We are always connected to the internet. We do this with our phones, tablets, laptops, gaming systems, and cars. While some of these use wires and others use proprietary communication methods (albeit wireless), we will focus on Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi security issues. I think this is a point of lack of awareness and I hope to use this blog to educate more people about Wi-Fi security issues.
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a playback method of Hi-Fi (High Fidelity), which is the quality of sound. While it’s not a direct pun (all wireless is purely wireless or wired; there is no wireless quality), it is wireless and uses radio frequency (RF) rather than wires (Copper) or fiber optics (Light). The international organization the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE; commonly known as I-Triple E) maintains this standard along with many other organizations in various standards committees. The LAN/MAN Standards Committee (802) oversees this, as well as a number of others, including: Ethernet, Token Ring, and Bluetooth. Within 802.11 (the IEEE working group for wireless LANs), new standards emerged over time as the ability to broadcast data using RF evolved. Technically, 802.11a is completely different from 802.11g in terms of standards, they are interoperable standards. 802.11g is a comparison of 802.11a and
802.11a
Frequency: 5.0 GHz
Typical maximum speed: 54 Mbps
802.11b
Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Typical maximum speed: 11 Mbps
802.11g
Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Typical maximum speed: 54 Mbps
802.11n
Frequency: 2.4 GHz or 5.0 GHz
Typical maximum speed: 600 Mbps
802.11ac
Frequency: 5.0 GHz
Typical maximum speed: 6 Gbps
How does Wi-Fi work?
In the traditional and simplest sense, it is a way of communicating over a network (without wires) using radio frequencies. Pass and encode/decode data using the 802.11 standards compliant antenna and router discussed above. Radio processes data in the kilohertz (KHz) and megahertz (MHz) ranges, while Wi-Fi processes data in the gigahertz (GHz) range, which is the 2.4 and 5 GHz range (as of now). So, as opposed to wired networks, anyone can “touch” your communication medium. This may cause some security issues.
Before discussing Wi-Fi attacks
Before talking about technical attacks on Wi-Fi, I would like to dispel some myths and raise awareness about Wi-Fi security issues, including open, public, and customer Wi-Fi networks. One thing that is unique to all of them is that they are not safe in most situations. Like anything else, there are exceptions, but this article deals with most side exceptions.
Security Issues of Wireless Networks in Enterprises
In contrast, when using a customer network, you give up security in two ways: The network you connect to may or may not require a password that anyone can get. You can’t be sure of the security of the network, or even verify and confirm that it is indeed the network and not the “evil twin”. You cannot* ensure that no one can intercept and read and/or modify your data. Additionally, while not dangerous but still annoying, stores can also monitor your connection and based on a pretty picture of you clicking OK to connect, they can query your device and get data about you. This data could be your installed apps, location data, etc. The same goes for installed apps (Walmart Savings Catcher, Macy’s App, etc.). These stores also have no legal obligation or responsibility to protect your data on your device or network. Moral obligations and responsibilities are different.
Public Wi-Fi security issues
If anything, public Wi-Fi networks (those with pre-shared keys, for that matter) are not that much more secure. Although their intentions may differ from retail stores, they have no warranty or legal obligation to protect your device or data. Likewise, you *cannot* ensure that no one can intercept and read and/or modify your data. You should question why the network exists, especially if the connection is free. You may be the “product” through data mining (such as the retail store above) or through advertising.
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