Understanding encryption methods and appropriate security standards is crucial to comprehending how WiFi credentials are safeguarded and how you can morally defend them.
1. WPA2 and WPA3 encryption protocols
- The encryption technologies WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) and WPA3 are intended to protect wireless networks. They employ various forms of encryption:
- AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), which is commonly used by WPA2, offers robust security by encrypting data transmitted over networks.
- Simultaneous Authentication of Equals, or SAE, is a feature of WPA3 that is advised for new networks and offers stronger protection against offline password-cracking efforts.
- These protocols make sure that only authorized users can connect by requiring a password to join the network.
2. Security via Password
- Use a Strong Password: The security of WPA2/WPA3 encryption depends on the password. A strong, one-of-a-kind password is very hard to break with brute-force techniques.
- Avoid Password Sharing: To protect your primary network credentials, use guest networks whenever you can.
3. Configuring Network Security
- Turn off WiFi Protected Setup (WPS): WPS may pose a security threat. Turn it off to lessen the possibility of unwanted access.
- MAC Address Filtering should be enabled. Although not infallible, MAC-based filtering offers an extra degree of control over which devices are allowed to join.
4. Ethical Hacking Practices for WiFi Security
- Perform Network Audits: Kismet and Wireshark are two tools that can assist you in analyzing network traffic and identifying instances of illegal access.
- Test for Penetration: Ethical hacking techniques, such using well-known tools to test your network (like Aircrack-ng for WPA2), assist you in finding configuration flaws so you can fix them.
- Keep an eye out for intrusions: Make sure no unauthorized devices have access by routinely reviewing the list of connected devices on your network.