Hack a WiFi Passwords

WiFi – it’s a lifeline in our digital age. We rely on it for everything, from streaming our favorite shows to submitting crucial work reports. But what happens when this lifeline is threatened? WiFi hacking is a real concern in today’s interconnected world. It’s not just about losing connection for a few minutes; it’s about the potential breach of your personal and financial information.

This article aims to shed light on the common methods used in WiFi hacking. We’ll delve into the nitty-gritty of brute force attacks, dictionary attacks, packet sniffing, phishing, and man-in-the-middle attacks. We’ll also touch upon some lesser-known methods like using the Windows Command Prompt and cracking the code.

But remember, with great knowledge comes great responsibility. This information is meant to educate you about potential threats and how to protect your network. Hacking is illegal and unethical. So, let’s dive in and learn how to safeguard our digital lifelines.

Is it Possible to Hack a WiFi Passwords?

Yes, it is possible to hack a WiFi passwords. The success of such WiFi passwords hacking attacks can also depend on how active and inactive the users of the target network are.

Understanding WiFi Networks

WiFi networks have become an integral part of our daily lives. They provide us with the convenience of accessing the internet wirelessly from multiple devices, anywhere within the range of the router. But to ensure that this convenience doesn’t turn into a security nightmare, it’s crucial to understand how these networks function and the security protocols they employ.

WiFi networks operate by transmitting information via radio waves. This information is accessible to any device within the network’s range, making it vulnerable to unauthorized access if not properly secured. This is where security protocols come into play.

WiFi Security Protocols

Over the years, WiFi security protocols have evolved to provide stronger protection against unauthorized access. Here’s a brief overview of the most common ones:

1. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): This is the oldest WiFi security protocol. It uses static encryption keys, making it relatively easy to crack. Due to its weak security, it’s not recommended for use today.
2. WPA (WiFi Protected Access): Introduced as a replacement for WEP, WPA offers improved security through the use of dynamic encryption keys and authentication protocols. However, it still has vulnerabilities and has largely been replaced by WPA2.
3. WPA2 (WiFi Protected Access II): Currently the most commonly used protocol, WPA2 provides robust security through the use of strong encryption algorithms and secure key exchange methods. It’s significantly more secure than its predecessors.
4. WPA3 (WiFi Protected Access III): The latest protocol, WPA3, offers even stronger security features than WPA2, including improved encryption and easier connection methods for devices without a display.

The Importance of WiFi Security

Securing your WiFi network is of utmost importance. An unsecured network is an open invitation for hackers to access your personal information, misuse your internet connection, or even launch attacks against other networks. By understanding and implementing the right security protocols, you can protect your network from unauthorized access and ensure a safe and secure internet experience.

Common Methods Used in WiFi Hacking

1. Brute Force Attacks: This method involves an attacker trying all possible combinations of passwords until the correct one is found. It’s a time-consuming process, but with the right tools and enough computing power, it can be effective. However, strong, complex passwords can make brute force attacks impractical due to the time it would take to crack them.
2. Dictionary Attacks: A dictionary attack is a bit more sophisticated than a brute force attack. Instead of trying all possible combinations, attackers use a prearranged list of words found in a dictionary. If your password is a common word or phrase, it could be susceptible to a dictionary attack. This is why it’s recommended to avoid common words and phrases when creating a password.
3. Packet Sniffer Tools: These tools allow hackers to capture data packets transmitted over a network. By analyzing these packets, they can potentially uncover sensitive information, including passwords. Encryption can help protect against this type of attack, but some older security protocols are vulnerable to certain types of packet sniffing.
4. Phishing Attacks: In a phishing attack, the hacker tricks the user into revealing their password. This is often done through fake websites or emails that appear to be from legitimate sources. The user is prompted to enter their password, which the hacker then captures.
5. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: In this type of attack, the hacker intercepts the communication between two parties and can potentially alter the communication or steal the data being transmitted. This can be done in various ways, including creating a fake WiFi access point or exploiting vulnerabilities in the network.
6. Windows Command Prompt: Some hackers use the Windows Command Prompt to display the saved WiFi passwords on a computer. This requires physical or remote access to the computer, and the user must have saved the WiFi passwords on their system.
7. Crack the Code: This method involves using software tools designed to crack the encryption used by WiFi networks. These tools exploit vulnerabilities in the encryption algorithms or the key exchange process to uncover the network password.

