How to Crack a Wi-Fi Network's WEP Password with BackTrack

Today we're going to run down, step-by-step, how to crack a Wi-Fi network with WEP security turned on. But first, a word: Knowledge is power, but power doesn't mean you should be a jerk, or do anything illegal. Knowing how to pick a lock doesn't make you a thief. Consider this post educational, or a proof-of-concept intellectual exercise.

What You'll Need

Our customized wireless unlocked kit — This is the biggest requirement. You'll need a customized wireless unlocked kit that's capable of packet injection, and chances are the one in your computer is not.

A Backtrack 4 Live CD. The Linux Live CD that lets you do all sorts of security testing and tasks. Load it from your CD drive, or load it up in VMware to get started. Backtrack can be installed to a regular boot CD, a USB drive, installed to the hard drive, or even downloaded as a VMware virtual machine.

A WEP-enabled Wi-Fi network. The signal should be strong and ideally people are using it, connecting and disconnecting their devices from it. The more use it gets while you collect the data you need to run your crack, the better your chances of success.

Got any experience with the WEP cracking courtesy of Backtrack? What do you have to say about it? Give it up in the comments.