Kismet - Detailed Review
Networking Tools
Kismet - Product Overview
Overview of Kismet
Kismet, in the context of networking tools, is an open-source wireless network detector, sniffer, and intrusion detection system. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
Kismet is primarily used for network discovery, security auditing, and intrusion detection. It operates by putting wireless cards in ‘monitor mode,’ allowing it to capture all wireless traffic, regardless of the network. This enables Kismet to analyze the traffic, identify networks and devices, and log data for further examination.
Target Audience
The target audience for Kismet includes network administrators, cybersecurity professionals, and anyone interested in wireless network security and auditing. It is particularly useful for those who need to monitor and analyze wireless network activity to ensure security and compliance.
Key Features
- Network Detection: Kismet can detect both visible and hidden networks, including those not broadcasting their SSID.
- Device Discovery: It identifies and tracks the presence of wireless devices.
- Packet Sniffing: Kismet captures packets in real-time, allowing for in-depth analysis of network traffic.
- Intrusion Detection: It alerts users to unusual network activity, which could indicate security threats.
- Extensibility: Kismet supports plugins and modules, enabling expanded functionality.
- Detailed Logging: It logs all detected networks and packets, which is essential for deeper analysis and intrusion detection.
- Graphical User Interface: Provides real-time information about surrounding networks and devices, including details such as SSID, MAC address, channel, encryption type, and signal strength.
This tool is highly valuable for anyone needing to monitor, analyze, and secure wireless networks.
Kismet - User Interface and Experience
Kismet Overview
Kismet, a versatile wireless network detector, sniffer, and intrusion detection system, offers a user interface that is both functional and relatively straightforward to use.
Interface Overview
Kismet primarily operates through a console-based interface using ncurses, which provides a text-based GUI that is easy to interact with.
- When launched, Kismet presents a menu-driven interface where users can submit requests or examine the progress of various operations.
- The interface is divided into several sections, allowing users to view summaries of detected devices, network details, and other relevant information.
Ease of Use
Setting up and using Kismet involves a few key steps, but the process is generally straightforward:
- Users need to put their wireless network card into monitor mode, which can be done using commands like
sudo airmon-ng start YourCardNameor the steps outlined in the Kismet setup guide. - Once the card is in monitor mode, Kismet can be started with the command
kismet -c YourCardNameMon, whereYourCardNameMonis the name of the card in monitor mode.
User Experience
The user experience with Kismet is centered around its ability to provide real-time data on wireless networks and devices:
- Kismet displays a list of all detected Wi-Fi devices and networks, which can be arranged by name, signal strength, and other properties. This makes it easy to identify the strongest and closest networks.
- Users can select a network to view detailed information, including associated clients, packet capture data, and other network metrics.
- The interface includes features like channel hopping, which allows Kismet to scan multiple channels to detect as many networks as possible. Users can also lock onto a specific channel for persistent monitoring of a particular network.
Additional Features
Kismet offers several advanced features that enhance the user experience:
- It can log traffic in formats compatible with tools like Wireshark and tcpdump, and it can plot detected networks on maps if a GPS receiver is available.
- The software includes basic wireless IDS functionality, identifying active wireless sniffer applications and various wireless network threats.
- For users who prefer a graphical interface, there is Kismon, a GUI client for Kismet that provides features like live maps of networks, signal graphs, and file import/export capabilities.
Overall, Kismet’s user interface is designed to be intuitive and functional, making it accessible to users who need to monitor and analyze wireless networks, even if they are not highly technical. However, some familiarity with command-line interfaces and wireless networking concepts can be beneficial for fully leveraging its capabilities.
Kismet - Key Features and Functionality
Kismet Wireless Network Detector
This version of Kismet is an open-source wireless network detector, sniffer, and intrusion detection system.
Key Features
- Network Detection: Kismet can identify both visible and hidden wireless networks, even those not broadcasting their SSID.
- Device Discovery: It tracks the presence of wireless devices and logs their activity.
