A high-speed Wi-Fi connection is one of those things you expect to have access to almost anywhere you go. They're particularly convenient where cellular data signals are spotty or nonexistent.
Wi-Fi access points are now in places such as coffee shops, airports, hotels, department stores, and restaurants. Even buses and trains provide wireless internet access.
However, with this convenience comes a dark side: wireless communication networks – both public and private – are vulnerable to various types of cyberattacks
In this article, we describe some of the most common wireless network attacks and how you can protect yourself from them.
What Are Wi-Fi Attacks?
Wi-Fi attacks are a class of cyberattack that attempts to disrupt Wi-Fi services, exploit its vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized network access, or intercept transmitted data. Wireless network attacks can be passive (“listening in” on transmitted Wi-Fi signals) or active, and they can also involve physical damage to Wi-Fi access points.
13 Most Common Types of Wi-Fi Attacks
1. Rogue Access Points
A rogue access point is an unauthorized wireless access point that's been installed on a legitimate network, but without the network administrator's knowledge or permission. The key danger is that rogue access points create an unmonitored entry point into what should be a secure internal network.
Since attackers are connected to the legitimate network infrastructure, they can use it to bypass perimeter security controls, such as firewalls, and gain direct access to internal systems and data.
Rogue access points are often used to attack Wi-Fi networks in offices, factories, and other businesses that are not typically open to the public.
2. Evil Twin (Wi-Fi Phishing)
An evil twin access point impersonates a legitimate access point by copying its name (SSID) and other identifying characteristics, thereby luring users into connecting to it by mistake. Unlike rogue access points, evil twins are standalone networks that aren't connected to the target's legitimate infrastructure.
Imagine you are at an airport with time to kill. You open your laptop and connect it to a Wi-Fi network labeled “Free Airport Wi-Fi.” What could go wrong, right?
Quite a bit, it turns out. If that network is not the airport's official Wi-Fi network, you may be connected to an "evil twin" that exists for the sole purpose of spying on and intercepting your data (think banking credentials and the like).
Pro tip: Most official airport Wi-Fi networks will prompt you to open a web page where you must accept the terms and conditions before being connected to the internet. If the “Free Airport Wi-Fi” doesn’t do that, your alarm bells should be ringing.
3. Packet Sniffing
In packet sniffing, the attacker “listens in” on Wi-Fi traffic using specialized equipment. Think of it like eavesdropping on a phone call but for internet data.
By itself, packet sniffing isn’t harmful. In fact, IT professionals use it to fix network problems. However, attackers use it to gather information for other attacks.
4. Wardriving
Wardriving is the act of driving around neighborhoods to identify vulnerable Wi-Fi networks. Attackers use apps and equipment to find networks with weak security that they can exploit later.
Years ago, when high-speed internet connectivity was on the expensive side, wardrivers would drive around looking for open Wi-Fi networks to connect to so they could surf the net on the cheap. These days, wardriving attackers are searching for vulnerable Wi-Fi networks that they can exploit later using other types of attacks.
5. Spoofing Attacks
Spoofing is when attackers pretend to be someone else on a network. They might copy your device's identity to gain access to resources meant only for you.
It occurs when attackers capture information after you connect to a Wi-Fi access point, and then use that information to impersonate your device later. The attacker then has access to whatever resources the legitimate user is authorized for.
6. “Man-in-the-Middle” Attacks
In a man-in-the-middle attack, the hacker secretly gets between you and the website you're visiting, thereby becoming the man-in-the-middle. To the client, the attacker’s computer appears as an access point, and to the real access point, the attacker’s computer appears as a legitimate client. The attacker can steal passwords, credit card numbers, and personal information. They can even change what you see on websites in real time.
7. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks
DoS attacks flood Wi-Fi networks with fake requests to shut them down. The goal is to disrupt the network itself or specific resources (such as DNS servers) that are connected to the target network. It's like calling a restaurant thousands of times to keep their phone lines busy so real customers can't get through.
These attacks can shut down entire networks, affecting businesses, schools, and public services.
8. Deauthentication Attacks
Deauthentication attacks force devices to disconnect from Wi-Fi networks. Attackers use this to kick you off secure networks and trick you into connecting to their fake networks instead. It works by using special tools to send fake "disconnect" messages to your device, making it think the network wants you to log off.
9. WPS Attacks
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) was designed to simplify device connection, but in doing so, it also created security vulnerabilities. Attackers can exploit WPS to break into networks in just a few hours. WPS attacks are high-risk since they can work on millions of routers that have WPS enabled (although it’s usually disabled by default).
10. Encryption Cracking
The Wi-Fi standard has gone through several iterations of encryption protocols in an effort to protect data in transit across the airwaves. Older equipment, including access points and end-user devices, can rely on outdated encryption protocols that are vulnerable to encryption cracking, where the attacker decrypts the traffic, exposing it for exploitation.
These older encryption protocols are among the things that wardrivers look for.
11. Default Equipment Settings
Many Wi-Fi routers come with default usernames and passwords, such as "admin/admin." If these aren't changed, attackers can easily gain access and take control of the entire network. Administrative accounts can be exploited to change access point settings, prevent legitimate user access, and cause other mayhem.
12. Krack Attacks
Krack attacks exploit a flaw in the Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) security protocol. Even networks with strong passwords can be vulnerable to these sophisticated attacks. Krack attacks target the four-way handshake process in WPA2, allowing attackers to decrypt network traffic.
13. Physical Damage
A Wi-Fi access point that is visible and physically reachable is at risk of being stolen, damaged, or otherwise tampered with. A disabled or missing access point can disrupt connectivity for entire buildings, and replacing it and setting up a new one takes time and money. Access points should be kept out of sight if possible and should not be within easy reach.
