How Network Hacking Works

In previous lessons, we discussed several attacks like MITM and DNS Spoofing. These attacks generally require access to the same network as the victim, except for the Evil Twin attack. So how does an attacker gain access to the network in the first place?

The answer is simple in theory. When a device connects to a router, packets are exchanged between them. These packets contain encrypted data using protocols such as WPA, WPA2, or WPA3. The attacker can capture one of these packets and then attempt to crack it using various password combinations. WPA3 is currently the most secure protocol.

While this process might seem straightforward, it becomes complex when you dive deep into how networks and wireless security work. This lesson simplifies the concept for beginners, but advanced technical understanding is encouraged for effective practice.

Tools Used

These tools are often used together. For example, airodump-ng is used for packet capturing, aireplay-ng can be used to deauthenticate a client and force it to reconnect, and aircrack-ng is used to attempt password cracking.

Protection Methods

• Use a strong password that includes letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Enable WPA3 if your router and devices support it.
• Disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), which can be a security risk.
• Monitor connected devices and block unknown ones.
• Update your router firmware regularly to patch known vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Gaining access to a network is often the first step in many attacks. Understanding the structure and behavior of Wi-Fi communications helps both attackers and defenders. In upcoming lessons, we’ll explore how to capture these packets, analyze them, and use the tools mentioned above in practical scenarios. Stay tuned and always stay ethical in your learning journey.