And this MAC address itself has wifi connect, I mean all the devices connected on a wifi network have a unique mac address which is allowed by the admin of that wifi network. If you find the mac address of a connected device and replace it with the mac address of your device, then you can also connect to that wifi network.
Every day we see news about computers being hacked and how the cybercriminals make money off people clueless about the protection of their assets.
For someone not very technical, it may sound as if hackers are so powerful, and the only way to hide is to shut down all devices and go off the grid completely.
However, the truth is that there are several simple things one can do to make sure that we are reasonably safe when browsing the internet without affecting our ability to access the information we need.
Whether or not someone can hack into the computer or phone through WiFi depends on a person’s proximity to the WiFi router. If a cybercriminal in the range of access to the WiFi router, they can connect to the local network and perform various attacks, such as Man In The Middle attack.
If the hacker is outside of the WiFi range, then the way they attack will be different.
Let’s consider various scenarios of how the computer can be hacked and ways to protect your devices.
Hacking Computer Through Local WiFi
As you probably guessed, it is much easier to hack the computer, which is in close proximity to the hacker’s device.
For instance, your neighbor can connect to your WiFi and use your internet for free. Or you may connect to the free WiFi in the cafe or hotel, but someone already hacked the network, and now everyone, including you, is a potential target.
Or maybe you are using the office WiFi, and it was also hacked.
And it doesn’t have to be a computer, such as a Mac or PC. Your smartphone, iPhone, or Android, which uses the WiFi can be hacked as well.
Let’s see what hackers can do if they are physically connected to the WiFi you are using.
Man in the middle attack
If you have the internet at home from a cable, DSL, or fiber-optic provider, you have a router. Your computer does not directly connect to the internet; it sends and receives data by directing it through the router.
In layman terms, the process is the following:
- Your computer or phone finds a WiFi router.
- After submitting the correct password, the router sends back its MAC address. MAC address is an identifier of computer components, and in theory, it should be unique across billions of devices on the planet. The network card on your computer also has a unique MAC address.
- After you get the MAC address of the router, all internet activity will be going through the router. In the pic below, there is a MAC address next to each device on the local network, and the router’s address is 11:22:33:44:55:66.
When a hacker connects to the local WiFi router, it also finds the MAC address of the router. The hacker changes his computer’s MAC address to be the same as routers one (11:22:33:44:55:66 in the pic below).
Now, all devices on the local network connect to the hacker’s machine, and then the data flows to and from the router. So the hacker becomes a man in the middle (MITM).
Once this happened, the hacker can read all outgoing requests and incoming data using various tools that collect such data.
This means every time you enter a username and password on some web site or enter your credit card number, and it gets saved on the hacker’s machine. Also, every URL you are visiting also gets saved.
There are some limitations, obviously. For instance, if the website uses the HTTPS protocol (S at the end stands for Secure), all traffic is encrypted between your computer and cybercriminals will not be able to crack it (in most cases).
However, if the web site uses HTTP, all data, including the password, is in cleartext.
So, if you want to avoid your data being stolen, always check that web site is using a secure protocol (HTTPS). In the browsers, the secure protocol is usually displayed with a padlock icon next to the URL.
Never enter passwords or financial information on web sites with HTTP!
How the router can be hacked
When it comes to your home WiFi, there are three ways for someone outside to connect to the router:
- The router is not password protected
- You tell the password. For instance, you told the guest the password, or she looked it up on the router (if you didn’t change the default one)
- If the router is using an old authentication protocol
I am going to skip the first two and instead of focus on the last one. The authentication protocol used in with WiFi router is very important.
If your router is old, it is possible that it’s still using WEP protocol, then you should know that anyone who knows a little bit about hacking can hack the router literally in less than a minute.
So, if you have it enabled on your router, then go ahead and disable as I did.
What you should have is WPA2 with AES encryption. In the pic below, the authentication strength (protection from hacking) increases from top to bottom (WPA is less secure, and WPA2-PSK with AES is the most secure).
