Wireless Penetration Test: Securing Your Network

by Jason Zaffuto | Jul 7, 2023 | Penetration Testing

What is Wireless Penetration Testing?

Wireless Penetration Testing is a process of testing the security of wireless networks to identify and expose vulnerabilities and weaknesses that cybercriminals can exploit. It involves simulating real-world attacks on wireless networks to discover security flaws and loopholes that can compromise data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This assessment involves an ethical hacker, commonly referred to as a Penetration Tester, who uses various tools and techniques to simulate attacks and exploit potential vulnerabilities.

Wireless networks are widely used in many industries, from healthcare to finance and education, and they are becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated. They are also attractive targets for cybercriminals who can exploit them to steal sensitive data, launch malware attacks, or gain unauthorized access to other networks. For this reason, it is critical to perform regular wireless penetration test assessments to protect against cyber attacks and improve the overall security posture of wireless networks.

The primary objective of a wireless penetration test is to identify security gaps and vulnerabilities in a wireless network’s infrastructure, which could enable unauthorized access to sensitive information. Penetration testers typically target wireless access points, routers, switches, and other network devices to ensure they are properly configured and secured. They use specialized tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities, such as weak encryption protocols, misconfigured access points, passwords, and unpatched firmware or software. By identifying these vulnerabilities, businesses can take appropriate measures to remediate them, improve their security posture, and protect sensitive information.

Why is a Wireless Penetration Test Important?

Wireless Penetration Testing is an important process for businesses that use wireless networks. The testing helps to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that cybercriminals could exploit to launch attacks against the organization’s wireless network. There are several reasons why Wireless Penetration Testing is essential:

Protection against cyber attacks: Cybercriminals often target wireless networks, and regular assessments can identify potential vulnerabilities that can be remediated to help protect against cyber attacks.
Compliance with data protection regulations: Many industries are subject to data protection regulations that require them to secure their wireless networks and protect sensitive information. Wireless Penetration Testing can help ensure compliance with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
Improved security posture: Wireless Penetration Testing assessments provide businesses with a better understanding of their wireless network infrastructure’s security posture. By identifying and remediating potential vulnerabilities, businesses can improve their security posture, which can help prevent data breaches, reduce downtime, and minimize the impact of cyber attacks.
Identification of hidden risks: Wireless Penetration Testing assessments can identify risks that may not be immediately apparent to businesses, such as rogue access points or misconfigured devices. By identifying these hidden risks, businesses can take appropriate measures to remediate them and improve their overall security posture.

The 5 most cyber-attacked industries over the past 7 years are healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, government, and transportation. Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that retail, oil and gas / energy and utilities, media and entertainment, legal, and education (K-12 and higher ed), will round out the top 10 industries for 2023.

What Does a Penetration Tester Look for When Pentesting a Wireless Network?

When performing a Wireless Penetration Test, a penetration tester looks for various vulnerabilities and weaknesses that an attacker could exploit. Here are some of the things a penetration tester looks for when testing a wireless network:

Access points and SSIDs: Penetration testers will scan for wireless access points and Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) to identify the wireless network’s footprint. They will look for any rogue access points that employees or attackers may have set up to gain access to the network.
Authentication and encryption: Penetration testers will check the authentication and encryption methods the wireless network uses to ensure they are secure. They will look for vulnerabilities in protocols such as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) to ensure they cannot be easily compromised.
Network segmentation: Penetration testers will analyze how the wireless network is segmented from the rest of the organization’s network infrastructure. They will check whether it is properly isolated from o ther networks and whether network traffic is adequately monitored to detect potential threats.
Signal strength: Penetration testers will also test the wireless network’s signal strength to identify potential weak spots that attackers could exploit. They will test for signal strength, range, and coverage to identify areas where attackers could potentially gain access to the network.
Client device security: Penetration testers will also assess the security of client devices connected to the wireless network. They will check for vulnerabilities in client software and firmware, as well as in the operating system, and whether security updates are applied regularly.

Wireless Guest Network Testing

Testing the guest network is important during a wireless penetration test because it can give attackers a potential entry point to the organization’s network. Guest networks are typically used to provide internet access to visitors, such as customers or contractors, and are often separate from the organization’s main network. However, guest networks can still be vulnerable to attacks, especially if they are not properly configured or isolated from the main network.

Here are some reasons why it is important to test the guest network during a wireless penetration test:

Unsecured devices: Visitors to the organization may connect unsecured devices to the guest network, such as laptops or smartphones that are not current with the latest security patches. Attackers could compromise these devices and use them to access the organization’s network.
Malware infections: Visitors’ devices may already be infected with malware or other types of malicious software, which can spread to other devices on the guest network. Attackers can exploit these infections to access the organization’s network and steal sensitive information.
Weak authentication: Guest networks may have weak authentication methods that attackers can easily compromise. This allows them to access the network and move laterally to other parts of the organization’s network.
Lack of segmentation: If the guest network is not properly segmented from the rest of the organization’s network, attackers can use it as a potential entry point to access other parts of the network.

