What is PMKID Attack?

A PMKID attack is a type of brute-force attack that can be used to crack the Pairwise Master Key (PMK) of a wireless network. The PMK is a 256-bit key that is used to encrypt traffic between a wireless client and an access point. If an attacker can crack the PMK, they will be able to decrypt all traffic on the wireless network.

How Does PMKID Attack Work?

PMKID attacks work by exploiting a weakness in the WPA2 protocol. When a wireless client connects to an access point, the client and the access point generate a PMK. This PMK is then used to encrypt all traffic between the client and the access point.

The PMK is stored on the client and the access point. If an attacker can get their hands on the PMK, they can decrypt all traffic on the wireless network.

PMKID attacks are carried out by collecting the PMKIDs of wireless clients. This can be done by using a tool called a PMKID catcher. A PMKID catcher is a device that can be used to collect the PMKIDs of wireless clients that are in range.

Once the attacker has collected the PMKIDs, they can use a brute-force attack to crack the PMKs. A brute-force attack is an attack that tries all possible combinations of characters until the correct password is found.

How to Protect Yourself from PMKID Attacks

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from PMKID attacks:

  • Use a strong password for your wireless network. The stronger the password, the more difficult it will be for the attacker to crack the PMK.
  • Enable WPA2-PSK or another strong encryption method. WPA2-PSK is the most secure encryption method for wireless networks.
  • Keep your wireless firmware up to date. Firmware updates often include security patches that can help to protect your network from attacks.
  • Use a wireless intrusion detection system (IDS). An IDS can help to detect malicious traffic on your network, including PMKID attacks.

Conclusion

PMKID attacks are a serious threat to wireless networks. By following the tips above, you can help to protect your network from these attacks.

Additional Information

  • PMKID attacks are a relatively new type of attack, and they are still being researched. As a result, there is no foolproof way to protect yourself from them. However, by following the tips above, you can make your network more secure and make it more difficult for attackers to succeed.
  • If you think you may be under attack, you should disconnect from your wireless network immediately and contact your network administrator.

I hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.