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Rogue AP attacks

Cybersecurity Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks

Posted by admin on 2025-04-03 13:48:01 |

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Rogue AP attack 

A Rogue AP attack occurs when an unauthorized or malicious wireless access point is connected to a network, allowing an attacker to bypass security controls. This unauthorized AP may be installed by a malicious insider, an unsuspecting employee, or even an external hacker who gains physical access to the network.

Types of Rogue AP Attacks

1. Evil Twin Attack

   • The attacker sets up a fake access point that mimics a legitimate Wi-Fi network.

   • Unsuspecting users connect, allowing the attacker to intercept sensitive data like usernames, passwords, and banking details.

2. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack

   • Attackers use a rogue AP to intercept and modify data transmitted between a user and the intended network.

   • This attack can lead to stolen credentials, session hijacking, and data manipulation.

3. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attack

   • A rogue AP floods the network with unnecessary traffic, slowing down or completely disrupting legitimate network operations.

   • Attackers may also deauthenticate legitimate users, forcing them to connect to a rogue AP.

4. Credential Harvesting

   • Attackers set up rogue APs with a fake login portal that captures user credentials.

   • Victims unknowingly enter their usernames and passwords, giving attackers access to sensitive accounts.

How to Detect Rogue APs

• Network Monitoring Tools: Use tools like Wireshark, Kismet, or enterprise-grade security solutions to detect unauthorized APs.

• Wireless Intrusion Detection Systems (WIDS): These systems continuously scan for unauthorized access points and alert administrators.

• MAC Address Filtering: Verify the MAC addresses of known access points to detect unauthorized devices.

• Physical Security Audits: Regularly inspect office spaces to ensure no unauthorized hardware is connected to the network.

How to Protect Against Rogue AP Attacks

1. Implement WPA3 Encryption

   • Use strong wireless encryption protocols like WPA3 to prevent unauthorized access.

2. Disable Unused Ethernet Ports

   • Prevent unauthorized AP installations by disabling unused network ports.

3. Enforce Network Access Control (NAC)

   • Use NAC solutions to ensure only authorized devices can connect to the network.

4. Regular Security Audits

   • Conduct routine audits to identify and remove rogue access points.

5. Educate Employees

   • Train employees to recognize the dangers of connecting to unknown Wi-Fi networks and to report suspicious activity.

6. Use VPNs for Secure Communications

   • Encourage users to connect via Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to encrypt data transmissions and prevent eavesdropping.

Conclusion

Rogue AP attacks pose a significant risk to both individuals and organizations, leading to data breaches, identity theft, and service disruptions. By proactively implementing security measures such as network monitoring, encryption, and user awareness training, organizations can minimize the risk and ensure a secure wireless environment. Staying vigilant and regularly updating security protocols are key to defending against this evolving cyber threat.

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