Then, Rezence will show you everything about this topic. Let’s get started!
Problem With Built-In Wireless Cards
Two main issues are associated with WiFi adapters that come built-in.
They cannot be used in Virtual machines – Kali within a VM will not recognize the WiFi adapter built into your laptop but will view it as an ethernet connector. You can still have internet access but cannot packet inject or put the WiFi card into monitor mode.
Hacking is not possible with most cards. Wireless hacking requires adapters that meet two requirements. These are ‘packet infected’ and monitor mode support. Unfortunately, many of the adapters don’t support either of these features.
Best WiFi Adapters For Hacking (With Monitor Mode)
Before getting into the various WiFi adapter models and brands, it is important to understand the Wireless Chipset. This chipset, which is similar to a CPU in a computer’s processor, is the “Brains” of the adapter.
It’s responsible for processing and calculating all data that flows through it. It determines the capabilities of the adapter. It determines whether it supports packet injection and monitor mode.
Kali Linux supports the following chipsets:
- Realtek RTL8812AU
- Realtek 8187L
- Ralink RT5370N
- Ralink RT3572
- Ralink RT5572
- Ralink RT3070
- Ralink RT307
- Atheros AR9271
- MT7610U
- MT7612U
All this information is gibberish at the moment. However, it will be a lot more understandable when we look at the various WiFi adapters and the chipsets they use.
ALFA Networks is the dominant company in the adapter market. The company has been a leader in supplying reliable and efficient WIFI adapters over the last few years. TP-Link, Panda, and others are also available.
Software Requirements
We will use the following configuration during the series.
- VMWare Workstation: In this series, We will be using VMWare Workstation 9.0 to run Kali Linux and wireless link devices. The official VMWare website allows you to download the most recent version.
- Kali Linux ISO: Download Kali Linux ISO directly from the official website. Open-source OS comes with various pre-installed penetration test software.
- Windows 8/10 as a host computer: Windows 8 will be used as a victim to connect to the main Access Point. The host computer’s network card (Windows 8) will be reserved for the host, while the Alfa card (in VMWare) will be reserved for Kali Linux (in VMWare) and only for Attack.
How To Install Wireless Adapter In Kali Linux Virtualbox
To connect a wireless adapter to your Kali Linux VM, when using VirtualBox, you can go to the Oracle VM VirtualBox menu > Devices > USB > [select_your_adapter].
Although it may not show the WiFi Adapter’s name, it might list something related to its chipset. Here is a TPLINK TL-WN722N 2.4GHz v2/v3. As you can see, the Realtek 802.11n NC is displayed.
Automatically Connect The Wifi Adapter To A Virtualbox VM
VirtualBox can automatically connect a adapter with your Kali Linux VM. You don’t need to connect it manually every time.
Follow these steps to do so:
- If Kali is already running, shut down the Kali virtual computer
- Connect your Wireless USB adapter with your computer
- Right-click your Kali VM to open the Settings option. The Settings window will open, displaying all configuration options.
- Click on the USB option to check the Enable USB Controller check box.
- This window will need to be equipped with a USB filter that will allow us to attach our wireless adapter to Kali VirtualBox VM.
- Select your Wireless adapter by clicking on the USB icon with a (+) sign.
Attention: The adapter might be listed with the chipset name instead of the Brand. My adapter is, for example, TP-LINK T-WN722N 2.4GHz V1, but it was listed under Atheros AR9271.
If you’re not sure of the adapter’s name, simply remove it, and the name will disappear from VirtualBox USB.
Your wireless adapter will appear under the “USB Device Filters” section.
You can close the window by right-clicking on your USB filter. The window will display all details regarding your wireless adapter. Next, click on Remote and select Yes.
Connect A Wireless Adapter With Kali Linux Vmware Player
You can connect a wireless adapter with your Kali Linux virtual machine using VMware Player. To do this, go to the VMware Player Menu > Player > Removable devices > [your_adapter] >Connect (Disconnect host).
Although it may not show the WiFi Adapter’s name, it might list something related to its chipset. Here is a TPLINK TL-WN722N 2.4GHz v2/v3. As you can see, the Realtek 802.11n NC is displayed.
The message should inform you that your device has been safely stopped and is now disconnected from the host computer. This will allow it to be connected to Kali Linux via the VMware player.
FAQs
How Do I Fix No Wi-Fi Adapter?
These are some of the solutions you can try
- Device Manager will show hidden devices.
- Run the network troubleshooter.
- Install the latest driver for your wireless adapter.
- Reset the Winsock settings.
- Replace your network interface controller card.
What Is A Wi-Fi Adapter?
Wi-Fi adapters allow for connectivity to the local area networks (LANs) at home and in offices. They are typically used to add WiFi to desktop computers. However, they can also retrofit older laptops that did not come with Wi-Fi.
How Can I Activate My Wireless Adapter
- Click Start > Control Panel > Security > Device Manager.
- Click the plus sign (+) next to Network Adapters.
- Right-click on the wireless adapters, and if you don’t want them to work, click Enable.
Conclusion
You should have a working wireless adapter installed on your Kali Linux VirtualBox. When choosing an adapter for wireless hacking, ensure that the chipset you select is one of the ones listed above. We hope you found this article helpful. If you think we missed any steps, or if you want to add anything, please leave a comment below.