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. 

• “Hackers don't break in, they log in,”

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

1. Launch the Tool: On Kali Linux, launch Fern from the application menu.

2. Select Interface: Choose the wireless interface for scanning networks.

3. Scan for Networks: Initiate a network scan to identify available Wi-Fi networks.

Executing an Attack

1. Network Selection: After scanning, select the network you wish to crack.

2. Attack Method: Choose between WEP, WPA, or WPA2 cracking methods based on the network's security protocol.

3. 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.

1. 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).

2. 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.

3. 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.