WASP is a WiFi-Cracking, Cellphone Snooping Drone

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Privacy and security are often concerns when using wireless networks. Security and military consultants have developed an unmanned aerial vehicle that can both crack wireless security keys and eavesdrop on conversations.

Over at the Black Hat and Defcon security conferences in Las Vegas, a team of network security contractors has demonstrated a system that can eavesdrop on cellphone conversations and hack WiFi passwords using a remote-controlled airplane. Dubbed “WASP” — or Wireless Aerial Surveillance Platform — the system uses a combination of an ultraportable computer running Linux, an HD camera, 11 antennas and software with a 340 million word dictionary for brute-force password cracking.

The system also spoofs a mobile cell site, and it can trick GSM handsets into thinking it’s a valid network. Calls are routed through VoIP and mobile. Once a mobile phone connects through the fake cellsite, conversations can be recorded on a 32GB flash storage. The radio-controlled plane requires human guidance during takeoff and landing, but a predefined flight plan can be programmed, so that the plane will circle the target area while in cruising speed.

But why build a WiFi-hacking and mobile eavesdropping device? The security contractors want to demonstrate that networks and communications equipment — even in government facilities — are vulnerable to hacking. Are there practical applications? This kind of technology could figure in security and intelligence operations both domestically and abroad.