Network attacks Software attacks

When it comes to the nitty-gritty bits and bytes, there are a lot of techniques
the bad guys can use to break inside your wireless realm or at least leave it
limping along in a nonworking state. Network-based attacks include
Installing rogue wireless APs and “tricking” wireless clients into connecting
to them
Capturing data off the network from a distance by walking around, driving
by, or flying overhead
Attacking the networking transactions by spoofing MAC addresses (masquerading
as a legitimate wireless user), setting up man-in-the-middle
(inserting a wireless system between an AP and wireless client) attacks,
and more
Exploiting network protocols such as SNMP
Performing denial-of-service (DoS) attacks
Jamming RF signals

As if the security problems with the 802.11 protocol weren’t enough, we now
have to worry about the operating systems and applications on wireless-client
machines being vulnerable to attack. Here are some examples of software
attacks:
Hacking the operating system and other applications on wireless-client
machines
Breaking in via default settings such as passwords and SSIDs that are
easily determined
Cracking WEP keys and tapping into the network’s encryption system
Gaining access by exploiting weak network-authentication systems