WarXing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
WarXing is the activity of detecting publicly accessible computer systems or networks. The 'X' may be replaced by a more specific activity to give the following terms:
- Wardriving — detecting Wi-Fi wireless networks by driving around with a Wi-Fi-equipped computer, such as a laptop or a PDA, in one's vehicle.
- Warwalking — searching for Wi-Fi wireless networks by a person walking, using a Wi-Fi-equipped computer, such as a laptop or a PDA.
- Warchalking — the name for marking the location of an active Wi-Fi wireless network with a chalk mark on the sidewalk.
- Warspying — detecting and viewing wireless video. Usually done by driving around with an x10 receiver. Similar to "Wardriving" only with wireless video instead of wireless networks.
- Warflying — using an aircraft and a Wi-Fi-equipped computer, such as a laptop or a PDA, to detect Wi-Fi wireless networks.
These terms originated from wardialing, a technique popularized by a character played by Matthew Broderick in the film WarGames, and named after that film. Wardialing in this context refers to the practice of using a computer to dial many phone numbers in the hopes of finding an active modem.
[edit] In practice
Warxing is done by a variety of computer programs and hardware. The software tools are used to discover and map out the open (and protected) WLAN in the area. Examples of popular software tools for discovering open WLAN's are:
- NetStumbler and MiniStumbler for PC (Windows) and Pocket PC
- AP Scanner and KisMAC (Macintosh)
- Kismet for PC (Linux)
Other popular tools employed which feature extra functions (such as using encrypted WLAN's, ...) include:
- Aircrack-ng for PC (Linux)
- WEPCrack for PC (Linux)
- THC-WarDrive for PC (Linux)
- AirSnort for PC (Linux)
- THC-RUT for PC (Linux)
- BSD-AirTools for PC (Linux)
- Wellenreiter for PC (Linux)
- AirTraf for PC (Linux)
- AirJack for PC (Linux)
- Stumbverter for PC (Windows)
Practical how-to information is available from documents as "The Definitive Guide to Wireless WarXing". [1], "WarDriving HOWTO", "Wireless LAN resources for Linux", "Wireless Access Points and ARP Poisoning ", ... "Official Wireless Howto", [2]
