One of the problems that most worries users when browsing the Internet is security. There are many attacks that we can suffer on the network, many strategies that hackers use to attack in one way or another. Luckily we can also have security tools and methods to protect ourselves. In this article we are going to explain how Wi-Fi could be stolen from us .
Wireless networks targeted by hackers
It must be borne in mind that wireless networks , Wi-Fi, are part of the daily life of many private users and also companies. We have more and more devices compatible with this technology that allow us to connect to the network and have access to the Internet.
However this option is not as safe as cable. We can suffer problems if we have a bad configuration, if we do not take adequate measures to protect ourselves. This makes them a target for cybercriminals.
Especially public networks can be used as bait to steal information, infect computers or compromise our privacy. But the same can happen on a home network, as they can steal our Wi-Fi and access computers.
How they can steal a Wi-Fi network
It is true that security measures, the protection of networks, have improved over the years. Nowadays it is not so easy to access a wireless network. But there are still many unprotected or that use encryption that is not adequate. That can be used by attackers.
Exploit insecure encryption
One of the ways for intruders to steal our Wi-Fi network is to exploit encryption that is insecure. This happens regardless of whether our password is correct or not. If we are using an encryption that is old, that today is exploitable, it means that we are in danger.
For example, we are talking about WEP encryption, which is not secure today. They can use tools to attack us and gain access to our network. For this reason, it is very important to always make use of more recent, secure encryption, such as WPA-2.
Brute force
The brute force remains a widely used in attacks on wireless networks strategy. It basically consists of hackers trying one after another the possible combinations to access.
Logically, here the password that we are using has a lot to do with it. The stronger and more complex it is, the better. A password that only has letters or numbers is not the same as another that has letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers and other special symbols. In addition, all this in a random way and with a suitable length.
Many users keep the password that came from the factory with the router. That’s a serious mistake, as it could be spotted by an attacker without too much trouble, provided you have the right tools and knowledge.
Weak keys by divination
But a password can be much weaker than to be guessed by brute force. They could be very generic keys , which are used by many users and which could be guessed simply by trying, without having to use any computer program.
Of course, this is usually present in companies, which usually put the name of the premises or similar. Any intruder could gain access if you start to test these weak passwords.
Vulnerabilities in the router
Of course, they can also exploit existing vulnerabilities in routers and access points. We have seen many security flaws that affect this type of equipment and that have not been corrected.
Usually the manufacturers themselves release security patches. However, users do not always install and maintain vulnerable computers. An attacker could breach security and gain access to that network.
Amplifier or repeater faults
It is very common to use amplifiers or repeaters to improve the wireless signal. They act as an access point and offer us the possibility of connecting to the Internet from other places in the home. However, this can also be a security problem if we do not take adequate measures.
Having a Wi-Fi amplifier, for example, with a bad configuration, with vulnerabilities, could be exploited by an attacker to access our network and steal the Internet.
Ultimately, these are some of the methods that hackers can use to steal Wi-Fi. It is important that we take action, as we have seen. Using strong encryption, strong and complex passwords, keeping equipment up to date and common sense are fundamental aspects that we cannot ignore.