Intercepting Wireless Network Traffic

Wireless LANs running either 802.11b or Bluetooth have the advantage
of being able to work from virtually anywhere; however, both these technologies
depend on open communication from point to point.
Ad hoc networks represent two different computers connecting by one
wireless link; however, it is more common to use “access points,” routers
that have the capability to route LAN traffic on both wired and wireless
networks. Access points can serve hundreds of different computers. The
greatest vulnerability of these types of devices is that mobile devices
enter a type of “promiscuous mode” where they will search their local
area for any access point that can host a connection into the local area
network. When the mobile device finds an access point, it immediately
locks onto that device and forms a transparent and seamless connection
into the LAN. Unless these access point devices are configured with
some level of security, virtually anyone can connect!