- Packet Sniffing: Kismet captures packets in real-time, allowing for detailed analysis of network traffic. This is done by putting wireless cards in ‘monitor mode’ to capture all wireless traffic.
- Intrusion Detection: It alerts users to unusual network activity, which could indicate security threats such as deauthentication or disassociation attacks.
- Extensibility: Kismet supports plugins and modules, enabling expanded functionality and customization.
How It Works
Kismet operates by capturing wireless traffic and analyzing it to identify networks, devices, and potential security threats. It can integrate with mapping applications, such as GPSMap, to overlay captured data onto geographical maps, aiding in network mapping and wardriving.
Kismet AI Sales Engine for Hotels
This version of Kismet is an AI sales engine integrated with hotel property management systems (PMS).
Key Features
- AI-Driven Sales Automation: Kismet automates group booking management, streamlining the sales process from inquiry to contract. It assists hotel teams with sales tasks they often lack time for.
- Group Management: It streamlines group management with features like bulk room-list imports and custom packages, helping hotels drive demand and enhance the guest experience.
- Analytical Insights: Kismet provides stronger pricing guidance and up-to-date hotel metrics, integrating with existing workflows to help hotels focus on creating memorable guest experiences.
- Integration with PMS: Kismet integrates with Stayntouch PMS, allowing hotels to leverage comprehensive automation to manage group bookings and direct sales more efficiently.
How It Works
Kismet’s AI engine manages the administrative and analytical work associated with hotel sales, enabling small hotel teams to manage sales tasks more effectively. It automates tasks such as managing group bookings, providing pricing guidance, and offering hotel metrics, all within the existing workflows of the hotel’s PMS.
In summary, the two versions of Kismet serve entirely different purposes: one is a powerful tool for wireless network security and auditing, while the other is an AI-driven sales engine designed to enhance hotel sales and group management.
Kismet - Performance and Accuracy
Kismet Overview
Kismet, a widely used wireless network detector, sniffer, and intrusion detection system, offers several key features that contribute to its performance and accuracy in the networking tools category.
Performance
Packet Capture and Analysis
Packet Capture and Analysis: Kismet captures packets at the 802.11 layer, allowing it to analyze wireless traffic in real-time. This capability is crucial for identifying networks, devices, and potential security threats.
Channel Hopping
Channel Hopping: Kismet can hop between multiple channels to cover the entire wireless spectrum, although it can only monitor one channel at a time. This channel hopping can be configured to focus on specific channels or to hop at a specified velocity, which helps in efficiently scanning the wireless environment.
Resource Efficiency
Resource Efficiency: The tool has been optimized to use significantly less CPU resources, especially when handling a high number of networks. This makes it more efficient for continuous monitoring.
Accuracy
Network and Device Detection
Network and Device Detection: Kismet can detect both visible and hidden networks by passively collecting packets. It identifies networks even if they are not broadcasting their SSID, making it a powerful tool for wireless network discovery.
Intrusion Detection
Intrusion Detection: The tool includes intrusion detection capabilities, alerting users to unusual network activity that could indicate security threats. This feature enhances the accuracy of identifying potential security issues.
Packet Decoding
Packet Decoding: Kismet decodes packets only in the user component, which helps in limiting the attack surface and improving the accuracy of packet analysis.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Hardware Compatibility
Hardware Compatibility: Kismet requires wireless cards that support raw monitoring mode. Certain drivers, such as Broadcom’s WL drivers and some Atheros drivers, do not support this mode and cannot be used with Kismet. Users must use compatible drivers like b43 or b43xx for Broadcom cards.
Channel Monitoring
Channel Monitoring: While Kismet can hop between channels, it can only monitor one channel at a time. This can lead to incomplete analysis if the dwell time on each channel is too short, potentially missing critical data such as complete 4-way handshakes.
User Configuration
User Configuration: For optimal performance, users need to configure Kismet correctly, including setting the right channel lists, dwell times, and other parameters. This can be time-consuming and requires some technical knowledge.