Remember, these methods are often illegal and unethical. Understanding them can help you protect your network and personal information, but they should not be used for unauthorized access to networks.

How to Hack a WiFi Passwords – Effective Ways

Hacking a WiFi passwords in order to gain access to the network can seem very extreme but you must have your reasons. You might be trying to hack a neighbor’s WiFi, a WiFi network of an organisation, and you might even be hacking your own network due to a forgotten password. Whatever the reason maybe, it is possible for you to hack a WiFi passwords.

You can hack a WiFi passwords in order to connect to the WiFi network through easy methods that include hacking the network through Windows Command Prompt (CMD) or through third party applications that you can download on your mobile devices.

Method 1: Using CMD on Computer

This method will only work if you are trying to hack a WiFi network that you have connected to once in the past. Windows creates a profile for each WiFi network that you have ever connected to and will remain on the computer unless you tell Windows to Forget the Network. You can gain access to the passwords of these saved networks by using Windows Command Prompt.

To Hack a WiFi Passwords using Windows Command Prompt;

• Turn on your Windows computer and tap on the Start menu.
• Type CMD into the bar and launch the Command Prompt.
• Choose Run as Administrator to use CMD with administrator privileges.
• A program with a black screen full of texts will open with a blinking cursor to guide you on where to type.
• Begin by typing Netsh WLAN show profile and a section called User Profiles will appear.
• This section will contain a list of all the WiFi networks that have been saved on the computer.
• Search for the network you want to hack and copy it.
• Next, type Netsh WLAN show profile name=”Network name” key=clear.
• Fresh data will appear.
• You will see Key Content under Security Settings.
• The WiFi password you are looking for will be displayed.

To Use this Method to Hack a WiFi Passwords on MacOS;

• Turn on the computer.
• Launch Spotlight search (Cmd+Space) and type Terminal.
• This will open the equivalent of Command Prompt on MacOs.
• Input security find-generic-password -wa Network name into the program.
• You will be able to see the password of the WiFi network.

You can then use this password displayed to hack into the WiFi network you are trying to connect to.

Method 2: Using Third Party Software

You can hack a WiFi password and connect to the network by making use of software that can crack the network and give you access to the network. Cracking a WiFi network depends on the type of WiFi security. The most common types of WiFi security are Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and WiFi Protected Access (WPA). Both of these networks can be checked using compatible software on your supported device.

Hack WEP-Protected WiFi Network

WEP WiFi security is the most common and widely used WiFi security which was developed to offer privacy equivalent to that of wired networks. This type of WiFi security is very weak and insecure, and can easily be cracked and breached. WEP hacking can be of two types: Passive Cracking which is difficult to detect has no effect on network traffic and Active Cracking which is the most effective, causes a strain on the network traffic, and is easy to detect.

The third party applications that can be used to hack WiFi passwords of networks protected by WEP security include:

• AirCrack
• WEPCrack
• WebDecrypt
• Kismet

Hack WPA-Protected WiFi Network

The WPA WiFi security is an upgraded version of the WEP WiFi security. It makes use of temporal keys to encrypt packets but it makes use of short and weak passphrases that are relatively weak attacks from intruders. You can make use of the following software to hack WiFi passwords of networks that are protected by WPA WiFi security:

• CowPatty
• Cain & Abel
• WiFi WPS WPA Tester

These third party applications are not easy to use and can require a lot of patience and in most cases, extra hardware. Using these applications can also leave your own devices vulnerable to malware and spyware. This is why it is important to ensure that the third party application you are planning to use to hack WiFi passwords is legit and safe.

