What sort of attacks can be made against a Wi-Fi network?

There are several types of attacks that can target a Wi-Fi network. Here are some common ones, along with brief explanations and suggestions for mitigation:

1. Rogue Access Points (APs): Attackers can set up rogue APs to mimic legitimate networks and trick users into connecting to them. Mitigation involves regularly scanning for unauthorized APs, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and educating users about the risks of connecting to unknown networks.
2. Eavesdropping: Attackers can intercept wireless communications to capture sensitive information, such as passwords or financial data. Encryption protocols like WPA2 or WPA3 should be used to secure Wi-Fi traffic. Additionally, using a virtual private network (VPN) can further protect data transmitted over the network.
3. Password Attacks: Attackers can attempt to crack or guess Wi-Fi passwords using various techniques, such as brute force or dictionary attacks. Strong, complex passwords or passphrases should be employed, and the use of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or WPA2 with a pre-shared key (PSK) is recommended.
4. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: Attackers can flood a Wi-Fi network with excessive traffic, causing disruptions or making it unavailable for legitimate users. To mitigate such attacks, network administrators can implement traffic monitoring, rate limiting, or intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to identify and block malicious traffic.
5. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Attackers can intercept and alter communications between users and the network, potentially capturing sensitive data or injecting malicious content. Implementing strong encryption protocols like WPA2/WPA3 and regularly updating firmware on network devices can help mitigate this threat.
6. Wi-Fi Jamming: Attackers can use specialized tools to interfere with Wi-Fi signals, disrupting network connectivity. Signal monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify and mitigate jamming attacks. Additionally, physical security measures can be implemented to prevent unauthorized access to Wi-Fi infrastructure.
7. Evil Twin Attacks: Attackers can create malicious networks that appear legitimate, tricking users into connecting to them. Users should be cautious when connecting to Wi-Fi networks and verify the network’s legitimacy by checking its name and security settings.
8. Wi-Fi Phishing: Attackers can set up fake Wi-Fi networks to collect users’ login credentials or personal information. Users should be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks and verify the network’s authenticity with the network provider or venue.

In general, securing a Wi-Fi network involves using strong encryption protocols, regularly updating firmware on network devices, implementing intrusion detection and prevention systems, using complex and unique passwords, and educating users about potential risks and best practices for network security. Additionally, network administrators should stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities and apply necessary patches and updates to ensure network security.