Resource Constraints on Embedded Systems
Resource Constraints on Embedded Systems: On embedded systems with limited storage and RAM, Kismet may need to be run in root mode only, which can introduce security risks if not managed properly.
Additional Considerations
Plugins and Extensibility
Plugins and Extensibility: Kismet supports plugins and modules, allowing for expanded functionality. This extensibility can enhance its performance and accuracy by integrating additional tools and protocols.
User Interface and Reporting
User Interface and Reporting: The tool features a user-friendly interface and built-in reporting capabilities, which help in summarizing network data and triggering alerts based on specific conditions. These features are particularly useful for penetration testers and security analysts.
Conclusion
In summary, Kismet is a powerful tool with strong performance and accuracy in detecting and analyzing wireless networks. However, its effectiveness is dependent on the compatibility of the wireless hardware and proper configuration by the user. Addressing the limitations related to hardware compatibility and channel monitoring could further enhance its capabilities.
Kismet - Pricing and Plans
Kismet Overview
Based on the information available, Kismet, the wireless network detector, sniffer, and intrusion detection system, does not have a pricing structure in the traditional sense of tiers or plans.
Free and Open-Source
Kismet is distributed under the GNU General Public License, which means it is free software. Users can download and use Kismet without any cost.
Features
- Passive detection of wireless access points and clients
- Sniffing of 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n traffic
- Logging of sniffed packets in various formats
- Detection of wireless network attacks and default or unconfigured networks
- Channel hopping to cover the entire spectrum
- Support for GPS to log geographical coordinates
- Plugin architecture for additional protocols
No Subscription or Licensing Fees
There are no subscription fees, licensing costs, or different tiers of service for using Kismet. It is a freely available tool that can be used by anyone who meets the system requirements.
Conclusion
In summary, Kismet is a free, open-source tool with no associated pricing structure or different plans. It is available for download and use at no cost.
Kismet - Integration and Compatibility
Kismet Overview
Kismet is a versatile wireless network detector, sniffer, and intrusion detection system that integrates seamlessly with various tools and exhibits broad compatibility across different platforms and devices.
Platform Compatibility
Kismet is highly compatible with multiple operating systems, including Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and macOS. While it can also run on Microsoft Windows, the support for Windows is limited, primarily through external drones or specific wireless hardware.
Hardware Compatibility
Kismet works with a wide range of wireless cards that support raw monitoring mode, allowing it to sniff 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n traffic. It is not limited to Wi-Fi interfaces; it also supports Bluetooth interfaces and various software-defined radio (SDR) hardware such as the RTLSDR. Additional specialized capture hardware like the Hak5 WiFi Coconut, NXP KW41Z, and Ubertooth One are also supported.
Multi-Client and Server Architecture
Kismet features a flexible architecture that includes a server, drone, and client components. The server interprets packet data and organizes wireless information, while drones can collect packets and pass them to the server. The client communicates with the server to display the collected information. This setup allows Kismet to run as a standalone application or as a multi-client tool, where multiple installations feed data back to a central server for analysis.
Plugin Architecture
Kismet supports a plugin architecture, enabling the decoding of additional non-802.11 protocols such as DECT and Bluetooth. This extensibility makes Kismet highly adaptable to various wireless protocols and use cases.
Integration with Other Tools
Kismet can integrate with other networking and security tools to enhance its capabilities. For example, it can log packets in formats compatible with tools like tcpdump and Wireshark, allowing for further analysis using these tools. Additionally, Kismet’s ability to detect and log geographical coordinates when paired with a GPS receiver makes it useful in conjunction with mapping and location-based security tools.
Real-Time Visualization and Web Interface
Kismet includes a web-based graphical interface that provides real-time visualization of detected networks and devices. This interface enhances the tool’s usability and makes it easier to monitor and analyze wireless traffic in real-time.
Conclusion
In summary, Kismet’s broad compatibility with various platforms, hardware, and its flexible architecture make it a highly versatile tool for wireless network detection, sniffing, and intrusion detection. Its ability to integrate with other tools and its extensible plugin architecture further enhance its utility in a wide range of networking and security applications.