Tools Used in WiFi Hacking

WiFi hacking involves a variety of tools, each with its unique capabilities. Here’s an overview of some of the most common ones:

1. Aircrack-ng: This is a suite of tools designed for network security assessment. It’s capable of cracking keys for WEP and WPA-PSK networks. Aircrack-ng works by capturing data packets, analyzing them, and then attempting to crack the network’s password.
2. Kismet: Kismet is a network detector, sniffer, and intrusion detection system. It can detect the presence of both wireless networks and non-beaconing networks hidden via SSID cloaking. Kismet can also sniff the traffic on any networks it detects, making it a powerful tool for analyzing network security.
3. Wireshark: Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer. It lets you see what’s happening on your network at a microscopic level. It can be used to troubleshoot network issues, examine security problems, and learn more about network protocols. Wireshark can capture and analyze data packets in real-time, making it a valuable tool for understanding network performance and security.

How These Tools Work

These tools work by exploiting vulnerabilities in network protocols or by capturing and analyzing network traffic. For example, Aircrack-ng can crack WEP and WPA-PSK keys by capturing enough data packets to eventually uncover the network password. Kismet and Wireshark, on the other hand, can capture and analyze all network traffic, providing a detailed look at what’s happening on the network.

Legal and Ethical Implications of Using These Tools

While these tools can be used for legitimate purposes, such as network troubleshooting and security assessments, they can also be used maliciously to hack into networks and steal information. Unauthorized use of these tools to access networks is illegal and unethical.

It’s important to use these tools responsibly and with permission. If you’re a network administrator or security professional, these tools can help you understand your network’s vulnerabilities and work to improve its security. However, if you’re thinking about using these tools to hack into a network without permission, know that you would be breaking the law and could face serious consequences.

Alternative Ways to Hack a WiFi Passwords

In this practical scenario, we are going to learn how to hack WiFi passwords. We will use Cain and Abel to decode the stored wireless network passwords in Windows. We will also provide useful information that can be used to hack the WEP and WPA keys of wireless networks. Decoding Wireless network passwords stored in Windows;

• Step 1) Download the Cain and Abel tool.
  • Download Cain & Abel from the link provided above.
  • Open Cain and Abel.
• Step 2) Select the Decoders tab and choose Wireless passwords.
  • Ensure that the Decoders tab is selected then click on Wireless Passwords from the navigation menu on the left-hand side
  • Click on the button with a plus sign
• Step 3) The passwords will be shown.
  • Assuming you have connected to a secured wireless network before, you will get results similar to the ones shown below
• Step 4) Get the passwords along with encryption type and SSID.
  • The decoder will show you the encryption type, SSID and the password that was used.

How to Hack WiFi Password in Android

Method 1: Hacking Wi-Fi Password in Android using WIFI WPS WPA TESTER (without Rooting)

WIFI WPS WPA TESTER is a popular Android app used for hacking Wi-Fi passwords. It works by bypassing the Wi-Fi password and connecting your Android phone to the router. Here are the steps:

• Download and install the WIFI WPS WPA TESTER app from the Play Store.
• Enable the Wi-Fi settings on your Android phone.
• Launch the app and search for the Wi-Fi networks nearby you.
• Select one of the networks from the result and start hacking by tapping on it.
• The app checks the Wi-Fi security, and it tries different combinations of words and numbers to crack the Wi-Fi password. The app finds the network code in a short time and connects your phone automatically.

Method 2: Hacking Wi-Fi password in Android using AndroDumper App APK (without Rooting)

AndroDumper is another popular app used for hacking Wi-Fi passwords in Android phones. Here are the steps:

• Download and install the AndroDumper app on your Android phone.
• Turn on the Wi-Fi settings on your Android device.
• Launch the AndroDumper app and click on the refresh button present at the top of the screen to search and get nearby Wi-Fi networks.
• Choose the network you wish to hack and connect and tap on it.
• Now the app will try to connect with your chosen network with every possible combination of alphabets and number passwords. If the selected network has a weak Wi-Fi password, then this app possibly hacks it.

