Evaluating Wi-Fi Security Through Wardriving: A Test-Case Analysis

This paper presents the findings of a field study conducted in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, utilizing the Wardriving technique to assess Wi-Fi network security. The study encompasses approximately 10,000 Wi-Fi networks situated in residential and administrative neighborhoods in Rabat. Through our comprehensive analysis, we observed that a substantial 89.42% of the networks use WPA2, suggesting that Wi-Fi security in Morocco compares favorably to that of developed countries. We also found that most networks don’t use default configurations, this indicates a proactive approach by network administrators to implement robust security measures. Moreover, our investigation revealed a balanced distribution of channels 1, 6, and 11, illustrating that network operators are mindful of potential interferences, particularly on channel 6, and have taken measures to mitigate such interferences effectively. Based on our results, we draw a positive conclusion that the Wi-Fi situation in the examined neighborhoods of Rabat is highly encouraging. The study highlights the efforts made by network administrators to secure their Wi-Fi infrastructures and optimize network performance, contributing to a safer and more reliable wireless environment for users. This research serves as a valuable reference for understanding the state of Wi-Fi security in Rabat and provides insights into the overall Wi-Fi landscape in the city. The data-driven conclusions can aid policymakers, businesses, and individuals in further enhancing Wi-Fi security practices to ensure the continued growth and stability of wireless connectivity in the region.