How Wi-Fi Attacks Work
Most Wi-Fi attacks exploit the basic trust wireless devices place in the network to which they connect. Once you're within signal range, an attacker doesn’t need to break in physically; they just need to mimic a trusted access point, intercept traffic, or sneak into a session already in progress. From there, they can spy on your data, steal credentials, or tamper with traffic in real time.
Here’s the typical process:
- Discovery: Attackers scan for vulnerable Wi-Fi networks
- Targeting: They choose networks with weak security
- Exploitation: They use various techniques to gain access
- Data theft: They steal information or spy on users
- Persistence: They maintain access for future attacks
These attacks don’t always announce themselves. They can happen quietly, without triggering alerts or setting off alarms. And unless you’re actively watching for red flags or have protection in place, you may never realize your connection has been compromised.
Warning Signs You're Under Attack
Watch for these red flags:
- Network Issues – slow internet speeds, frequent disconnections, slow load times
- Suspicious Activity – unexpected login prompts, unfamiliar networks appearing with similar names, pop-ups asking for personal information, antivirus alerts
- Device Problems – battery draining faster than normal, unusual network activity in settings
Who Is at Risk from Wi-Fi Attacks?
All organizations that deploy or manage Wi-Fi systems have some level of risk from Wi-Fi attacks. However, those at highest risk tend to fall into these categories.
Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and Startups
SMBs and startups tend to have lean staffing, and if they are fortunate enough to have an IT resource, that person may wear other hats or have little IT expertise.
Also, these organizations can sometimes deploy consumer-grade Wi-Fi equipment and may not configure or maintain it properly for adequate wireless network security.
Schools and Non-profits
In a similar way, schools (in particular, smaller public school districts and individual private schools) and other Non-Profit Organizations (NGOs) may lack IT expertise or the resources to maintain the security of their Wi-Fi systems.
Public Wi-Fi operators
Any organization that operates public Wi-Fi systems is going to be a target, almost by definition. The larger the number and variety of users on your system, the more tempting the opportunity for attackers.
Managed IT service providers
As an MSP, it’s your job to maintain the security of your client’s IT infrastructure, including Wi-Fi systems that may vary widely in size, complexity, and configuration from one client to the next. Unless you have a strong handle on each client’s setup, you may miss vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
How to Protect Against Wi-Fi Attacks
Protecting yourself from Wi-Fi attacks involves a multi-pronged strategy that includes, at a minimum, the following.
Basic Protection (Everyone Should Do This)
| Protection Method | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Replace Old Equipment |
Replace Wi-Fi equipment older than 5-7 years with
devices that support modern wireless encryption
|
Old equipment can't protect against
current attack methods
|
| Change Default Settings |
Change SSID to something unique
Set strong passwords
Change admin passwords
Disable default admin account
|
Default settings are easily exploited
by attackers
|
| Set Up Guest Network |
Create separate SSID for visitors with no access
to the internal business network
|
Prevents guests from accessing sensitive
company data
|
| Keep Equipment Updated |
Update firmware monthly
Set calendar reminders
Install security patches
|
Patches fix vulnerabilities that attackers
exploit
|
| Use Strong Passwords |
12+ characters with mixed letters numbers symbols; use
unique password for each network
|
Weak passwords are easily cracked
by attackers
|
| Enable Strong Encryption |
Use WPA3 or WPA2
Avoid WEP encryption
Check router security settings
|
Strong encryption protects data from
interception
|
| Deploy DNS Filtering |
Use solutions like Control D to block
malicious websites and prevent access to
attack sources
|
Stops attackers before they can
reach your network
|
Advanced Protection (For Businesses)
| Protection Method | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Network Segmentation |
Separate critical systems from general use
Limit access between segments
Isolate IoT devices
|
Limits damage if one part
of the network is compromised
|
| Regular Security Audits |
Conduct monthly vulnerability scans
Quarterly penetration tests
And annual assessments
|
Identifies vulnerabilities before attackers find
them
|
| Employee Training |
Teach staff to recognize phishing
Spot suspicious networks
And report security incidents
|
Humans are often the weakest
link in security
|
Personal Protection Tips
| Protection Method | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) |
Encrypt all internet traffic
Hide online activity
Protect data on public Wi-Fi
|
Prevents attackers from seeing your
internet activity even on compromised
networks
|
| Verify Network Names |
Ask staff for official network names
Avoid generic names like "Free_Wi-Fi"
Don't connect to open networks
|
Fake networks often use generic
or similar names to trick
users
|
| Turn Off Auto-Connect |
Manually choose networks
Prevent automatic connections to unknown networks
Review saved network lists regularly
|
Prevents your device from
automatically connecting to malicious
networks
|
Final Thoughts
Wi-Fi is an important modern convenience, but it’s not a “set it and forget it” system. It requires a continual, active effort to maintain it in a secure state. Doing so keeps your network, its users, and resources safe from hackers and prevents business disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if my Wi-Fi is being attacked?
Watch for slow speeds, frequent disconnections, unfamiliar networks with similar names, and unexpected login prompts. Run regular security scans on your devices to protect against potential threats.
Can Wi-Fi attacks happen at home?
Yes. Home networks are often less secure than business networks. Attackers can target your home Wi-Fi from outside your house or through connected devices within your home.
What should I do if I think I'm being attacked?
Disconnect immediately, change your passwords, run security scans, and contact IT support. Don't ignore warning signs – act quickly to limit damage.
Are public Wi-Fi networks safe?
Public Wi-Fi networks have higher risks, but you can use them safely with proper precautions: use a VPN, avoid sensitive activities, and verify network names with staff.
How often should I update my router?
Check for firmware updates monthly and install them immediately. Set calendar reminders to make this a regular habit.