Some hackers employ a dictionary attack to crack WPA protocol, but it takes supercomputers to hack it. So as long as you are not a celebrity or a billionaire, nobody will spend so many resources to break into your network.
Usually, you can connect to the home router settings by going to the local IP address, such as http://192.168.0.1/.
How to tell if someone hacked your router
One of the sure routers hacked signs is the existence of an unknown device connected to the local WiFi network.
As I explained above, in order to perform a man in the middle (MITM) attack, the hacker must connect to the WiFI network first. And if he’s connected, you can see him too.
One way to find out the connected devices is through the router settings. Some routers allow us to see all connected devices and kick them out if needed.
Another way is to use a network scanner app. For instance, I found a cool app called Fing. The app is available for almost all platforms: iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows.
It is free (with ads) and doesn’t even require creating an account in order to use it.
One cool feature they have is scanning for open ports.
For instance, when I scanned my MacBook Pro, I found that remote desktop and screen sharing features were enabled, and anyone could connect to my Mac remotely.
How to protect from a MITM attack
While it is possible to scan and find unknown devices on the home network, this approach will not work with public WiFi networks, such as the one in Starbucks or the hotel.
You would never know if the public network was compromised. In this case, the only way to protect your privacy is to use a VPN (a virtual private network).
When connected to VPN, your computer or phone creates a secure encrypted channel with the VPN server. After the connection is established, all requests go to the VPN server. The server makes all requests on your behalf and returns the results back to you.
From outside, it looks like the computer is sending some garbage to and back to the same computer. Even if the hacker collecting the information, he won’t be able to tell whether you’re connecting to Google.com or MacMyths.com.
When choosing a VPN software, follow these best practices:
- Do not use a free VPN. They have significant limitations, and you know that good things are never free.
- Test for speed. Some VPS are significantly faster than others.
- Check the provider’s reputation. Since all requests now go through the VPN, technically, the VPN server becomes a man in the middle. So choose only reputable providers.
Personally, I am using NordVPN: it’s the fastest on the market and very inexpensive. It is available for multiple platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.
If you use my NordVPN affiliate link you get a pretty steep discount for three-year plan for up to 6 devices.
Hacking Computer Remotely
We discussed ways to hack the computers and phones through local WiFi, but I know the question that most people ask is whether hackers can connect to the home network when they are on the other end of the world (or more than a hundred yards or meters away).
Fortunately, the answer is no, someone cannot get into your home network, even if they know the password if they are outside of the range (more than 300 feet).
Also, in most cases, hackers cannot get into your computer is off (link).
However, there are other ways to get into your system remotely. Do you remember a story of Bezos’s personal data being leaked?
In his case, he received a message on WhatsApp with malware attachment. When the malware was installed on his phone, it started sending the personal data to the server abroad.
Similarly, we are all at the risk of having malware installed on our computers and smartphones. Some malware open access to the device, so the hackers can access it remotely.
Or, the malware could be a keylogger, and in this case, even having HTTPS or a VPN will not help. A keylogger will record the keys pressed on the keyboard, and if it happens to be a credit card number, then the hacker will have it.
So, how to protect the devices from malware? You need to install an antivirus program.
There is a common myth that Macs cannot have viruses, but this is not true. I was able to inject my Mac with more than 100 malware samples when testing various antimalware solution.
You can check the results of my test and recommended antiviruses in my post: Best Malware Detection App for Mac.
Every time my friends and family ask me for a recommended antivirus, I go with Norton 360. It comes with the biggest bang for the buck and provides antimalware and other security features on all platforms. And it also has its own VPN!
Conclusion
We reviewed multiple ways how someone can hack into your phone or computer through WiFi. I also listed ways to prevent this from happening, which I wanted to reiterate.