Method 3: Hacking Wi-Fi password in Android having WPA2 WPS Router (Root device)

In this method, we will use the Bcmon and Reaver Android app. Here are the steps:

• Download and install the BCmon app APK file on your Android phone. This app helps you to monitor your Broadcom chipset and cracking PIN.
• Now, download and install the Reaver Android app that figure out and cracking the WPS Wi-Fi network password.
• After the app installation, launch the BCmon app and tap on the “monitor mode” option.
• Again launch the Reaver app and confirm on the screen that you are not using it for any illegal activity. Tap on the APN or access point you want to crack and continue Wi-Fi password. Sometimes you need to verify your monitor mode to continue, and you can do this by reopening the BCmon app again.
• Go to settings in the Reaver app and checked to mark “Automatic Advanced setting” box.
• Finally, start your Wi-Fi cracking process by clicking on the start attack; in this last step, cracking the WPS Wi-Fi security may take 2-10 hours to succeed.

Method 4: Hacking Wi-Fi password in Android using Wi-Fi WPS Connect app (Root device)

Using the Wi-Fi WPS Connect app you can hack Wi-Fi password on Android. Here are the steps:

• Download and install the Wi-Fi WPS Connect app on your Android phone.
• Enable the Wi-Fi settings of your phone.
• Launch the WPS Connect app and tap on the scan button to scan all nearby Wi-Fi networks.
• It takes few times to display all nearby Wi-Fi networks, including their details (such as password security types, network types, signal strength, etc.).
• Choose a Wi-Fi network and tap on it you wish to hack. A pop-up screen appears with a pre-defined list of keys (PIN).
• Tap on the key to start your hacking process.
• The app tries several times to hack Wi-Fi with default keys and the most widely used Wi-Fi keys.
• Wait for few minutes, and the Wi-Fi password will be hacked successfully.

Method 5: Hacking Wi-Fi password in Android using WPSAPP

WPSAPP is an all-in-one app that allows you to connect nearby Wi-Fi networks using an 8-digit PIN. Here are the steps:

• Download and install the WPSAPP app on your Android phone.
• Now, open the app and search for the nearby Wi-Fi networks for you.
• Click on the enabled WEP network you want to connect.
• Click on the “CONNECT WITH PIN” button, and after few seconds, the app displays your network password.

Please note that these methods are often illegal and unethical. Understanding them can help you protect your network and personal information, but they should not be used for unauthorized access to networks.

How to Protect Your WiFi Network

Securing your WiFi network is crucial to protect your personal information and maintain your privacy. Here are some effective ways to enhance your WiFi network’s security:

• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: A strong password is your first line of defense against unauthorized access. It should be long (at least 12 characters), include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters, and should not include common words or phrases that could be easily guessed or cracked through a dictionary attack.
• Regularly Update Your Router Firmware: Manufacturers often release firmware updates to fix security vulnerabilities. Regularly updating your router’s firmware ensures that you’re protected against known vulnerabilities.
• Use the Latest Security Protocols: Always use the latest WiFi security protocol available. As of now, WPA3 is the most secure. If your router doesn’t support WPA3, use WPA2.
• Disable WPS: WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) is a feature that allows you to connect to a WiFi network without entering a password. However, it has known security vulnerabilities and should be disabled.
• Implement MAC Address Filtering: Every device has a unique MAC address. By setting up MAC address filtering, you can control which devices are allowed to connect to your network.
• Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all data sent over your network, making it much harder for hackers to intercept and read your data.
• Regular Network Monitoring: Regularly check the devices connected to your network. If you notice any unfamiliar devices, investigate further. Regular monitoring can help you spot any unauthorized access early.

Remember, no security measure is 100% foolproof. But by implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk and make your WiFi network a tough target for hackers.

Case Studies

1. The TJX Companies Incident (2007): One of the largest-ever credit card thefts from a retailer occurred when hackers exploited weak WiFi security at a Marshalls store in Miami. The hackers were able to steal data from over 45 million credit and debit cards. The parent company, TJX Companies, ended up paying about $250 million in costs related to the breach. The lesson here is clear: even seemingly small vulnerabilities can lead to massive losses. Regular network monitoring and robust security measures are crucial.
2. The Google Street View Incident (2010): Google’s Street View cars were found to be collecting data from unencrypted WiFi networks as they drove around taking pictures. This included emails, usernames, passwords, and other sensitive data. Google claimed it was accidental, but the incident highlighted the risks of unencrypted networks. The lesson is that sensitive data should always be encrypted when transmitted over a network.
3. The KRACK Attack (2017): Researchers discovered a vulnerability in the WPA2 security protocol, which could allow hackers to intercept and decrypt traffic between a WiFi network and a device. The vulnerability, known as KRACK (Key Reinstallation Attack), highlighted the importance of regularly updating devices and networks to protect against known vulnerabilities.

