WiFi Network Scanning – Ideal Tools
WiFi network scanning is a process that allows for detecting and analyzing available wireless networks. With the right tools, users can not only scan but also block connections, create new networks, and mislead WiFi scanners. In this article, we will discover, among other things, what capabilities modern devices offer, and we will also address the issue of legality.
What is WiFi network scanning?
WiFi network scanning involves analyzing available radio signals. Why is this done? For example, to identify wireless networks in the area. This allows you to determine which networks are active, what parameters they have, and possibly find weak points that could be exploited for unauthorized access. Meanwhile, WiFi channel scanning is an important element of analysis that allows for assessing the load on individual channels. Devices such as HackHeld Vega II Kit enable quick scanning of available wireless networks in the area. The user can identify all active networks, their parameters such as signal strength, security type (WEP, WPA, WPA2), and other important information. The device also allows creating virtual access points (AP), which enables simulating multiple networks in one place. This is useful for security testing.
How to perform WiFi scanning?
WiFi network scanning is a process that can be accomplished in several ways, and the right devices can greatly facilitate this task. To perform scanning, it's worth noting first that we need appropriate hardware and software. Therefore, choosing a device that allows for effective WiFi signal scanning is important. In this case, Wifi Deauther works perfectly. It's a tool that not only enables scanning available networks but also conducting security tests. After installing software such as Kismet (works on Linux, macOS, and Windows (using WSL)) or inSSIDer (available for Windows and macOS), we can initiate scanning that will reveal all active networks within range of our device. Among the displayed information, we'll find network names (SSID), their signal strength, and security type. This small device resembling a regular USB drive is particularly useful when we want to identify networks and analyze their parameters. The ability to monitor network traffic and assess security becomes much easier with its help.
Also check out the popular blog post on SAPSAN about the most popular hacking gadgets.
Additional features
Moreover, Deauther allows for conducting deauthentication attacks, which involve sending WiFi protocol frames to a device on the network to disconnect it. It works by the attacker sending fake messages saying that the network connection has been terminated. When the device is disconnected, it must reconnect to the network, which may allow the attacker to intercept the password or other data. This type of attack is often used in security tests, but as we know, it can also be used illegally. However, we discuss legality issues later in this post.
One of the features offered by devices in the Deauther category (and some routers with advanced features) is also WiFi network blocking. This means that users can prevent others from using a specific network. Some WiFi network scanning tools also allow for creating fake WiFi. With them, you can configure multiple virtual access points, which can mislead other scanning devices.
Is network scanning legal?
WiFi network scanning is a topic that raises many disputes and ambiguities. The legality of WiFi channel scanning depends primarily on the context and the user's intentions.
In the case of scanning our own networks, to which we have full rights, such actions are completely legal. Owners can perform scanning to assess security, monitor traffic, or optimize their network's performance.
The situation is different when scanning networks belonging to other people, to which we do not have permissions. Such action may be considered a violation of the law. In many countries, including Poland, accessing a network without the owner's consent is illegal and may be treated as a privacy violation or hacking activity. This can result in serious legal consequences, including financial penalties and criminal liability.
If we have the network owner's consent to perform scanning, such actions are usually legal. However, it's worth remembering that even legal scanning should be done in accordance with ethical principles. Unannounced scanning of someone else's network can raise suspicions and negatively affect relationships with other users.