OffSec PEN-210 Wireless Attacks Course | Complete Guide to Mastering Wi-Fi Hacking

Table of Contents

• Why Wireless Attacks Matter in Cybersecurity
• What Is OffSec PEN-210?
• Who Should Take the PEN-210 Course?
• Why Learn Wireless Attacks?
• Course Structure and Learning Modules
• Tools and Techniques You’ll Learn
• What Makes PEN-210 Unique?
• Course Delivery: How It Works
• What Is OSWP and How Do You Get It?
• Skills You Will Gain
• Career Opportunities After PEN-210
• Why Choose PEN-210 Over Other Wireless Courses?
• Tips to Succeed in PEN-210
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Wireless Attacks Matter in Cybersecurity

Wireless networks are a primary target in modern cyberattacks, often serving as the weakest link in an organization’s security posture. As businesses increasingly adopt wireless solutions for mobility and convenience, attackers see new opportunities to exploit misconfigurations, weak protocols, and unsecured devices. The OffSec PEN-210 course—formerly known as “WiFu”—addresses these challenges head-on by empowering cybersecurity professionals with the knowledge and tools to master wireless attacks in real-world environments.

Whether you're a red teamer, penetration tester, ethical hacker, or simply a security enthusiast, PEN-210 offers specialized skills to help you exploit and secure wireless networks effectively.

What Is OffSec PEN-210?

PEN-210: Wireless Attacks is a self-paced, hands-on course by Offensive Security, designed to teach the fundamentals of wireless security testing. It focuses on practical, real-world attack vectors such as cracking WEP, WPA/WPA2, bypassing access controls, man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, and exploiting wireless clients.

This course is also the official training material for the OSWP certification (Offensive Security Wireless Professional).

Who Should Take the PEN-210 Course?

PEN-210 is ideal for:

• Penetration testers

• Red team professionals

• Network security engineers

• Ethical hackers

• Students of cybersecurity

• Professionals pursuing the OSWP certification

Prerequisites:

• Basic understanding of networking protocols (TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS)

• Familiarity with Linux command line

• Knowledge of Wi-Fi standards is helpful but not mandatory

• A compatible wireless network adapter that supports packet injection and monitoring mode

Why Learn Wireless Attacks?

Wireless networks introduce unique security risks, including:

• Rogue AP attacks

• Evil twin networks

• WPA2 handshake cracking

• MAC spoofing and deauthentication

• Client-side attacks

Mastering these attack types is crucial for penetration testers and red teamers to identify and close potential wireless vulnerabilities in corporate environments.

Course Structure and Learning Modules

The PEN-210 course is structured into well-organized, step-by-step learning modules:

1. Wireless Fundamentals

• Radio frequency basics

• IEEE 802.11 architecture

• Frame types and management

• Wireless encryption standards (WEP, WPA, WPA2)

2. Wireless Attacks on Access Points

• Cracking WEP keys using statistical attacks

• Bypassing MAC address filtering

• WPA/WPA2 PSK cracking using dictionary attacks

• Capturing handshakes using tools like aircrack-ng and hcxdumptool

3. Attacking Wireless Clients

• Deauthentication attacks

• Rogue AP setup

• Evil twin attacks and credential harvesting

• KARMA and beacon flooding attacks

4. Advanced Wireless Attacks

• WPA Enterprise attacks

• Captive portal exploitation

• PEAP and EAP-TTLS credential theft

• Radius server spoofing

5. Wireless Pentesting Methodology

• Scoping and planning a wireless assessment

• Reconnaissance and target selection

• Exploitation and post-exploitation

• Reporting and remediation

Tools and Techniques You’ll Learn

Students get hands-on experience with industry-standard tools:

• Aircrack-ng suite

• Wireshark

• Kismet

• Reaver

• Bettercap

• Hostapd-wpe

• hcxtools

• Wifite

• Eaphammer

These tools are covered in both offensive and defensive contexts, helping learners understand how attackers think and how to prevent such threats.

What Makes PEN-210 Unique?

• Live Virtual Labs: Simulate real-world Wi-Fi attacks in a safe, controlled environment.

• Updated Content: Covers modern encryption (WPA2/WPA3) and client-side vulnerabilities.

• Hands-On Exercises: Each lesson includes labs to practice attack techniques.

• Preparation for OSWP: The course is a direct pathway to becoming an Offensive Security Wireless Professional.

Course Delivery: How It Works

What Is OSWP and How Do You Get It?

After completing PEN-210, you are eligible to attempt the OffSec Wireless Professional (OSWP) certification. The exam includes:

• A practical hands-on assessment

• Requires successful exploitation of wireless networks

• Report submission within 24 hours

• No proctoring required

The OSWP is recognized globally as a top-tier wireless security credential.

Skills You Will Gain

• Conduct passive and active wireless reconnaissance

• Crack WEP and WPA/WPA2 passwords

• Launch MITM and deauthentication attacks

• Capture WPA handshakes and perform dictionary attacks

• Create rogue APs for phishing and credential theft

• Attack enterprise Wi-Fi with fake RADIUS servers

• Secure wireless infrastructure from common attack vectors

Career Opportunities After PEN-210

With the PEN-210 and OSWP certification, you can pursue roles such as:

• Wireless Security Consultant

• Network Security Analyst

• Red Team Operator

• Offensive Security Specialist

• Cybersecurity Auditor

These roles are in demand in industries like telecom, defense, healthcare, finance, and IT services.

