Real Simulation of a "War Driving" Attack on a Wireless Network

Abstract

The inevitable spread of wireless networks and the growing traffic in them can lead to an increase in information security incidents. The main threats are aimed at interception, violation of the confidentiality and integrity of transmitted data, attacks on the availability of nodes of the transmission channel and their substitution. Due to its characteristics, the wireless data transmission environment creates potential conditions for eavesdropping on network traffic and uncontrolled connection to the wireless network by attackers who are in its range. Wireless networks, unlike wired networks, are extremely vulnerable to possible attacks and unauthorized access due to the use of radio spectrum and the broadcast nature of the physical layer. To intercept data, it is enough to be in the range of the Wi-Fi network. Therefore, an attacker, being at a safe distance, can use wireless devices to carry out attacks. The article analyzes a cyberattack of the "War Driving" type on wireless networks. The analysis carried out in the article showed that there are open wireless networks. Wireless networks are open or because the administrators who configure them are not security aware. A full-scale simulation of a "War Driving" attack was carried out. Real-time simulation data show that 10.1% of networks do not use any encryption. The detection error of access points not using encryption is from 8% to 12%. This is a very good result and confirms the adequacy of the conducted full-scale modeling. Based on the analysis of the results of live simulation, recommendations have been developed to protect the wireless network from a "War Driving" attack. The developed recommendations will protect wireless networks from "War Driving" attacks