War Driving

[Sudarshan]

War Driving , which relates to Wireless Network Security.

Indecent , junk or threat mails are sent
from Unknown Sender ==> to a Targeted Receiver or Receivers.
This has happened earlier and it takes place almost every day.
Computers used in performing such false work can be traced with pin point geographical location.
But ! the Brains who do it are never caught

Here the question arrises - How do they do it ?
Before moving ahead to explain , i shall let you know that i do not encourage "War Driving"

We will come forward with few technical terms which i will be explaining ,
All of us reading this post are either using Wired or Wire-less Internet Connection. Here we are concerned with the latter. There are many companies around the world who provide free Wi-Fi internet connection.
Wi-Fi ==> Wireless Internet Connection or WLAN or Wireless Fidelity
The range of Wi-Fi connectivity starts from small office to College Campus upto a whole City.
Area where Wi-Fi internet facility is provided is known as Hotspot
A person with a Suitable Networking Knowledge + using Gadgets like (laptop with Wireless Ethernet Card or WiFi Phones or PDA) can easily get access to Hotspots.

How War Driving is done ?
Weak Hotspots are preferable target to perform War Driving. Initially a Hotspot is searched on a vehicle (hence the word - Driving). When an attacker finds a Hotspot , he searches for security and authentication.
(important ==> Almost all of the Hotspots neither have it)
Any Hotspot without security and authentication always welcomes trouble !
Only step remains now is get in through the Access Point.
Access Point ==>It is the Antenna of wireless local area network (WLAN), which transmits and receives data (referred as a transceiver). An access point connects users to other users within the network.
The time you get in the network, you can obtain free internet connection and possibly gain access to important records and resources
Let's take it this way , your House is Open all the day, everyday unknown people enter your house (without asking) + use your appliances, peep into your wardrobe and even crunch something from the fridge.
Will you like it ?


How to protect from War Driving ?
1) WEP - WEP is a Security Protocol. Wired Equivalent Privacy transmits data in encrypted format over the WLAN. Encrypting Data protects the vulnerable wireless link between clients and access points; once this measure has been taken, other typical LAN security mechanisms such as password protection, end-to-end encryption, virtual private networks (VPNs), and authentication can be put in place to ensure privacy.
2) WPA - Wi-Fi Protected Access is more advanced security than WEP. WPA not only provides Advanced Encryption of Data but also a strong user authentication. All access points are enbedded with such features.
* Protection provided above will surely help in securing a network *

[cresdins]

There must be some seriously bored people in the world to still be doing this. I read recently that many places in the states (around malls and such) ended up still having script kiddies well into the age range of mid 30's and 40's doing this.

[bigdog]

I know this is done and I certainly take steps but doesn't war driving seem not only rude and wrong but like a total waste of time? Can't we all just get along.

[YogeshA]

I know there are such wireless points, which are widely [unknowingly] open for all.
Mostly these type of services are installed by those technicians, aren't very much aware of the drawbacks of unencrypted wireless connections or significance of encrypted connection.
Thanks for sharing.