If you worry about online security, consider investing in the following tools:
- VPN software
- Antivirus program
Be very cautious when connecting to public WiFi. I’d say if you don’t have VPN installed on a laptop or smartphone don’t use public WiFi, or at least avoid making purchases with a credit card or entering passwords.
If you are interested in the topic of security, there is a great course available on Udemy about ethical hacking. The instructor teaches how to hack computers ethically and most importantly what can you do to prevent from being targeted:
Learn Network Hacking From Scratch (WiFi & Wired)Also, check my other post:
Photo credit: ©canva.com/cyano66
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View Wifi Password Mac
Get the 4 Ways on Hacking WiFi Password on iPhone, Android, Mac or Windows PC
Today hacking the password of Wi-Fi has become the most popular topic on the web. Mostly the users are keeping their Wi-Fi fully secured with the tough password in order to prevent unauthorized access. It is very much essential as the open network can be vulnerable that can be misused by the malicious people. What if your neighbor or friend is not sharing the password of Wi-Fi with you? So you would like to become knowledgeable on how to easily hack the password of Wi-Fi so you easily can enjoy using free of cost Wi-Fi whenever visit to the friends home.
There might be any reason for hacking the password of it. It is like checking the own Wi-Fi connection security or might be trying to retrieve the forgotten password of it. It might be really too much surprising for one but yes, it really very much easier for one to learn easily hacking the password of Wi-Fi without letting anyone knows it. The best thing is that there are no special skills or technical or programming knowledge needed for doing so. However, if you want to have safer experience in doing so, you can take the help, of one of the most famous spyware named as TheTruthSpy App.
Part 1: Hacking iPhone Wi-Fi password
Currently, the iPhone is one of the top leading series of Smartphone. The main reason for the high popularity of this device is its security. Their lots of restrictions are applied to the device that is making it highly secure than any other OS. With high growth in the world of computerization, numbers of tools are created that will help a user in hacking the password of Wi-Fi on the iPhone device. Hacking the password of Wi-Fi is very much easier.
On the web, you will see numbers of spyware tools are available that will effectively help you in hacking the network of Wi-Fi within few clicks. Here you are going to learn about how easily password can be hacked of Wi-Fi on iOS device. We are making the use of the top leading tool that is iPhone Wi-Fi hack is the tool that is developed for hacking the password of Wi-Fi. The app can be installed for free of costs. Remember that the device needs to be jailbroken in order to run it as only through Cydia you can get this tool or you can get Wi-Fi Passwords at Apple Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/instabridge-wifi-passwords/id971679641?mt=8
Follow the steps to hack the password on iPhone
- At first, you need to jailbreak the device for running the application.
- Now, open up the Cydia application and get the hack application for the iOS device installed.
- Wait for few minutes for finishing the installation process.
- Now hit on the hack icon to launch the iOS device hack.
- Scan the available network of Wi-Fi by hitting on the icon Refresh that is at the screen left the bottom corner.
- Hit on Wi-Fi network that you wish to hack upon and being the process of hacking.
- Once you have done with all, you will get the password.
Part 2: Hacking the android device Wi-Fi password
Herein we are going to discuss how a user can hack the password of Wi-Fi on android device. On the mobile Google play store, you will see numbers of applications for Wi-Fi hacking that within few simple steps is hacking the Wi-Fi network. Unlike iOS, there you need not have to root the device for hacking the Wi-Fi. Android is actually open source OS that is offering the good environment for the developers for making the good applications for users of Android.
The hacking application of Wi-Fi is such environment outcomes. Here we will be using WPS WPA tester for Android Wi-Fi password hacking. This is the best application that will enable users in hacking the network of Wi-Fi on the androids platform. One can get the tool for free for cost from the Google play store.
Get WPS WPA tester at:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tester.wpswpatester&hl=en
What's My Wifi Password Mac
Follow the steps on password hacking
- At first, you are required doing the downloading of WPS WPA Tester through the Google play store.
