The rise of wireless networks has been tremendous in the past decade with every building fitted with several connections. Moreover, people are more concerned about their network connection than ever before. Infamous for its security consequences, hacking is an advanced technical skill that can give a user access to any secured device. However, learning the skill requires the right equipment, this is where some of the best Wi-Fi hacking tools come into the picture. But every new tech comes with its repercussions as these same tools can be used to exploit other Wi-Fi networks.

Best Wi-Fi Hacking Tools for PC

Wi-Fi hacking can be easy or very hard based on several system settings. It is dependent on two main factors:

1. Weak passwords: One of the most common ways for hackers to gain access to a Wi-Fi network is by using a weak password. Many people use default passwords for their routers, which are easy for hackers to guess. Others use weak passwords that are easy to remember, such as password 123456.

2. Unencrypted networks: Wi-Fi networks can be encrypted to protect them from hackers. However, some people choose to leave their networks unencrypted, either because they don’t know how to encrypt them or because they think it’s not necessary. Unencrypted networks are easy for hackers to access.

Top and Popular Wireless Hacking Tools

For a Wi-Fi hacking tool to be effective, it should have a few key attributes. This includes the capability of sniffing network packets and analyzing, and locating wireless network security gaps such as the WEP and WPA vulnerabilities, dictionary attacks, password guessing, and creating fake access points for tricking users. Some of the tools with all these features are listed below.

Note: Hacking into a device can cause privacy and security threats to a PC, which can result in legal consequences for the practitioner. Therefore, it is important that the use of the following tools is done in a responsible manner. The user descition is advised

1. Aircrack-ng

Aircrack-ng is one of the prominent and free WiFi password hacking tools and is written in C-language to evaluate the efficiency of network security. This tool works via a sequential process involving monitoring, attacking, testing, and cracking WI-FI passwords. While its primary emphasis is on the Linux operating system; however, it also supports Windows OS X, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, Solaris, and eComStation 2.

• Supports a wide range of operating systems, including Linux, Windows, OS X, and more.
• Utilizes various attacks, including FMS, Korek, and PTW attacks, to optimize the speed and efficiency of password cracking.
• Capable of cracking WEP keys using FMS, PTW, and dictionary attacks.
• Can crack WPA2-PSK through dictionary attacks.
• Focuses on Replay attacks, de-authentication, and creating fake access points for network assessment.

2. Wireshark

Wireshark is an open source WiFi hacking tool that provides best-in-class data packet analysis and network protocol examination solutions. It is one of the most popular among Windows users’ software for network troubleshooting, software development, and educational functions. With its ability to capture even the smallest details of network activity, Wireshark allows the examination and analysis of diverse protocols on a microscopic scale.

• Live packet captures and offline analysis, providing real-time insight into network activities.
• Cross-platform compatibility, supporting Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Solaris, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and more.
• Allows the application of color-coded rules to packet lists, facilitating quick and easy analysis.
• Rich Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) analysis for assessing phone services over the internet.
• Can decompress gzip files on-the-fly without disrupting running programs.
• Decrypts various protocols including IPsec, ISAKMP, SSL/TLS, and more.

Also Read: What is Ethical Hacking?

3. Kismet

Kismet is one of the most popular Wi-Fi hacking tools for PC, intended for ethical hackers and security specialists. Kismet is a versatile wireless network sniffer and intrusion detection tool, named after Arabic word division. It collects packets passively to recognize networks and even unveil hidden ones as a valuable resource for network analysis and security assessment.

• Supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, software-defined Radio (SDR), and various wireless protocols.
• Capable of identifying hidden Wi-Fi networks by analyzing broadcasted packets.
• Works with any Wi-Fi card that supports raw monitoring mode.
• Supports 802.11 standards including 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n traffic.
• Operates on various operating systems, including Linux (e.g., Ubuntu, Backtrack), FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, Mac OS X, and can be used on Windows through WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux).

4. CoWPAtty

CoWPAtty is, in fact, one of the most successful tools for Wi-Fi hacking. It is meant, among other things, for conducting offline dictionary-based attacks on wireless networks but has such an extraordinary name as this. This tool authored by Joshua Wright is a way by which attackers, hackers, and network managers crack into the WPA/WPA2 protected networks relying on PreShared Key (PSK) authentication method. While Cowpatty runs on Linux and has a command-line interface, it operates using a wordlist containing potential passwords for the attack.

• Automated dictionary attack tool specifically designed for WPA-PSK networks.
• Compatible with Linux operating systems, making it an ideal choice for Linux users.
• Utilizes offline attacks, exploiting authentication based on the PSK model.
• Employs PBKDF2 with 4096 iterations for passphrase generation, slowing down brute force attacks.

5. Airjack

Airjack is a powerful Wi-Fi 802.11 packet injection tool and forms a critical part of network manipulation activities. It is a tool that has been widely used in various operations such as injecting forged packets, facilitating denial of service attacks to disrupt networks, and enabling man-in-the-middle attacks on wireless networks. Airjack is a necessary tool for ethical hackers and security professionals who want to test, evaluate, and secure their wireless networks.