Kismet - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options for Kismet Users
For users of Kismet, a wireless network detector, sniffer, and intrusion detection system, several customer support options and additional resources are available to ensure effective usage and troubleshooting.
Documentation and Manuals
Kismet provides comprehensive documentation on its official website. This includes a detailed manual that covers various aspects such as installation, configuration, and usage. The manual is divided into sections like quick start guides, security considerations, capture sources, plugins, GPS integration, logging, filtering, alerts, and server configuration options.
Quick Start Guides
For those who are impatient or new to Kismet, there is a quick start section that outlines the bare minimum steps needed to get Kismet working. This includes downloading Kismet, running the configuration script, starting the Kismet server, and adding a capture interface.
FAQs and Troubleshooting
The Kismet documentation also includes a frequently asked questions (FAQs) section and a troubleshooting guide. These resources help users address common issues and resolve problems they might encounter while using the software.
Community and Forums
Although the official website does not explicitly mention community forums or support groups, users often find help through online forums and communities dedicated to wireless networking and security tools. These platforms can be valuable for sharing experiences and getting help from other users.
Configuration and Customization
Kismet allows extensive customization through its configuration files, such as kismet.conf and kismet_ui.conf. These files enable users to set various options, including logging, filtering, and alert settings. Detailed explanations of these configurations are provided in the documentation.
Plugins and Extensions
Kismet has a plugin architecture that allows for the decoding of additional non-802.11 protocols. This feature is well-documented, and users can find information on how to use and configure these plugins within the manual.
GPS Integration
For users who need to log and map detected access points, Kismet supports integration with GPS receivers. The documentation explains how to set this up using GPSD and how to configure audible alerts and text-to-speech notifications.
Video Tutorials and External Resources
In addition to the official documentation, there are video tutorials and articles available on other websites that provide step-by-step guides on using Kismet. These resources can be particularly helpful for visual learners and those looking for practical examples.
By leveraging these resources, users can effectively use Kismet for detecting wireless networks, troubleshooting, optimizing signal strength, and detecting network intrusions.
Kismet - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Kismet
Kismet is a highly versatile and powerful tool in the networking tools category, particularly for wireless network detection, packet sniffing, and intrusion detection. Here are some of its key advantages:Passive Operation
Kismet operates passively, meaning it does not send any loggable packets, allowing it to detect wireless access points and clients without alerting them to its presence.Wide Compatibility
It works with any wireless card that supports raw monitoring mode and can sniff 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n traffic. Kismet is available for Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, macOS, and has limited support for Microsoft Windows.Comprehensive Detection
Kismet can detect the presence of both wireless access points and clients, associate them with each other, and identify default or “not configured” networks, probe requests, and the level of wireless encryption used.Channel Hopping
It supports channel hopping, which helps in capturing more packets by switching between channels non-sequentially, taking advantage of overlapping channels.GPS Integration
Kismet can log the geographical coordinates of detected networks if a GPS receiver is connected, which is useful for mapping access points.Packet Logging
It can log all sniffed packets in a format compatible with tools like tcpdump, Wireshark, or Airsnort, and capture “Per-Packet Information” headers.Intrusion Detection
Kismet includes basic wireless IDS features, such as detecting active wireless sniffing programs and various wireless network attacks.Audible Alerts
It can play audible alerts or use text-to-speech to notify users of new network detections, traffic, or other events, which is particularly useful in mobile scenarios.Disadvantages of Kismet
While Kismet is a powerful tool, it also has some limitations and challenges:Limited Windows Support
Although Kismet can run on Microsoft Windows, it has very limited support for wireless hardware on this platform, making it less versatile compared to its performance on other operating systems.Technical Requirements
To use Kismet effectively, users need a wireless card that supports raw monitoring mode, and some technical knowledge is required to configure and interpret the data it provides.No Active Network Connection
Since Kismet operates in RF monitor mode, the wireless card cannot maintain a functional network connection while it is running, which can be inconvenient for some users.Variability in Hardware Compatibility
The performance of Kismet can vary significantly depending on the wireless hardware used, as some drivers may not be well-documented or may have inconsistencies in how they handle packet capture. Overall, Kismet is a valuable tool for those who need to monitor and analyze wireless networks, but it requires some technical expertise and has limitations, especially on Windows platforms. Kismet - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Kismet with Other Networking Tools
Kismet’s Unique Features
- Kismet is a powerful wireless sniffing tool, particularly popular among ethical hackers and penetration testers. It is known for its ability to capture and analyze 802.11a/b/g/n traffic without associating with an access point, using its “RFMON” or radio frequency monitoring mode.
