Let’s start by defining the word Wardriving: it is the search for WIFI wireless networks from a vehicle equipped with a computer. This would be the classic definition. I define modern wardriving as the search for WIFI networks, Bluetooth devices and GSM towers independently whether we are in any type of vehicle (plane, boat, bicycle, scooter, skateboard, etc.) or even walking.
I have been analyzing wireless networks since the beginning of 2000 and in 2022 I obtained the well-known Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP) certification, you can read my post about it. Below is an image of the old cards that I used at that time for wardriving and WIFI audits that I still have out of nostalgia.
Modern wardriving requires more advanced hardware as we now have WIFI on 2.4GHz and 5GHz with WIFI 6 and 7 looming on the horizon, Bluetooth devices (with billions of devices in the world and counting) and GSM towers. In addition, we must combine it with a GPS device to save their location.
As you can see in the image, I use different devices for Wardriving and Radio Frequency (RF) audits from my company VULNEX. And what is shown here is not all the gadgets I use 😊 With these devices we can perform everything from wardriving to sophisticated RF attacks (a story for another day).
Starting from the left below we have:
- Flipper Zero + WIFI Devboard
- Raspberry PI Zero + Pwnagotchi
- AWUS036NEH
- AWUS036NHA
- M5 Stack Fire + ESP32 WiFi Hash Monster
- Google Píxel 5 + WiGLE WiFi Wardriving
- Hack5 WIFI Pineapple Nano
- Wardriving Kit (463n7 Driver kit & Wardriver)
- AWUS1900
- Raspberry Pi 4 + touch screen
Do you want to get started in wardriving? My advice is that you buy an Android phone (it doesn’t have to be expensive or top of the range) and install the WiGLE WiFi Wardriving App. It is the fastest and most comfortable way to enter this fascinating world. As you progress you can expand your collection of wardriving devices.
What would you like me to delve into in another article?
Merry Christmas and don’t forget the ABC of wardriving: “Always Be Collecting” 😊
