Since there are hundreds of possible configurations that can be used for WarDriving, some of the most popular are presented to help readers decide what to buy for their own WarDriving setup. Many of the tools that a WarDriver uses are the same tools that could be used by an attacker to gain unauthorized access to a wireless network. Since this is not the goal of a WarDriver, the methodology that users can use to ethically WarDrive is presented. In addition, complete coverage of WarDriving applications, such as NetStumbler, MiniStumbler; and Kismet, are covered.

"WarDriving is the act of [physically] moving around a specific area and mapping the population of wireless access points for statistical purposes" that can be used to identify security problems in wireless and other networks. Information security engineer Hurley introduces the practice of WarDriving, describing the necessary practices, software, and hardware needed. He also describes his experiences in organizing WarDriving contests and considers how to apply WarDriving lessons to improving wireless network security. Distributed by O'Reilly.
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The practice of WarDriving is a unique combination of hobby, sociological research, and security assessment. The act of driving or walking through urban areas with a wireless-equipped laptop to map both protected and un-protected wireless networks has sparked intense debate amongst lawmakers, security professionals, and the telecommunications industry. This first ever book on WarDriving is written from the inside perspective of those who have created the tools that make WarDriving possible and those who gather, analyze, and maintain data on all secured and open wireless access points in very major, metropolitan area worldwide. These insiders also provide the information to secure your wireless network before it is exploited by criminal hackers.

* Provides the essential information needed to protect and secure wireless networks

* Written from the inside perspective of those who have created the tools for WarDriving and those who gather, maintain and analyse data on wireless networks

* This is the first book to deal with the hot topic of WarDriving

The term WarDriving originates from WarDialing, a term introduced to the public by Matthew Broderick's character, David Lightman, in the 1983 movie "WarGames." WarDialing is the practice of using a modem attached to a computer to dial an entire exchange of telephone numbers to locate any computers with modems attached to them. WarDriving employs the same concept, although it is updated to a more current technology; wireless networks. A WarDriver drives around a geographical location to determine all of the wireless access points in that area. Once these access points are discovered, a WarDriver uses a software program or Web site to map the results of his efforts. Based on these results, a statistical analysis is performed. This statistical analysis can be of one drive, one area, or a general overview of all wireless networks. WarDriving became more well known when the process was automated by Peter Shipley, a computer security consultant in Berkeley, California. During the fall of 2000, Shipley conducted an 18-month survey of wireless networks in Berkeley, California and reported his results at the annual DefCon hacker conference in July of 2001. This presentation, designed to raise awareness of the insecurity of wireless networks that were deployed at that time, laid the groundwork for the true WarDriver.

Chris Hurley (aka Roamer) is a Principal Information Security Engineer working in the Washington, DC area. He is the founder of the WorldWide WarDrive, an effort by information security professionals and bobbyists to generate awareness of the insecurities associated with wireless networks. Primarily focusing his efforts on vulnerability assessments, he also performs penetration testing, forensics, and incident response operations on both wired and wireless networks. He has spoken at several security conferences, been published in numerous online and print publications, and been the subject of several interviews and stories regarding the WorldWide WarDrive.