These case studies underscore the importance of robust WiFi security. Regular updates, strong encryption, and vigilant monitoring are crucial in preventing unauthorized access and protecting sensitive data.

How to Crack WPA2

Prerequisites

Before you begin, you’ll need a Linux machine (preferably Kali Linux), a wireless adapter, and the Aircrack-ng tool installed on your machine.

How to Put the Network Card into Monitor Mode

To gather information about the target, you need to change your wireless card from ‘managed’ mode to ‘monitor’ mode. This will turn it from a mere network card to a wireless network reader. You can do this using the airmon-ng script, which instantly changes your card to monitor mode.

How to Look for the Target

To see what networks are around you, you can use airodump-ng, a part of the aircrack-ng suite that allows a network card to view the wireless traffic around it. You can concentrate on the target AP and ignore the rest by using the BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier), a fancy name for the MAC address of the device.

How to Capture the Handshake Packets

The next step is to capture the handshake packets. Handshake packets are the first four packets sent from the AP when an authenticated device connects to an AP. You can either wait for a device to connect to the AP or de-authenticate the device and then let it connect to the AP.

How to Perform a DOS Attack

You can use aireplay-ng or mdk4 to disconnect devices from APs for a time. This is called a de-authentication attack or a wireless DOS (Denial-Of-Service) attack. While the DOS attack is underway, you can check on your airodump scan to see if you’ve captured the handshake.

How to Obtain the Password

In the final steps, you are going to run a bunch of generated Pairwise Master Keys (PMKs) against the captured packets to get the password. A PMK is basically an algorithmic combination of a word and the APs name. You can use a wordlist, such as the rockyou wordlist, to continuously generate PMKs using a wordlist against the handshake. If the PMK is valid, the word used to generate it is the password.

Please note that these methods are often illegal and unethical. Understanding them can help you protect your network and personal information, but they should not be used for unauthorized access to networks.

What to Do When i Forgot my WiFi Password

If you’ve forgotten your WiFi password, don’t worry. There are several ways to retrieve it:

Check Your Router:

Your WiFi password is usually printed on a sticker on the side or bottom of your router. Look for labels like “Wireless Key,” “WPA Key,” “WPA2,” “WEP Key,” or similar. If you haven’t changed your WiFi password from the default, this should work.

Access Your Router’s Web Interface:

Most routers have a web interface that shows the WiFi password. To access it:

• Connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable.
• Open a web browser and enter the router’s IP address. Common ones are 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 192.168.2.1.
• Enter the username and password for the router. If you haven’t changed these, they should be in the router’s manual or on the sticker on the router.
• Look for a section called “Wireless,” “Wireless Security,” or similar. Your WiFi password should be listed there.

Check on a Connected Device:

If you have a device that’s already connected to the WiFi network, you can check the password there:

• On Windows: Open the Network and Sharing Center (you can search for it in the Start menu). Click on “Connections” next to the WiFi network you’re connected to. In the window that opens, click on “Wireless Properties,” then the “Security” tab. Check the box that says “Show characters” to reveal the WiFi password.
• On macOS: Open the Keychain Access app (you can find it using Spotlight). Look for the name of your WiFi network in the list, then double-click on it. In the window that opens, check the box that says “Show password.” You’ll need to enter your computer’s password to reveal the WiFi password.

Reset Your Router:

If all else fails, you can reset your router to its factory settings. This will also reset your WiFi password to the default one printed on the router. Look for a small reset button on the router – you may need a paperclip or similar to press it. Hold it down for about 10 seconds, then wait for the router to restart. Remember, this will also reset any other changes you’ve made to the router’s settings.

