WiFi Pineapple Hacking Tool: Frequently Asked Questions About Deauth Attacks
WiFi Pineapple attacks have sparked a lot of interest—and concern—especially when it comes to deauthentication (deauth) attacks.
These attacks can be used for penetration testing or leveraged by malicious actors to disconnect users from trusted networks, trick them into connecting to rogue access points, and intercept their traffic.
Since publishing my WiFi Pineapple guide, many have asked how these attacks work, how to defend against them, and what ethical considerations apply. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
If you have questions bout how to use — or defend against — WiFi Pineapple attacks, comment below and I will answer them.
This FAQ covers common questions related to how these attacks work, how devices react, and what factors determine their effectiveness.
Future sections will cover other features of the WiFi Pineapple and how they are used in security assessments.
1. What happens to the original access point after a deauth attack?
A deauthentication (deauth) attack does not disable the original access point. It only forces connected devices to disconnect. The network itself remains active, and devices can attempt to reconnect unless they are continuously deauthenticated.
2. If an attacker clones an AP and deauths users, wouldn't there still be two APs with the same name?
Yes. When an attacker sets up a rogue access point (AP) with the same SSID (network name) as the real one, both networks will be visible. Devices will decide which one to connect to based on factors like signal strength and security settings.
3. How can an attacker ensure victims connect to the rogue access point?
Several factors influence this:
Stronger Signal: Devices often choose the access point with the strongest signal.
Continuous Deauthing: If the real AP is repeatedly deauthing devices, they may connect to the rogue AP instead.
MAC Spoofing: If the rogue AP mimics the real AP's MAC address, some devices may connect without detecting a difference.
4. Is there a way to completely shut down the original AP after deauthing?
No. A deauth attack only disconnects clients but does not disable the original AP. The only ways to prevent reconnections are through persistent deauthing, jamming (which is illegal in many places), or physically disabling the network.
5. What about devices that automatically reconnect? Will they prefer the real AP?
It depends on several factors:
Signal Strength: Devices typically connect to the strongest available signal.
SSID and MAC Matching: If both APs share the same SSID but different MAC addresses, some devices may still prefer the real one.
Security Settings: If the rogue AP has different encryption settings, devices may not connect without user intervention.
6. Does a deauthentication attack temporarily take down the original network?
No, it only disconnects clients. The real AP remains online, and devices can attempt to reconnect unless they are continuously deauthenticated.
If deauth attacks persist, the real AP may appear unstable, increasing the likelihood that devices connect to the rogue AP.
7. Can the Pineapple network remain hidden while running?
Yes. The rogue AP can be active but not visible in normal Wi-Fi scans by selecting the Hidden option in the PineAP tab. This allows it to respond to probe requests from devices searching for known networks without broadcasting its presence.
Have a question about the WiFi Pineapple?
👉 Comment below to let me know!