Pwd Cracking: Fern Wi-Fi Cracker
Introduction
In the world of ethical hacking and cybersecurity, Kali Linux stands out as a premier tool for security professionals. Among its many features is the Fern Wi-Fi Cracker, a powerful software for analyzing and cracking Wi-Fi networks.
What is Fern Wi-Fi Cracker?
Fern Wi-Fi Cracker is a wireless security auditing and attack software program that comes pre-installed with Kali Linux. It is designed to crack and recover WEP/WPA/WPS keys and also run other network-based attacks on wireless or Ethernet-based networks.
Key Features
Graphical User Interface: Fern is user-friendly, with a GUI that makes it accessible even to those who are not comfortable with command-line tools.
Automated Scripting: It runs on a script that simplifies the process of network scanning, key recovery, and other attack methods.
Multiple Hacking Methods: Supports WEP, WPA, and WPA2 security standards and includes a variety of methods to attack these protocols.
Setting Up Fern
Launch the Tool: On Kali Linux, launch Fern from the application menu.
Select Interface: Choose the wireless interface for scanning networks.
Scan for Networks: Initiate a network scan to identify available Wi-Fi networks.
Executing an Attack
Network Selection: After scanning, select the network you wish to crack.
Attack Method: Choose between WEP, WPA, or WPA2 cracking methods based on the network's security protocol.
Capture Handshake: For WPA/WPA2, Fern tries to capture the handshake, which is essential for cracking the password.
Basic Guide
Fern Wi-Fi Cracker usually comes pre-installed with Kali Linux. To launch Fern, navigate to the Kali Linux applications menu and find Fern under Wireless Attacks -> Fern Wifi Cracker. Alternatively, you can start it from the terminal with `sudo fern-wifi-cracker`.
Upon launch, Fern requests permission to activate the computer's wireless interface. Grant this permission to proceed.
Scanning for Networks
Click the 'Scan for Access points' button.
Choose your wireless card in the newly opened window and click 'Enable/Disable Monitor Mode'.
Once the monitor mode is enabled, Fern starts scanning for networks. A list of available Wi-Fi networks will be displayed, along with their encryption types (WEP/WPA/WPA2).
Selecting a Network
Choose a network you wish to analyze or attack. For ethical hacking purposes, ensure this is a network you own or have permission to test.
Click on the network; if it's WEP, the attack will start automatically. For WPA/WPA2, you'll need to provide a wordlist file for password cracking.
Wordlist Attack (For WPA/WPA2)
Click the 'Browse' button to select a wordlist file. Kali Linux comes with several pre-installed wordlists which you can use.
After selecting a wordlist, click the 'Wifi Attack' button to start the cracking process.
Password Cracking
Wordlist Attack: Fern uses wordlists to crack passwords. Ensure you have a comprehensive wordlist for a successful attack.
Dictionary Attack: This method tries words from a dictionary file against the network password.
Brute Force Attack: A more time-consuming method that tries all possible combinations.
Ethical Considerations and Legal Compliance
While Fern is a powerful tool, it’s crucial to remember that unauthorized access to networks is illegal. Always have explicit permission before testing a network.
Conclusion
Fern Wi-Fi Cracker, as part of the Kali Linux suite, is an excellent tool for ethical hackers to test network security. Its ease of use combined with powerful features makes it a go-to for professionals. However, it's important to use this tool responsibly and within the bounds of the law.