How to Build your own Beacon Spammer Device with Arduino
In this Arduino Hacking Tools guide, we are going to learn about beacon frames and fake access points. Then we will use Spacehuhn’s beacon spammer project to create fake access points.
What is a Beacon Spammer?
A “beacon spammer” is a device or software tool that is used to flood a Wi-Fi network with a large number of fake or malicious beacon frames. Beacon frames are a fundamental part of Wi-Fi network operation, as they are periodically broadcast by Wi-Fi access points to announce their presence and provide information about the network. These frames help devices discover and connect to available networks.
A beacon spammer generates and sends a high volume of malicious beacon frames, often with misleading or deceptive information, to disrupt the normal operation of Wi-Fi networks. The goals of beacon spamming can vary and may include:
Network Jamming: By overwhelming a network with excessive beacon frames, a beacon spammer can cause interference and make it difficult for legitimate devices to connect to the network.
Deceptive Networks: A beacon spammer can create fake access points (also known as “evil twin” networks) that mimic legitimate networks. This can be used to trick users into connecting to malicious networks, potentially leading to data theft or other security risks.
Network Enumeration: Beacon spamming can be used as a reconnaissance technique to gather information about Wi-Fi networks, such as the SSIDs (network names) of nearby networks, which may be useful for further attacks.
Disruption and Distraction: In some cases, beacon spamming may be used to create chaos or confusion, diverting attention and resources away from legitimate network operations.
It’s important to note that beacon spamming is generally considered a malicious activity and can be illegal in many jurisdictions. The use of such tools and techniques should only be employed by ethical hackers, security professionals, or network administrators for legitimate security testing, network analysis, or troubleshooting purposes, and always with proper authorization.
Defending against beacon spamming often involves implementing security measures such as intrusion detection systems, proper access point configuration, and monitoring for unusual or excessive beacon frames.
About Spacehuhn
“Spacehuhn” is a pseudonym used by a hacker and maker who has been known for various projects related to Wi-Fi security and electronics. Spacehuhn has gained recognition in the tech and hacker community for contributing to the development of open-source hardware and software tools. One of Spacehuhn’s notable contributions is in the field of Wi-Fi security and the creation of tools for testing and securing wireless networks.
Spacehuhn has also worked on projects related to electronics, programming, and cybersecurity. The online presence of Spacehuhn, including forums, blogs, and social media, has been a valuable resource for individuals interested in these areas.
It’s important to emphasize that while Spacehuhn has contributed to the open-source community with tools and resources related to Wi-Fi security, responsible and ethical usage of such tools is essential. Using them for unauthorized, malicious, or harmful activities is illegal and unethical. Always ensure that you have the necessary permissions and adhere to legal and ethical standards when using these tools for security testing or educational purposes.
Building the Beacon Spammer
No need for a circuit on this one, there are no other components necessary. Just upload the code to the D1-Mini.
Components Needed:
The Code:
You can download Spacehuhn’s beacon spammer Arduino code here: Beacon Spammer
In the image below you can see the Arduino IDE board settings I used to successfully upload the code to the D1-Mini.
Conclusion
Spacehuhn’s Beacon Spammer project offers a captivating glimpse into the realm of wireless network experimentation. It empowers users to explore the boundaries of Wi-Fi technology and learn about beacon frames in a hands-on way.
However, with great power comes great responsibility. It’s essential to emphasize that while this tool can be a valuable educational resource and a tool for network research, using it irresponsibly or maliciously can have severe consequences. Always ensure you have proper authorization and adhere to legal and ethical standards when utilizing the Beacon Spammer. Remember, the goal is to expand our knowledge and understanding of Wi-Fi networks, not to disrupt or harm them.
Happy Hacking Folk’s!
Arduino Recommendations:
The Elegoo Super Starter Kit
If you don’t already own any Arduino hardware, we highly recommend this kit as it has everything you need to start programming with Arduino. You can find out more about this kit, including a list of its components here: Elegoo Super Starter Kit
You can find this kit on Amazon here: Elegoo Super Starter Kit
The 0.96-inch Mini-OLED Display
We highly recommend this mini-OLED bundle of five 0.96-inch OLED displays. We have bought these before and they all worked perfectly. You can read more about the mini-OLED here: Mini-OLED
You can find this bundle on Amazon here: OLED Displays
Elegoo Nano (Arduino Compatible)
We have bought these Nano boards many times and can highly recommend them. There are three Nano boards in this pack making them a total bargain for everyone.
You can find this pack on Amazon here: Arduino Nano
ESP8266 D1-Mini
D1-Mini is an Arduino compatible Wi-Fi board based on an ESP-8266-12F. This WLAN board has 9 digital I/O pins.
You can find this board on Amazon here: D1-Mini
