A wireless network penetration test is a comprehensive security assessment focused on evaluating the security posture of an organisations wireless (802.11) network infrastructure. This testing aims to identify vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorised access or disrupt network services. The scope of the test typically includes wireless access points, wireless controllers, client devices, and the encryption and authentication mechanisms in place.
As part of this assessment, testers attempt to intercept and analyse wireless traffic, exploit insecure wireless protocols, bypass authentication mechanisms, and test for weak or default configurations. This process may simulate real-world attack scenarios such as Evil Twin attacks, Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks, and credential harvesting.
Additionally, the test may include or consist entirely of a rogue access point sweep, a targeted effort to identify unauthorised or malicious access points that may have been introduced into the environment either maliciously (e.g., by attackers) or unintentionally (e.g., by employees or third parties). These rogue devices can serve as entry points into the internal network, posing a significant security risk.
Overall, the objective of a wireless penetration test is to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the organisations wireless communication channels and to provide actionable recommendations for remediation.