• Specialized tool for Wi-Fi 802.11 packet injection.
• Enables the injection of forged packets into wireless networks.
• Capable of initiating denial of service attacks to disrupt network services.
• Facilitates man-in-the-middle attacks for intercepting and manipulating network traffic.
• A valuable asset for network penetration testing and security assessment.

Also Read: 17 Best App for WhatsApp Hacking

6. AirSnort

AirSnort, a widely known Wi-Fi password hacking software, is a must tool for decrypting WEP Keys specifically in Wi-Fi 802.11b Networks. This software was developed by Blake Hegerle and Jeremy Bruestle, it is freely available for Linux as well as Windows operating systems. Its main purpose is to intercept and analyze packets that belong to the network it targets in order to recover its password or encryption key.

• Designed for cracking WEP passwords in 802.11b wireless networks.
• Free to use and available for both Linux and Windows operating systems.
• Downloads are available via Sourceforge, ensuring easy access for users.
• Utilizes a passive attack approach, monitoring network transmissions to gather data packets.
• Computes the encryption key once a sufficient quantity of data packets has been captured.
• Operates by observing and identifying data patterns to recover encryption or password keys.

7. Wifite 2

One of the best tools for simplifying the complexities of wireless hacking is Wifite, a Python script for wireless security auditing. The tool is invaluable for security professionals and ethical hackers as it speeds up the wireless auditing process by automatically running available hacking tools for you. Whether you’re auditing WEP or WPA-encrypted wireless networks, Wifite leverages tools like aircrack-ng, pyrite, reaver, and shark to execute various attacks. The author has made a full-fledged rewrite of the original tool to be fully compatible with Kali Linux and ParrotSec.

• Simplifies wireless security auditing by automating the execution of various hacking tools.
• Supports auditing of WEP and WPA encrypted wireless networks.
• Customizable and can be automated with minimal arguments, reducing the need for user supervision.
• Compatible with popular Linux pentesting distributions like Kali Linux, Pentoo, BackBox, and others.

8. inSSIDer

inSSIDer is a highly regarded Wi-Fi scanner designed for Microsoft Windows and OS X operating systems. This versatile tool is ideal for various Wi-Fi auditing tasks, making it an invaluable resource for both professionals and enthusiasts.

• Effortlessly locates open Wi-Fi access points, aiding in the discovery of available networks.
• Provides detailed signal strength measurements, allowing users to assess signal quality and coverage.
• Logs data with GPS records, making it convenient for analyzing and mapping the location of Wi-Fi networks.
• Offers a freemium model, with basic functionality available for free, while advanced features require a paid membership.

Also Read: 20 Best WiFi Hacking Tools for PC

9. NetStumbler

NetStumbler, also known as Network Stumbler, is a widely recognized and free wireless LAN detection tool specifically designed for Windows operating systems. It is good at detecting WiFi, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a network types. NetStumbler is one of the top war-driving tools and is used in mapping wireless networks in the local area as well as in various network assessment activities.

• Detects and identifies 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless networks.
• Utilized in wardriving, which involves mapping open wireless access points while on the move.
• Provides information on network configurations, signal strength, network congestion, and potential rogue access points.
• Effective in pinpointing areas of poor network coverage, aiding in network optimization.
• Helps uncover unauthorized access points based on signal strength variations.
• Runs on Windows operating systems from Windows 2000 to Windows XP.

10. Wifiphisher

WiFiphisher is an advanced tool that enables man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack, utilizing Wi-Fi associations for intercepting, monitoring and possibly modifying wireless traffic. The attack works by attempting to convince wireless users to connect into an unauthorized access point which eventually allows attackers to compromise data security.

• Conducts man-in-the-middle attacks by luring wireless users to connect to a rogue access point.
• Enables attackers to intercept, monitor, and potentially modify wireless traffic.
• Supports web phishing attacks to collect user credentials for third-party websites or Wi-Fi network access.
• Modular design allows advanced users to develop custom code, extending its functionalities.
• Disrupts existing connections to target access points using de-authenticate or Disassociate packets.
• Sniffs and replicates the settings of the target access point.

11. Airgeddon

Airgeddon is a comprehensive tool designed for wireless network security analysis, streamlining the complexity of Wi-Fi security audits by integrating multiple existing tools into a single, user-friendly command-line interface.

• Interface mode switcher for Monitor and Managed modes, maintaining selections even when the interface name changes.
• Multiple Denial of Service (DoS) methods for disrupting wireless networks (mdk3, mdk4, airplay-ng), including DoS Pursuit mode to counter AP channel hopping during Evil Twin attacks.
• Full support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands.
• Assisted WPA/WPA2 handshake file and PMKID capturing for personal networks.
• Offline password decryption for WPA/WPA2 captured files, utilizing dictionary, brute-force, and rule-based attacks with tools like aircrack, crunch, and hashcat. Enterprise network password decryption based on John the ripper, crunch, asleap, and hashcat tools.

