Wardriving is the act of searching for wireless networks by a person usually in a moving vehicle, using a laptop or smartphone. The term “wardriving” comes from the similarity to “war dialing,” a term for a similar activity that involves searching for and dialing phone numbers to find modems.
Wardriving can be used for a variety of purposes, both legal and illegal. Some people use wardriving to find open wireless networks that they can use to access the internet for free. Others use it to map wireless network coverage in a particular area, or to test the security of their own wireless network.
However, wardriving can also be used for malicious purposes, such as stealing sensitive information or launching attacks on a network. For this reason, it is important to secure your wireless network and be aware of the potential risks of wardriving.
One of the most common ways to secure a wireless network is to use a strong encryption method, such as WPA2. This will prevent unauthorized users from accessing the network, and protect any sensitive information that is transmitted over the network.
Another important step is to use a strong password for the network. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long, and should include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessed information, such as your name or date of birth, in your password.
You can also (and is highly recommended to) change the default name of your network, also known as the SSID. By default, many routers will be set to use the manufacturer’s name as the SSID. Changing the SSID makes it harder for wardrivers to identify your network, and can help protect against attacks.
Another way to secure your wireless network is to use a firewall. A firewall is a system that controls the flow of traffic between a computer or network and the internet. By using a firewall, you can block unauthorized access to your network, and protect against malicious attacks.
Lastly, it is important to keep your router’s firmware updated. Firmware is the software that controls the router, and it is often updated to fix security vulnerabilities and add new features. By keeping your router’s firmware updated, you can ensure that your network is protected against the latest security threats.
In conclusion, wardriving can be used for a variety of purposes, both legal and illegal. It is important to be aware of the potential risks of wardriving, and to take steps to secure your wireless network. By using encryption, strong passwords, changing the default name of your network, using a firewall, and keeping your router’s firmware updated, you can protect your network from unauthorized access and attacks.