How do I edit the SSID list in ESP8266 beacon spam?

Open the esp8266_beaconSpam.ino file in Arduino IDE, find the SSID array in the code, and modify the network names directly. The default list has 50 SSIDs, but you can add or remove entries up to a thousand by editing the array.

ESP8266 beacon spam or deauther: which is easier for beginners?

Beacon Spam is easier for beginners because it focuses solely on beacon broadcasting with a simpler codebase, while the Deauther includes complex features like deauthentication attacks and a web interface that can be overwhelming. Start with Beacon Spam for foundational learning.

Is using beacon spam illegal?

The project is designed for educational and fun purposes within the 802.11 standard, but broadcasting fake SSIDs can be seen as disruptive or illegal in some jurisdictions. Always use it responsibly in controlled settings to avoid misunderstandings.

Can I use an ESP32 instead of ESP8266 for beacon spamming?

Yes, there's an ESP32 version called esp32_beaconSpam by @Tnze, linked in the README. It adapts the sketch for ESP32 boards, offering similar functionality with different hardware compatibility.

How many SSIDs can I broadcast at once?

The sketch can broadcast up to a thousand SSIDs stored in PROGMEM. You need to edit the code to add more beyond the default 50, but broadcasting many SSIDs may impact performance or range on the ESP8266.

How to troubleshoot upload issues with ESP8266 beacon spam?

Ensure the correct board and COM port are selected in Arduino IDE, and install necessary drivers from the Deauther Wiki. The README points to troubleshooting resources for ESP8266 hardware, which share similar setup steps across projects.

Open-Awesome

ESP8266 Beacon Spam

MITC++v2.0

An Arduino sketch for ESP8266 that advertises hundreds of custom WiFi SSIDs via beacon frames as a fun hacking project.

GitHub

1.3k stars230 forks0 contributors

What is ESP8266 Beacon Spam?

ESP8266 Beacon Spam is an Arduino sketch that programs an ESP8266 microcontroller to broadcast hundreds of custom WiFi network names (SSIDs) via beacon frames. It simulates the presence of numerous WiFi access points without actually creating functional networks, serving as an educational tool for learning about WiFi packet injection and hardware hacking.

Target Audience

Beginners and hobbyists interested in electronics, Arduino programming, and WiFi security research who want a simple, hands-on project to understand wireless networking concepts.

Value Proposition

It offers a straightforward, hackable codebase that demystifies WiFi packet injection, making it accessible for learning and experimentation without the complexity of larger projects like the ESP8266 Deauther.

Overview

Creates up to a thousand WiFi access points with custom SSIDs.

Use Cases

Best For

Learning WiFi packet injection basics
Educational demonstrations of beacon frames
Hardware hacking projects with ESP8266
Creating fun party tricks with custom SSIDs
Understanding wireless network advertising
Beginner Arduino projects involving WiFi

Not Ideal For

Professional penetration testers requiring comprehensive WiFi attack suites with deauthentication or packet capture
IoT projects that need to establish real WiFi networks for device connectivity and data transmission
Environments with strict legal or regulatory constraints on wireless signal broadcasting, such as corporate offices or public spaces
Users seeking a graphical user interface for configuration without editing Arduino code

Pros & Cons

Pros

Beginner-Friendly Codebase

The sketch is simple and hackable with an easy-to-edit SSID list in the source code, encouraging hands-on learning and customization without complex dependencies.

No External Storage

SSIDs are stored in PROGMEM, eliminating the need for an SD card and reducing hardware costs and setup complexity.

Educational WiFi Injection

Demonstrates packet injection using the `wifi_send_pkt_freedom` function, providing a practical introduction to beacon frames and wireless networking concepts.

ESP8266 Compatibility

Works with ESP8266 boards and the Arduino IDE using ESP8266 Arduino Core v2.0.0+, leveraging widely available and affordable hardware.

Cons

Limited Functionality

Only broadcasts beacon frames and lacks features like deauthentication attacks or network scanning, making it less versatile than tools such as the ESP8266 Deauther.

Potential Legal Risks

While intended for education, beacon spamming can be misinterpreted as illegal jamming, requiring cautious use to avoid legal issues in regulated environments.

Outdated Maintenance

Last updated in 2018, which may lead to compatibility issues with newer Arduino cores or ESP8266 SDKs, potentially requiring manual fixes for current setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

ESP8266 Deauther

Affordable WiFi hacking platform for testing and learning

Stars14,740

Forks2,760

Last commit1 year ago

ESP32Marauder

A suite of WiFi/Bluetooth offensive and defensive tools for the ESP32

Wireless keystroke injection attack platform

Stars2,879

Forks444

Last commit2 years ago

Community-curated · Updated weekly · 100% open source

Found a gem we're missing?

Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.

Submit a project Star on GitHub