WarXing in Cyber Security
24.07.2020
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Warcarting, war dialing, wartoothing, wardriving, wartransit… Also known as NetStumbling or WILDing, WarXing is a search of Wi-Fi networks. Keep reading to learn more!
In our hyper connected world, an active and stable internet connection is akin to oxygen. Our smartphones, tablets, computers and even smart watches need internet connection to fulfil the entirety of their functions. Moreover, we need the internet to keep in touch with our friends, family and co-workers, we conduct our business online and moreover, we receive our education online these days.
When our cellular data is no more available, or has reached the limit, the search for a Wi-Fi connection begins. In this article, we will discuss what people can do to find a working, available Wi-Fi near them. Keep reading to learn more!
What is warXing?
WarXing is an umbrella term which denotes the act of searching for a Wi-Fi network. The X in warXing can be replaced by adding a specific action that defines the nature of this activity. For instance, if the individual is on a bike, cycling around to find a Wi-Fi network, it is called Warcycling. If the individual in a car, it is called Wardriving. Below you can find some variations of the term warXing:
Warchalking: The name of this practice is a reference to a common practice of warXing community where they mark the breadth of a Wi-Fi arrangement on the sidewalk with a piece of chalk.
Warcycling: Searching Wi-Fi networks by cycling around.
War dialing: This practice includes dialing (often random) phone numbers to find modems.
Wardriving: Seeking Wi-Fi networks in a car.
Warflying: Using an aircraft or a drone equipped with a PDA or something similar.
Also warrunning, warwalking, wartrawling, wartoothing, warspying and wartransit are among other common warXing practices.
Why do people do warXing?
People employ warXing for various reasons. For instance, a person can opt for warXing to piggyback a Wi-Fi owner. When that is the case, warXing can seem rather innocent or non-threatening. Yet you must consider the possibility that the piggybacking individual can overburden your network by heavy downloading activity or use your internet connection for illegal activities. In the latter case, you might find yourself in an unwanted situation where you have to explain that it was not you who was responsible for the illegal activities.
Another motivation for warXing can be infiltrating your systems, stealing information or even locking you out of your own network. Wardrivers often drive around neighbourhoods to find open Wi-Fi networks that they can hack effortlessly. They mostly target office buildings and shopping centres. They cruise around in their cars where they have laptops and long-range antennas. They tap into any vulnerable network they come across to steal sensitive information like credit card numbers, customer information and such.
If your organization uses an unsecure Wi-Fi known as Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), you are under threat. Wardrivers often target consumer-grade routers a WEP’s encryption can be cracked more easily.
If you want to keep your organization safe or enhance its cybersecurity posture, take a closer look at our SIEM and SOAR applications. We offer our expertise and tailor-made security solutions for each organization.
