WiFi Handshake
In cybersecurity, a WiFi handshake refers to the process of establishing a connection between a wireless access point (such as a router) and a device (like a laptop or smartphone). It involves a series of messages exchanged between the device and the access point to negotiate parameters for the encrypted connection.
The handshake typically consists of several steps:
1. Beacon Frame: The access point continuously broadcasts beacon frames to announce its presence and capabilities.
2. Probe Request: When a device wants to connect to a network, it sends out a probe request to discover available access points.
3. Probe Response: The access point responds to the probe request with a probe response frame, providing information about the network, including its name (SSID), supported security protocols, and other configuration details.
4. Authentication: The device and the access point perform an authentication process to verify each other's identity. This step ensures that only authorized devices can connect to the network.
5. Association: Once authenticated, the device sends an association request to the access point, indicating its intention to join the network.
6. Association Response: The access point responds with an association response frame, finalizing the connection setup.
7. EAPOL (Extensible Authentication Protocol Over LAN): In networks using WPA or WPA2 encryption, the device and the access point exchange EAPOL messages to establish encryption keys for securing the data transmitted over the network.
The successful completion of these steps results in a secure connection between the device and the access point, allowing the device to access the internet or other resources provided by the network. However, the handshake process also presents a security risk as attackers may attempt to intercept or manipulate the exchange to gain unauthorized access to the network or eavesdrop on communications. Therefore, ensuring the security of WiFi handshakes is crucial for protecting wireless networks from various cyber threats.
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