Also Read: 15 Best WiFi Hacking Apps For Android (2023)

12. CommView for WiFi

CommView for WiFi is a robust and user-friendly wireless network monitoring and packet analysis tool compatible with a wide range of Wi-Fi networks. Here are key features of CommView for WiFi:

• Comprehensive support for 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax networks.
• Captures and analyzes every packet in the air, providing essential information such as access points, stations, signal strength, protocol distribution, and network connections.
• Enables user-defined decryption of captured packets using WEP or WPA/WPA2-PSK keys.
• Ideal for Wi-Fi network administrators, security professionals, home users monitoring their Wi-Fi traffic, and software programmers working on wireless network applications.
• Offers in-depth analysis, recording, and playback of SIP and H.323 voice communications with a dedicated VoIP module.

13. OmniPeek

OmniPeek stands as a robust and comprehensive packet sniffer and network analysis tool, primarily designed for Windows OS. It is a commercial tool, recognized for its extensive feature set, which makes it invaluable for various networking tasks. Here are its key features:

• Commercial network analysis tool for Windows, known for its comprehensive capabilities.
• An all-in-one Wi-Fi network management solution that covers packet capture, protocol decoding, network diagnostics, and troubleshooting.
• Allows for playback and analysis of voice and video traffic, aiding in diagnostic processes.
• Provides intuitive visualizations of packet data, aiding in the quick resolution of network and application performance issues.
• Supports real-time visibility and expert analysis of various network aspects, including Ethernet, Gigabit, 10 Gigabit, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless, VoIP, and video.

14. Kali Linux NetHunter

Kali Linux NetHunter is an exceptional mobile penetration testing platform that extends the power of Kali Linux to Android devices. It is fully open-source and designed to run on various Android smartphones, including popular brands like OnePlus, Samsung, and Google Nexus. Here are the key features of Kali NetHunter:

• Compatible with a wide range of Android devices, offering flexibility and accessibility.
• Developed and maintained by a community of volunteers, with project funding from Offensive Security.
• Available in multiple editions, including NetHunter Rootless for un-rooted devices, NetHunter Lite for rooted devices with custom recovery, and NetHunter for rooted devices with NetHunter-specific kernels.
• Core features include a Kali Linux container with a comprehensive set of security tools and applications, a dedicated Kali NetHunter App Store, an Android client for easy access to the App Store, and the Kali NetHunter Desktop Experience (KeX) for running full Kali Linux desktop sessions and supporting screen mirroring via HDMI or wireless casting.

Also Read: 16 Best Game Hacking Apps for Android

15. Maltego

Maltego is a powerful hacking tool for data mining and link analysis, making it one of the best WiFi hacking tools for PCs. It offers a range of versions to cater to different needs, from the free Community Edition to the more powerful paid options. Here are some key features and pricing details:

• Available in free and paid versions.
• Node-based graphical representation of data.
• Supports Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems.
• Real-time data mining and information gathering capabilities.
• Utilizes node-based graphical patterns for data representation.
• Maltego XL excels in handling large graphs and highlights network vulnerabilities.
• Online training courses with a three-month access period and a certificate upon completion.

16. Cain & Abel

Cain & Abel is a renowned WiFi hacking tool, named after the biblical children of Adam and Eve. While it’s popular for its WiFi password recovery capabilities, it uses a variety of techniques to investigate and analyze data packets individually, decrypt scrambled passwords, and recover wireless network keys. This tool supports various versions of Microsoft OS and employs methods like brute force, dictionary attacks, and cryptanalysis attacks. Additionally, it offers features like Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) support for detection on switched LANs and MITM (Man-in-the-Middle) attacks, making it a versatile choice for network security enthusiasts.

• Network packet sniffing for capturing and analyzing data traffic.
• Password cracking through methods such as dictionary attacks and cryptanalysis.
• Keylogger functionality for recording keystrokes.
• Port scanner to identify open ports on a network.
• ARP poisoning and DNS spoofing for network security assessments.
• MAC address spoofing to manipulate network access.

17. Cloud Cracker

Cloud Cracker is a valuable online password cracking service tailored for penetration testers and network auditors, serving their needs for evaluating the security of protected wireless networks, breaking password hashes, and decrypting document encryption. This tool simplifies and accelerates the process of assessing network and document security, making it a valuable resource for security professionals.

• Specialized in checking the security of WPA-protected wireless networks, ideal for testing network vulnerabilities.
• Capable of cracking password hashes, providing essential support for security assessments.
• Offers document encryption decryption, making it a versatile tool for security audits.
• Streamlines the process of assessing network and document security, saving time and effort for security professionals.

Also Read: 7 Best Websites To Learn Ethical Hacking

One thing you must know is that operating some of these best Wi-Fi hacking tools might be a little tricky. Also, you are advised to use caution and only indulge in legal activities. If you have any queries or suggestions, do let us know in the comments section below.