Each packet is encrypted using an unique temporary key
WPA uses TKIP for encryption and WPA2 uses CCMP for encryption

WPS Enabled

  • WPS: Wi-Fi Protected Access
  • Uses 8 digit pin. Can be easily guessed. Allow client to connect without using Password.
  • Only works if PBA (Push Button Auth) is not enabled on device. If PBA is enabled then we can only connect to network once the button is pushed

WPS Disabled

  • Only way to crack WPA without WPS is by capturing the handshake packet (Send when new device connects to AP)
  • The Handshake does not have any useful information but it contains that can be used to verify password
  • MIC (Message Integrity Code) present in the handshake packet is used to verify Password
  • MIC is calculated by using all the data present in handshake. We have to use “Brute Force” approach to try and crack the Password
  • Aircrack-ng converts passwords into MIC and compares then with the MIC in Handshake MIC to guess Passwords