Wireless penetration test: Guest network

Steps a Penetration Tester Takes to Exploit Wireless Vulnerabilities

A penetration tester will typically follow a standard methodology to exploit vulnerabilities in a wireless network. This includes reconnaissance, enumeration, exploitation, post-exploitation, and reporting. Here are the general steps a penetration tester takes to exploit wireless vulnerabilities:

Reconnaissance: The first step in wireless penetration testing is to gather information about the target wireless network. This involves scanning for wireless networks and identifying the network topology, identifying the access points, and determining the type of wireless encryption used by the network.
Enumeration: Once the penetration tester has identified the wireless network, they will attempt to gather as much information as possible about the network. This involves identifying the type of wireless encryption used, such as WEP, WPA, or WPA2, and the type of authentication used, such as WPA-PSK or 802.1X. The penetration tester may also attempt to identify any open ports or services on the wireless network that could be exploited.
Exploitation: Once the penetration tester has identified vulnerabilities in the wireless network, they will attempt to exploit them. This may involve using various tools and techniques to bypass wireless encryption or gain access to the network. For example, the penetration tester may use a wireless sniffer to capture packets on the network and attempt to crack the encryption keys or obtain login credentials.
Post-Exploitation: After gaining access to the wireless network, the penetration tester will attempt to maintain their access and escalate their privileges on the network. This may involve installing backdoors, creating new user accounts, or exploiting other vulnerabilities in the network to gain greater access.
Reporting: Once the penetration testing is complete, the penetration tester will compile a report detailing the vulnerabilities they found and the steps they took to exploit them. This report will include recommendations for improving the wireless network’s security, such as updating encryption keys, implementing stronger authentication methods, or improving network segmentation.

It’s worth noting that the specific steps a penetration tester takes will depend on the specific wireless network being tested, as well as the goals of the penetration test. The above steps outline a penetration tester’s process when testing a wireless network.

Reporting and Remediation for Wireless Penetration Testing

Wireless penetration testing is essential for identifying and mitigating security risks in wireless networks. However, testing is only effective if the identified vulnerabilities are properly reported and remediated. Here are the steps for reporting and remediation after conducting a wireless penetration test:

Report Creation: After the penetration testing, the penetration tester should create a detailed report outlining the vulnerabilities found and the steps taken to exploit them. The report should include a description of the vulnerabilities, their potential impact on the organization, and recommended actions for remediation.
Risk Prioritization: Once the report is created, the organization should prioritize the risks based on their severity and likelihood of exploitation. Risks that pose the greatest threat to the organization should be prioritized for remediation.
Remediation Planning: The organization should develop a remediation plan for addressing the identified vulnerabilities. The plan should include a timeline for remediation, the resources required, and the individuals responsible for completing the tasks.
Remediation Execution: Once the remediation plan is developed, the organization should execute the plan promptly. This may involve updating security controls, patching systems, reconfiguring network settings, or other actions as required.
Retesting: After the remediation, the organization should retest the wireless network to ensure the identified vulnerabilities have been properly addressed. This step is critical to confirm that the remediation efforts have been effective.
Verification: The organization should verify that the network is secure and compliant with relevant security standards and policies. This may involve conducting additional security assessments, such as vulnerability scanning or penetration testing, to ensure the network remains secure.

Best Practices an Organization Can Do to Secure Their Wireless Network

Securing a wireless network is crucial for any organization that wants to protect its sensitive information from cyberattacks. Here are some best practices that companies can follow to secure their wireless networks from attackers:

Use strong encryption protocols: Organizations should use strong encryption protocols such as WPA3 or Wireless OWE to encrypt all data transmitted over the network. This helps to protect against eavesdropping, man-in-the-middle attacks, and other types of cyberattacks.
Change default login credentials: Companies should change the default login credentials for all wireless devices, such as routers, access points, and switches. Default credentials are often known to attackers and can be easily exploited to gain unauthorized access to the network.
Use strong passwords: Companies should use strong passwords for all wireless network devices and Wi-Fi networks. Strong passwords should be long, complex, and include a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Implement network segmentation: Organizations should implement network segmentation to separate different parts of the network and restrict access to sensitive information. This helps to prevent attackers from moving laterally through the network and accessing sensitive data.
Conduct regular wireless penetration testing assessments: Companies should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses in the wireless network. This helps proactively identify and address potential security risks before attackers exploit them.
Implement access control measures: Organizations should implement access control measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA) to ensure that only authorized users can access the wireless network. This helps to prevent unauthorized access to the network and protects against data breaches.
Regularly update firmware and software: Companies should regularly update firmware and software for all wireless network devices to ensure they are protected against the latest security threats and vulnerabilities.

By following these best practices, organizations can significantly improve the security of their wireless networks and protect their sensitive information from potential cyberattacks. It is also important for companies to regularly review and update their security policies and procedures to ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest security best practices and standards.

Need a Wireless Pentest? Contact Artifice Security

WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3)

What is WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3), and why is WPA3 better?

WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) is the latest security protocol for wireless networks, designed to address the weaknesses of its predecessor, WPA2. WPA3 offers improved security features to protect Wi-Fi networks from cyberattacks, such as brute-force and password-guessing attacks, which have become increasingly common.

