TWIN TRAP: A LIGHTWEIGHT SECURITY MECHANISM FOR DETECTING ROGUE ACCESS POINTS IN PUBLIC WI-FI NETWORKS

Abstract

Public Wi-Fi networks are widely used in places such as cafés, airports, universities, and shopping malls due to their convenience. However, these networks also introduce serious security risks, particularly Evil Twin attacks, where attackers create fake access points that mimic legitimate networks. Since these malicious networks use the same SSID as genuine ones, users may unknowingly connect to them, allowing attackers to intercept data, monitor activities, and steal sensitive information such as login credentials.
The TwinTrap project demonstrates how Evil Twin attacks can be created and focuses on detecting such threats using a lightweight security mechanism. In this project, a rogue access point is configured to replicate a legitimate network, showing how easily users can be misled. The system scans nearby networks and analyzes parameters such as SSID, BSSID, channel, and signal strength to identify duplicate network names with different identities. When such networks are detected, the system alerts users about potential rogue access points.
Additionally, the project emphasizes preventive measures such as verifying network details before connecting, disabling auto-connect features, and using secure communication methods. The system is implemented in a controlled cybersecurity environment to ensure safe and ethical testing. This project helps users and learners understand wireless security threats and highlights the importance of detection systems like TwinTrap in protecting users in public Wi-Fi environments