How Are WiFi Passwords Hacked?
There are countless cyberattacks, including the hacking of WiFi passwords. We tell you more about how your WiFi password gets hacked.
Hackers have various ways to hack WiFi passwords. The most common techniques are using a brute-force attack, exploiting vulnerabilities in wireless networks, using a man-in-the-middle attack, or attempting to figure out the username and password. In this blog, we tell you more about the various ways hackers try to figure out your WiFi password.
Brute-force attack
In a brute-force attack, hackers try to guess passwords by trying a series of possible password options. To do this, they use special software that will try every possible combination of letters, numbers and other characters. Although this technique is time-consuming, it can result in cracking the password. It's important that the hacker has enough time to complete this successfully.
Weaknesses in the wireless network
Vulnerabilities in wireless networks can also be used by hackers to hack WiFi passwords. These vulnerabilities can be used to bypass the authentication protocols, giving the hacker direct access to the network. Vulnerabilities can also be used to figure out the network's password. To prevent this, the company network can be examined by ethical hackers. These hackers have no malicious intent and want to work together with your organization to boost your company's cyber security. This can be done via a so-called penetration test — you can read more about that here.
Man-in-the-middle attack
A man-in-the-middle attack is used by hackers to gain access to wireless networks without knowing the password. In this attack, the hacker places a device between the network and the computer, allowing them to see what's happening between the two devices. The hacker can then use this information to figure out the password.
Social engineering
Finally, hackers can also try to figure out the password through the use of social engineering. In this case, hackers try to gather information about the network, including the password used. They can do this by gathering information about users, carrying out phishing attacks, or bribing network administrators.
Preventing a WiFi password hack
Although these techniques can be used to hack WiFi passwords, it's important to remember it's not always possible to crack a password. Many wireless networks have implemented security measures to prevent hackers from gaining access to their networks. This means hackers need to be careful with their techniques, and it's important to properly secure and test your network.
Improving Cyber Security
Besides your WiFi network being hackable, there are countless other forms of cyberattacks. We're happy to tell you more about the dangers an organization can face in today's digital world. In our blog, Why Do You Need Cyber Security?, we tell you more about this.
Want direct advice to improve your cyber security? Feel free to get in touch with Tozetta, no obligation. As a specialist in ethical hacking & pentesting, we can help you further, with the aim of reducing the chance of a hack. Whether you're looking for a partner that continuously tests for vulnerabilities or wants to boost cyber security awareness, you're in the right place at Tozetta.