Definition
Wireless network hacking involves unauthorized access to or control over wireless communication systems. Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in protocols like Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or Bluetooth to gain entry. This practice is crucial to understand for security professionals as it highlights potential weaknesses in network defenses. For instance, a common attack involves capturing WPA2 handshakes to brute-force the pre-shared key. Unlike physical network intrusion, wireless hacking leverages radio waves, making it potentially more covert. Knowledge of wireless network hacking is essential for domains like network security and penetration testing, appearing on certifications such as Security+ and CySA+.