keep them safe. Furthermore, a common method for assessing the actual security status of your wifi communication is through wireless penetration testing.
Petesters use publicly accessible technologies, internally created tools, and some of the same techniques that attackers use on each exam to carry out a thorough real-world evaluation. In order to evaluate your wireless network, we’ll simulate an actual cyberattack.
Petesters is aware that the security, efficiency, and productivity of your company are too crucial to rely on pure speculation. A useful partner might be a security services provider with a track reputation of success and expertise in evaluating all the important requirements of a company’s surroundings, such as its corporate objectives. Pentesters provides a broad range of evaluations and consulting projects to make sure your business achieves its objectives while preserving optimal performance.
So why not get in touch with Petesters right away and let us assist you in identifying your “unknowns”?
FAQ’s
How can wireless security be tested?
Thorough penetration testing, which goes above unlawful access, is used to examine the security, functionality, and structure of wireless connections. A wireless penetration test performed by Pentesters includes real-world extortion techniques employed by malicious actors to evaluate possible risk zones, such as the identification of bandit access points, the strength of encryption keys and passwords, RF signal leakage, network fragmentation, egress filtration, and captive portal running tests.
What are the main flaws in wireless technology currently?
One of a wireless network's biggest weaknesses is incorrectly configured surroundings. Wireless connection points represent a simple form of exploitation for hackers wanting to enter your network when wireless connections are activated but improperly setup. This might affect staff productivity and regular business operations in addition to network and information security.
How frequently should a wireless penetration test be run?
Companies should typically do wireless testing twice a year. Each company, nevertheless, has a unique mission and aim. The frequency of the testing may be impacted by modifications to compliance, new networking equipment, and cyber security regulations.
How do you decide how frequently to do a penetration test?
Begin with a cyber risk analysis to look for security flaws and weaknesses and how frequently your architecture, applications, and security protocols update in accordance with your unique penetration testing implementation criteria to decide how frequently you need to do a wireless pen test. The frequency of the testing may also depend on whether external or internal penetration testing is used.