- Once the process of installation done successfully, hit on the icon of the app to open up.
- Hit on refresh option for scanning the available Wi-Fi networks.
- Now, you need to hit on the network so that you can hack the one would like to.
- Tap on the option of connect automatic pin. This will be applying some set of pins for hacking the networks of Wi-Fi. The password will be displayed.
Part 3: Hacking Windows PC/laptop password
The window is nothing but the OS of the PC and laptop that you are using. If you are the users of the window and want to hack the network of Wi-Fi, continue on reading it. It is the little bit difficult for one to hack the network of Wi-Fi on the window because of lack of availability of software. Still, a good tool is brought up for you. Dumper is the one that is developed for PC runs on windows. It is a widely used digital protocol that can hack the WPS based network that is wireless. Just download the open source tool at free of cost through the official site.
You can download Dumper at:https://sourceforge.net/projects/dumpper/
Follow the below-listed steps
- Download the app and install it into the PC windows.
- After it hit on the option to open it.
- The dumper will appear, select the wireless adapter and hit on scan option for scanning all the nearby networks available.
- Now hit on WPS and hit on option all network and now hit on scan option.
- You will see all the available networks and choose the network that you wish to hack upon and tap on option Start jumpstart.
- The Wi-Fi hacking process will begin automatically and will take few minutes for completing the process.
- Hit on the finish and then get to profiles.
- Tap on network name option and see the network password.
Part 4: Hacking Mac Wi-Fi password
Mac is the computer’s another OS. In this OS it is nearly impossible for the hacker to hack the password of Wi-Fi but a good solution is being bought for you. This particular method requires physical access over the Mac and required the name of the user and password of the targeted device.
Follow the steps for hacking
- At first, you need to open up the terminal.
- Type the mentioned command “find-generic-password-ga “WiFiname” grep password”.
- Enter the name of user and password of the Mac account and then tap on the option “Allow”.
- After all, you will see the Wi-Fi network password.
One of the reliable and safest tools for hacking purpose – TheTruthSpy App
So you want to go for Wi-Fi password hacking or the other data that included social app data, text messages, videos, photos. You can definitely try TheTruthSpy App for hacking the Wi-Fi password. It is one of the best tools for monitoring purpose addition with parental control tool that is created particularly for iOS and Android. In this application, you will find the best functions like Keylogger that will let you in viewing all what the targeted person type on the keyboard.
This application is not limited to such things. If you are the parent of children, then expect this TheTruthSpy, not another tool can be reliable for you. The commendable features help parents in aiding in keeping eye on activities of children.
Why use it
- It is very much easier to use it for monitoring the activities of the targeted person.
- It is easily accessing the live location of the device of the targeted person.
- A hacker can get access via remotely to the web history messages, call history, messages etc.
- It is 100% undetectable.
- Compatible with all devices.
- 24×7 hours fully dedicated support team is there to assist you in case of trouble.
- The best thing is it working on all phones on all the networks.
- You can cancel the subscription at any time.
Features of TheTruthSpy
- Alert and notification- when a targeted person changes the SIM card, the hacker will get the notification through the SMS. Also, you will come to know the new number as well.
- Monitoring the internet activities– It views the history of the internet activity that the targeted person has done, sites visited, content downloaded etc. A hacker can block the website that it doesn’t want the targeted person to visit anymore.
- Managing calls– A hacker can look at the entire history of calls that is including, time, contact name, call duration, deleted records etc.
- Viewing the multimedia files– One can view the multimedia files like captured photos, video recorded, voice memos, screenshots takes etc in the device of the suspected person.
Conclusion
Now, without doing delaying in hacking the Wi-Fi password, just get the spyware and begin hacking on others device to enjoy free Wi-Fi. You can visit the official website http://android.thetruthspy.com of TheTruthSpy application and from there get it to download and choose subscription package as per the budget and enjoy having spying experience on others device.