Learn Ethical Hacking from Scratch

WEP theory

The first encryption that we will discuss is Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption, because it's the oldest one, and also the easiest one to break. WEP encryption uses an algorithm called RC4; each packet is encrypted at the Access Point (AP), and then sent out into the air. Once the client receives it, the client will be able to decrypt the packet and read the information inside of it, since the client has the key. In short, the AP encrypts the packet and sends it, and the client receives and decrypts it. In the same way, when the client itself sends the packet, the client encrypts it and then sends it out, and the AP receives and decrypts it with a key.

Each packet that is sent out has a unique key stream. WEP ensures that ...