Remember, it’s important to keep your WiFi password secure. Don’t share it with people you don’t trust, and consider changing it from the default to something more secure.

How to Find WiFi Password on Router

If you’re trying to find your WiFi password and it’s not changed from the default, you can often find it on a sticker somewhere on your router. The password is usually labeled as “Wireless Key,” “Security Key,” “WPA Key,” “WPA2,” “WEP Key,” or something similar.

If you’ve changed your WiFi password and can’t remember it, you can access it through your router’s settings:

1. Connect to Your Router: Connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable or by connecting to the WiFi network (if you’re able to).
2. Access the Router’s Web Interface: Open a web browser and type in the router’s IP address. This is usually something like 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.2.1. If you’re not sure, you can check the router’s manual or do a quick web search with your router’s brand and model.
3. Log In: You’ll be prompted to enter a username and password. If you haven’t changed these from the default, they should be listed in your router’s manual or on a sticker on the router itself. Common combinations are “admin” and “password” or “admin” and “admin.”
4. Find the WiFi Password: Once you’re logged in, look for a section called “Wireless,” “Wireless Settings,” “Wireless Security,” or something similar. Your WiFi password should be listed there. It might be labeled as “Password,” “Passphrase,” “Security Key,” “WPA Key,” “WPA2,” “WEP Key,” or something similar.

Remember, the exact steps might vary depending on your router’s brand and model. If you’re having trouble, check the router’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for more specific instructions.

How to Find WiFi Password on Phone When Connected

If you’re connected to a WiFi network and want to view the password on your phone, the process will depend on whether you’re using an Android or an iOS device.

For Android:

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, most versions of Android do not allow you to view the password of a WiFi network you’re connected to due to security reasons. However, if your device is rooted, you can use certain apps to view saved WiFi passwords. Please note that rooting your device can void your warranty and pose security risks.

For iOS:

iOS devices also do not allow you to view WiFi passwords directly on your device due to security reasons. However, if you have a Mac and use the same Apple ID on both your iPhone and Mac, you can find the password through Keychain Access on your Mac:

1. Open Keychain Access (you can find it using Spotlight).
2. In the Keychain Access window, make sure “System” and “Passwords” are selected in the left-hand column.
3. Look for the name of the WiFi network in the list and double-click on it.
4. In the new window that opens, check the box that says “Show password.”
5. You’ll be asked to enter your Mac’s username and password to reveal the WiFi password.

Remember, it’s important to keep your WiFi password secure and not to share it with people you don’t trust.

How to Find WiFi Password on Computer

If you’re connected to a WiFi network on your computer and want to find the password, you can do so through your computer’s network settings. Here’s how to do it on Windows and macOS:

For Windows:

1. Right-click the WiFi icon on the system tray and select “Open Network & Internet settings.”
2. In the settings window, click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
3. In the new window, next to “Connections,” click on your WiFi network name.
4. In the WiFi status window, click on “Wireless Properties.”
5. Click on the “Security” tab and check “Show characters.” This will reveal your WiFi password.

For macOS:

1. Open Finder, go to “Applications,” then “Utilities,” and open “Keychain Access.”
2. In the Keychain Access window, click on “Passwords” from the category list.
3. Look for your WiFi network name in the list and double-click on it.
4. In the new window, check “Show password.” You may need to enter your Mac’s password to reveal the WiFi password.

Remember, it’s important to keep your WiFi password secure and not to share it with people you don’t trust.

Conclusion

WiFi networks are scattered all around you and most can easily be accessed without any restrictions. However, there are a lot of WiFi networks that are protected by strong passwords and cannot be accessed until you input the passwords or passphrases. WiFi security is of different types and has a varying degree of strength and accessibility. Almost all types of WiFi security can be hacked and breached by intruders.

If you are trying to gain access to a restricted WiFi network, there are various ways you can do that depending on whether you have connected to the Wifi network in the past or not. These simplest among these methods have been explained in this article and you can use them without needing an expert’s help. Hopefully, you have been able to use these methods to successfully hack a WiFi password.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)