Wireless Penetration Testing: What, Why and How

Wireless networks have become critical business infrastructure components, yet they create an invisible attack surface extending beyond physical perimeters. Attackers can probe these networks from parking lots or neighboring buildings without ever entering your facilities.

What Is Wireless Penetration Testing?

Wireless penetration testing is a specialized security assessment that evaluates the security of your wireless infrastructure using the same techniques employed by malicious attackers.

Our methodology follows the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) and NIST SP 800-115 guidelines, ensuring comprehensive coverage and repeatable results.

Key Capabilities

• Identifying misconfigured wireless networks and access points
• Discovering unauthorized or rogue wireless devices
• Testing authentication and encryption implementation
• Evaluating segregation between wireless networks
• Assessing wireless client and connected device security
• Determining real-world impact of wireless vulnerabilities

Comprehensive Testing Methodology

1. Wireless Discovery and Enumeration

Identification of all wireless networks, access points, encryption protocols in use, coverage areas, and non-802.11 technologies like Bluetooth and Zigbee.

2. Authentication and Encryption Testing

Evaluation of pre-shared key strength, enterprise authentication configurations, EAP methods, and opportunities for downgrade attacks.

3. Wireless Client and Device Testing

Assessment of client vulnerabilities, susceptibility to evil twin attacks, preferred network attacks, and IoT device security.

4. Wireless Network Controls

Testing of network segregation between corporate and guest networks, intrusion detection systems, and rogue access point detection capabilities.

5. Physical Security Considerations

Signal bleed analysis to determine how far your networks extend, identification of unauthorized devices, default credential testing, and management interface security.

6. Advanced Wireless Attacks

Testing for WPA2/3 vulnerabilities, KRACK attacks where applicable, evil twin simulation, and deauthentication impact assessment.

Specialized Threat Scenarios

Rogue Access Point Detection

We identify unauthorized wireless devices connected to your networks—whether malicious implants or well-intentioned employee devices that bypass security controls.

Evil Twin Attacks

Testing determines whether your users would connect to malicious access points mimicking legitimate networks, potentially exposing credentials and traffic.

Guest Network Isolation

We verify that visitor traffic is properly separated from corporate resources, preventing guest network access from becoming a path to sensitive data.

Wireless IoT Security

Assessment of Internet of Things devices using wireless connectivity, including smart building systems, sensors, and industrial equipment.

Bluetooth and Non-WiFi Wireless

Evaluation of Bluetooth-enabled devices and other wireless technologies that might create attack opportunities.

Who Needs Wireless Penetration Testing?

Organizations with:

• Multiple wireless networks supporting different user groups
• Wireless guest networks for visitors and contractors
• Multi-tenant building locations with overlapping signals
• IoT deployments using wireless connectivity
• Zero Trust Network Access implementations relying on wireless
• Industrial control systems with wireless connectivity
• Healthcare facilities with medical devices on wireless networks

Testing Process Timeline

Planning & Preparation (1 week)

Scope definition, testing window establishment, equipment preparation, and access coordination with facilities management.

Active Testing (1-2 weeks)

Onsite reconnaissance, network enumeration, authentication testing, rogue access point deployment for evil twin testing, and protocol analysis.

Analysis & Reporting (1 week)

Vulnerability validation, risk rating based on exploitability and business impact, remediation recommendations, and executive summaries.

Remediation Support

Post-report guidance, verification testing after remediation, and consultation on deployment practices.

What We Need From You

Physical Access

Wireless testing requires presence at your facilities. We need access during business hours and potentially after-hours for testing that might impact users.

Equipment Coordination

We bring specialized equipment but need coordination with your facilities team for access to areas with access points and network infrastructure.

Stakeholder Communication

Key personnel should know testing is occurring to prevent unnecessary alarm about unusual wireless activity.

Real-World Example

During a recent engagement with a manufacturing company, our wireless assessment revealed:

• Production network signals extending into the public parking lot
• Pre-shared keys weak enough to crack within hours
• Several unauthorized access points on the corporate network (employee-installed)
• IoT devices with hardcoded credentials accessible via wireless
• Multiple opportunities to bypass network segregation

The client remediated critical findings within weeks and established ongoing wireless security monitoring.

Getting Started

Your wireless networks extend your attack surface beyond your walls. Attackers know this—do you know what they’d find?

Ready to assess your wireless security? Contact Breach Craft to discuss a wireless penetration test tailored to your environment.