Why Choose PEN-210 Over Other Wireless Courses?

• Industry Recognition: OffSec credentials like OSCP and OSWP are trusted globally.

• Real-World Focus: Practical, hands-on skills instead of just theory.

• Updated Content: Covers current technologies and threats in Wi-Fi security.

• Strong Community: Get help and insights from OffSec’s learner forums and trainers.

Tips to Succeed in PEN-210

1. Buy a compatible wireless adapter (like Alfa AWUS036NHA or TP-Link TL-WN722N v1).

2. Practice daily in labs to build muscle memory.

3. Master tools like aircrack-ng and Wireshark—they’ll be your best allies.

4. Watch all the videos to reinforce your reading and practice.

5. Document your findings—OSWP exam requires reporting skills.

Conclusion: Should You Take PEN-210?

If you're looking to dive deep into the world of wireless penetration testing and develop a specialized skillset that very few cybersecurity professionals have, OffSec’s PEN-210 is the ideal starting point. The course is comprehensive, hands-on, and strategically aligned with today’s enterprise security needs.

With growing threats in Wi-Fi security and increased usage of wireless devices across homes and businesses, mastering wireless attacks gives you a critical edge in cybersecurity.

FAQs

What is OffSec PEN-210?

OffSec PEN-210 is a self-paced online course from Offensive Security that teaches practical wireless security testing and prepares learners for the OSWP certification.

Who should take the PEN-210 course?

Penetration testers, ethical hackers, network engineers, and cybersecurity students who want to specialize in wireless attacks should take this course.

Is PEN-210 suitable for beginners?

While not beginner-level, PEN-210 is ideal for those with basic networking and Linux knowledge looking to advance into wireless security.

What topics are covered in PEN-210?

Topics include WEP/WPA/WPA2 cracking, rogue APs, evil twin attacks, MITM, client-side exploitation, and WPA Enterprise attacks.

Does PEN-210 include practical labs?

Yes, PEN-210 includes access to pre-configured wireless labs that simulate real-world attack environments.

How long does it take to complete PEN-210?

It typically takes 20–30 hours to complete the course, depending on your pace and prior experience.

What tools will I learn in PEN-210?

You’ll use tools like aircrack-ng, Wireshark, Bettercap, Reaver, Eaphammer, Wifite, and hcxtools.

What certification is associated with PEN-210?

The course prepares you for the OSWP (Offensive Security Wireless Professional) certification.

How do I get OSWP certified?

After completing PEN-210, you can take a practical exam that involves attacking wireless networks and submitting a report within 24 hours.

What kind of wireless adapter do I need for PEN-210?

A compatible adapter like Alfa AWUS036NHA or TP-Link TL-WN722N v1 is required to perform wireless attacks.

Is the OSWP exam proctored?

No, the OSWP exam is not proctored. It is a take-home, practical exam with a 24-hour time limit.

Can I extend my lab access for PEN-210?

Yes, you can purchase additional lab time if needed beyond the initial access period.

Does PEN-210 cover WPA3 attacks?

The course primarily focuses on WEP and WPA/WPA2, but some content related to newer protocols may be included in updates.

Is Wireshark used in PEN-210 labs?

Yes, Wireshark is one of the core tools used to analyze and inspect wireless traffic in PEN-210 labs.

What is the difference between PEN-210 and OSCP?

PEN-210 focuses on wireless security, while OSCP (OffSec’s flagship certification) is a broader penetration testing course covering networks, web, and system exploitation.

Can I take PEN-210 before OSCP?

Yes, PEN-210 can be taken independently and is often a great precursor or complement to OSCP.

Is there a course manual for PEN-210?

Yes, students receive a detailed course manual, video lectures, and lab access upon enrollment.

How do I access the PEN-210 labs?

Labs are accessible through OffSec’s learning platform after course enrollment.

Is OffSec PEN-210 worth it?

Yes, especially if you're pursuing a career in wireless pentesting or red teaming. It provides rare, specialized skills in a growing niche.

How much does PEN-210 cost?

Pricing varies based on lab time and certification bundle. Visit the official OffSec website for current pricing.

Are there any community resources for PEN-210?

Yes, OffSec has an active community forum where learners can share knowledge, tips, and troubleshooting help.

Does the course include real-world scenarios?

Yes, the labs simulate realistic wireless environments to give hands-on experience in exploiting and securing wireless systems.

What operating system should I use for PEN-210?

Kali Linux is the recommended OS for PEN-210 due to its compatibility with wireless tools.

How technical is the PEN-210 content?

The course is moderately technical, requiring some command-line skills and networking fundamentals.

Does PEN-210 teach defense as well as offense?

While focused on offensive tactics, it also helps students understand how to detect and defend against wireless attacks.

Can I retake the OSWP exam if I fail?

Yes, you can purchase a retake if you don’t pass on your first attempt.

Is the PEN-210 course updated regularly?

OffSec maintains and updates its course materials periodically to reflect new tools and attack methods.

Will I get a certificate of completion for PEN-210?

Yes, upon successful completion and exam passing, you’ll receive the OSWP certification from Offensive Security.

Does PEN-210 teach Wi-Fi phishing attacks?

Yes, the course includes evil twin and rogue AP attacks for credential harvesting and phishing simulations.

What careers can benefit from OSWP?

Roles in wireless security, network assessment, red teaming, and ethical hacking all benefit from this credential.