One of the key advantages of WPA3 is its Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) feature, which uses a more secure method for establishing a secure connection between devices and access points. SAE uses a stronger Diffie-Hellman key exchange algorithm to replace the Pre-Shared Key (PSK) used in WPA2, which is vulnerable to brute-force attacks. This means that even if an attacker captures the initial exchange of network credentials, they cannot determine the actual password used to access the network.

Another advantage of WPA3 is its individualized data encryption, meaning each network device has its unique encryption key. This provides an extra layer of security, as even if an attacker obtains the encryption key for one device, they cannot use it to access other devices on the network.

Organizations may consider using WPA3 for several reasons. Firstly, WPA3 provides stronger security measures, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to launch successful attacks against wireless networks. This is particularly important for organizations that deal with sensitive data or handle large amounts of confidential information.

Secondly, using WPA3 can help organizations comply with various data protection and privacy regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA, which require organizations to implement appropriate security measures to protect sensitive data.

Finally, by upgrading to WPA3, organizations can future-proof their wireless networks against emerging threats and stay ahead of the curve regarding security standards.

OWE (Opportunistic Wireless Encryption)

What is OWE (Opportunistic Wireless Encryption), and should I use it for my open Wi-Fi network?

Wireless OWE (Opportunistic Wireless Encryption) is a new protocol that provides encryption for open Wi-Fi networks. This protocol solves the problem of open Wi-Fi networks, which are common in public places such as coffee shops, airports, and hotels but must be more encrypted and secure.

Open Wi-Fi networks are convenient for users as they don’t require passwords or authentication. Still, they are also vulnerable to cyberattacks such as man-in-the-middle attacks, eavesdropping, and snooping. This is because the data transmitted over the network is not encrypted, and anyone can intercept and view the data.

Wireless OWE solves this problem by providing encryption for open Wi-Fi networks without requiring users to enter a password or perform any other authentication. This is achieved by generating a unique encryption key for each user when they connect to the network, which encrypts all data transmitted over the network.

Wireless OWE provides many benefits for open Wi-Fi networks. Firstly, it provides an additional layer of security, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to intercept and view data transmitted over the network. This is particularly important for users needing sensitive information, such as bank accounts, emails, and other confidential data.

Secondly, Wireless OWE is easy to use and requires no extra effort from users. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi networks, which require users to enter a password or perform some other form of authentication, Wireless OWE automatically generates a unique encryption key for each user, making it quick and easy to connect to the network.

Finally, Wireless OWE is an open standard, meaning many devices and platforms support it. This makes it easy for organizations and individuals to adopt the protocol and enjoy the benefits of secure open Wi-Fi networks.

Conclusion

Wireless networks are essential to modern business operations but also come with their fair share of risks. Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in wireless networks to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, putting your business at risk of financial and reputational damage. By investing in wireless penetration testing, companies can identify and address these vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them.

In addition to penetration testing, implementing strong security measures such as using the latest encryption protocols, network segmentation, access control, and regular vulnerability assessments can help ensure the security of wireless networks. By staying up-to-date with the latest security technologies and practices, businesses can better protect themselves against potential cyberattacks and safeguard their sensitive information. Ultimately, companies must prioritize the security of their wireless networks. Failure to do so can have serious consequences, including data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage. Businesses can confidently operate by taking proactive steps to secure their wireless networks, knowing their sensitive information is protected.

Book a consultation with Artifice Security today!

Artifice Security is a reputable cybersecurity services provider that offers penetration testing. Here are several compelling reasons why your business should consider Artifice Security to conduct a pen test:

Skilled and Experienced Consultants: Artifice Security has a team of experienced and proficient penetration testers who thoroughly understand the latest cyber threats and attack techniques. They have collaborated with diverse clients in various sectors, giving them a broad perspective on security challenges and solutions.
Thorough Testing: Artifice Security’s pen testing methodology is all-encompassing and covers all aspects of your company’s security posture. They use a combination of automated and manual testing methods to detect vulnerabilities and assess the effectiveness of your security controls.
Personalized Approach: Artifice Security offers customized pen testing services, adapting the scope and depth of the test to meet your company’s specific needs. They work closely with you to understand your goals and objectives and create a testing plan to achieve them.
Actionable Reports: Artifice Security provides detailed, actionable reports that explicitly identify vulnerabilities and suggest remedies. The reports are created to be comprehensible by both technical and non-technical stakeholders, providing clear guidance on enhancing your organization’s security posture.
Compliance: Artifice Security’s pen testing services are developed to satisfy various compliance regulations such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR. By hiring Artifice Security to perform a pen test, your company can ensure compliance requirements are met and avoid potential fines and legal issues.

Artifice Security is a dependable and trustworthy partner for businesses prioritizing their assets and data security. Our proficiency, thorough testing approach, personalized methodology, actionable results, and experience make Artifice Security the ideal choice for any company seeking to enhance its security posture.

Want to learn more about penetration testing? Visit our Ultimate Guide to Penetration Testing page.

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