WPA2 encryption, current threats

This BA thesis deals with the problem of the security of wireless networks by means of WPA2 encryption. It aims to ascertain the reliability of the WPA2 security against selected attacks as opposed to the WEP security. Its sub-goals are: to identify weaknesses in WPA2 encryption in the face of the realized attacks, to assess a security weakness of WEP and to compare the difficulties of the individual types by use of standard IT. The theoretical part of the thesis demonstrates the most important standards defining Wi-Fi network. It is further concerned with architecture – the basic principles of wireless network functioning. The main part of the thesis is focused on the possibilities and ways of securing WLAN networks, including the principle of derivation and distribution of encryption keys. The theoretical part is concluded with a description of potential threats to and attacks on Wi-Fi network whose primary aim is not to crack a particular network password. The practical part is devoted to the simulation of selected attacks on the WPA2 and WEP protocols. The attacks are executed via the tools of the operation system Kali linux. The data gathered from the realized attacks constitute all the accomplished goals of the thesis, both the main and partial ones.