Start Date

October 2018

End Date

October 2018

Location

KC 462

Abstract

Wireless access points are an effective solution for building scalable, flexible, mobile networks. The problem with these access points is often the lack of security. Users regularly connect to wireless access points without thinking about whether they are genuine or malicious. Moreover, users are not aware of the types of attacks that can come from “rogue” access points set up by attackers and what information can be captured by them. Attackers use this advantage to gain access to users’ confidential information. The objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the WiFi Pineapple NANO used as a rogue access point (RAP) in tricking users to connect to it. As part of the preliminary study, a brief survey was provided to users who connected to the Pineapple to evaluate the reasons why users connect to RAPs. The result of the cybersecurity pilot study indicated that lack of awareness played an important role. Specifically, users unknowingly connect to rogue wireless access points that put at risk not only their devices, but the whole network. The information collected in this research could be used to better educate users on identifying possible RAPs and the dangers of connecting to them.

Comments

Addressing reviewer concerns:

There are several spelling, grammatical, and punctuation errors throughout the paper. Also, seems to have some issues with clarity and conciseness. Overall a good read and interesting topic. If areas are addressed it would be acceptable.

Thorough review with a number of minor changes, addressed some areas of clarity and conciseness in three sections. Also addressed concerns of second reviewer, but did not implement the table presenting the results or describe the experimental design more clearly, as this limited pilot is not representative of the final research setup.

Share

COinS
 
Oct 20th, 1:25 PM Oct 20th, 1:50 PM

Hijacking Wireless Communications using WiFi Pineapple NANO as a Rogue Access Point

KC 462

Wireless access points are an effective solution for building scalable, flexible, mobile networks. The problem with these access points is often the lack of security. Users regularly connect to wireless access points without thinking about whether they are genuine or malicious. Moreover, users are not aware of the types of attacks that can come from “rogue” access points set up by attackers and what information can be captured by them. Attackers use this advantage to gain access to users’ confidential information. The objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the WiFi Pineapple NANO used as a rogue access point (RAP) in tricking users to connect to it. As part of the preliminary study, a brief survey was provided to users who connected to the Pineapple to evaluate the reasons why users connect to RAPs. The result of the cybersecurity pilot study indicated that lack of awareness played an important role. Specifically, users unknowingly connect to rogue wireless access points that put at risk not only their devices, but the whole network. The information collected in this research could be used to better educate users on identifying possible RAPs and the dangers of connecting to them.

 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.