This week on software spotlight I cover 3 tools: iStumbler, MacStumbler, and KisMAC. All three programs are designed to aid in wardriving, the mapping of wireless networks. If you are a person on the go, always carrying your ibook or powerbook around, these programs can help you find and map areas of free net access around town. So read on to get the full review.
1. iStumbler
A simple, easy to use program, iStumbler is the most basic of the three programs. When you launch it, you are greeted with a simple window showing the available wireless networks in your area, their signal strength, and whether or not they are secured with a WEP password. Finally, iStumbler allows you to see and monitor bonjour ad-hoc networks as well.
2. MacStumbler
MacStumbler is another simple and basic program. However, it has a number of advantages over iStumbler. First, it can interface with GPS devices to help map and log wireless hot spots. Unfortunately, it does not include Bojour support.
3. KisMAC
KisMac is the most capable program available. While it does not handle bonjour networks, its wireless capabilities far exceed those of both MacStumbler and iStumbler. Beyond the basic scanning, signal strength testing, and so on, KisMAC can use GPS systems much like MacStumbler. Furthermore, it is capable of loading maps internally, where you can plot hotspots visually.
Beyond this, KisMAC has one capability that puts it far and above the other programs: the ability to crack WEP keys. If you have a Airport card (not airport extreme, sadly), you can recover network packets and then crack the key using a variety of built-in methods. Those using ibooks and powerbooks don’t need to despair though: KisMAC can use USB prism2 based cards, which are the best for this purpose anyway. Using these methods, it is possible to gain access to networks for which you do not know the password. I don’t advise this though, breaking into networks without authorization is illegal. Still, if you forget your WEP password for your router (as I have done), then this ability is VERY handy.
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