- It can identify wireless networks, including those that do not broadcast their SSID, and provide detailed information on WAPs, SSIDs, and the type of encryption used on a network.
- Kismet offers built-in reporting and network summarizing features, as well as the ability to trigger alerts based on specific conditions, which is useful for both defensive and offensive actions.
AI-Driven Networking Tools
Juniper Networks AI-Native Networking Platform
- Unlike Kismet, Juniper’s platform is AI-native and unifies campus, branch, and data center networking operations through a common AI engine. It ensures reliable, measurable, and secure connections for all devices and applications. This platform reduces networking trouble tickets by up to 90% and operational expenses by up to 85%.
- Juniper’s Mist AI platform focuses on Wi-Fi assurance, AI-driven insights, and automated operations, which are more oriented towards network management and optimization rather than packet sniffing and wireless network discovery.
Cisco DNA Center
- Cisco DNA Center uses AI to automate network operations, including automated troubleshooting, policy management, and real-time analytics. This tool is more focused on overall network management and security rather than specific wireless network analysis.
- It provides a broader scope of network insights and automation compared to Kismet, which is more specialized in wireless sniffing and discovery.
Arista Networks CloudVision
- Arista’s CloudVision integrates AI for network monitoring, predictive analytics, and automation. It offers a comprehensive view of network operations but is more geared towards general network management rather than the specific wireless analysis capabilities of Kismet.
Non-AI Driven Alternatives
Wireshark
- Wireshark is a popular packet-sniffing tool that can capture and analyze network traffic, but it typically requires association with an access point to capture packets, unlike Kismet’s ability to monitor without association.
- Wireshark is versatile and can analyze various types of network traffic, but it lacks the specific wireless network discovery features that make Kismet unique.
SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer
- This tool focuses on network traffic analysis and monitoring but does not have the same level of wireless network discovery and sniffing capabilities as Kismet. It is more suited for analyzing traffic patterns and network performance.
Conclusion
Kismet stands out for its specialized capabilities in wireless network sniffing and discovery, making it a valuable tool for ethical hackers and penetration testers. However, for broader network management and AI-driven insights, tools like Juniper’s AI-Native Networking Platform, Cisco DNA Center, and Arista Networks CloudVision offer more comprehensive solutions. If you are looking for alternatives that focus on general network traffic analysis, Wireshark and SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer might be more suitable, though they lack Kismet’s unique wireless sniffing features.
Kismet - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Kismet
What is Kismet and what does it do?
Kismet is a network detector, packet sniffer, and intrusion detection system specifically for 802.11 wireless LANs. It identifies networks by passively collecting packets and can detect both wireless access points and clients without sending any loggable packets.Which operating systems does Kismet support?
Kismet runs on Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and macOS. It also has limited support for Microsoft Windows, primarily through external drones or specific wireless hardware.What kind of wireless traffic can Kismet sniff?
Kismet can sniff 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n traffic. It works with any wireless card that supports raw monitoring (rfmon) mode.How does Kismet detect hidden networks?
Kismet can detect hidden (non-beaconing) networks by passively collecting packets and inferring the presence of these networks through data traffic. Over time, it can decloak these hidden networks if they are in use.What is channel hopping in Kismet, and why is it used?
Channel hopping is a feature in Kismet where the tool constantly changes between different wireless channels to capture as many packets as possible. This is done in a user-defined sequence to ensure that more packets are captured, even though adjacent channels may overlap.Can Kismet log geographical coordinates of networks?
Yes, Kismet can log the geographical coordinates of networks if it receives input from a GPS receiver. This is particularly useful for wardriving and site surveys.What kind of attacks can Kismet detect?
Kismet includes basic wireless IDS features that allow it to detect various wireless network attacks, such as deauthentication and disassociation attacks, as well as active wireless sniffing programs like NetStumbler.How does Kismet handle packet logging?
Kismet can log all sniffed packets and save them in a format compatible with tools like Wireshark or tcpdump. It also captures “Per-Packet Information” headers.What is the purpose of the channel speed setting in Kismet?
The channel speed setting determines how quickly Kismet hops between different channels. For example, setting it to 5 channels per second means Kismet listens on a single channel for 1/5 of a second before moving to the next one. This setting affects the completeness of the analysis, as spending less time on each channel may result in missing certain types of data, like complete 4-way handshakes.Can Kismet be used for site surveys and wardriving?
Yes, Kismet is useful for site surveys and wardriving. It can log and map the location of wireless networks, detect WEP and other encryption types, and provide detailed information about the networks it detects.How do I get started with Kismet?
To get started with Kismet, you need to download it from the official website, run the `./configure` command, and follow the output instructions. It is recommended to read the full manual for detailed setup and usage instructions. Kismet - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Kismet in the Networking Tools Category
Kismet, available at (https://www.kismetwireless.net), is a versatile and powerful tool for detecting, sniffing, and securing wireless networks. Here’s a comprehensive overview of its benefits and who would most benefit from using it.Key Features and Capabilities
Network Detection and Sniffing
Network Detection and Sniffing: Kismet can detect the presence of wireless networks, including those with hidden SSIDs, without sending any packets. It operates in a passive mode, making it less detectable and more effective for surveillance.
Intrusion Detection
Intrusion Detection: Kismet includes basic wireless IDS features, such as detecting active wireless sniffing programs and various wireless network attacks like denial of service and rogue access points.
Compatibility and Flexibility
Compatibility and Flexibility: It works with any wireless card that supports raw monitoring mode and can sniff 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n traffic. Kismet is compatible with Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, macOS, and has limited support for Microsoft Windows.
Channel Hopping and GPS Integration
Channel Hopping and GPS Integration: Kismet supports channel hopping to capture more packets and can log geographical coordinates of networks if a GPS receiver is connected.
Logging and Alerts
Logging and Alerts: It can log all sniffed packets in compatible file formats and provide customizable alerts, including audible and text-to-speech notifications.
Who Would Benefit Most
Network Administrators
Network Administrators: Those responsible for managing and securing wireless networks will find Kismet invaluable for detecting hidden networks, rogue access points, and other security threats.
Security Professionals
Security Professionals: Individuals tasked with ensuring the security of wireless networks can use Kismet to monitor and analyze wireless traffic, identify potential vulnerabilities, and detect malicious activities.
Small and Medium Enterprises
Small and Medium Enterprises: These organizations often lack the resources for expensive IDS/IPS systems. Kismet offers a cost-effective solution for wireless network security, making it an excellent option for SMEs looking to enhance their security without significant investment.
Overall Recommendation
Kismet is a highly recommended tool for anyone needing to monitor, analyze, and secure wireless networks. Its passive detection capabilities, extensive feature set, and compatibility with various operating systems make it one of the most versatile and effective open-source wireless monitoring tools available.
For those looking to set up a comprehensive wireless IDS solution without the high costs associated with commercial systems, combining Kismet with OpenWRT, as outlined in some guides, can provide a highly effective and affordable solution.
In summary, Kismet is an essential tool for anyone serious about wireless network security and monitoring, offering a powerful set of features that can significantly enhance the security posture of any wireless network.