Pronunciation: [wˈɔːwɔːkɪŋ] (IPA) 
Warwalking is a term used to describe the act of locating and mapping wireless access points while walking, similar to war driving in a car. The word is spelled as "wɔr-wɔk-ɪŋ", with the first syllable sounding like "war", the second syllable sounding like "walk", and the final syllable having a short "i" sound followed by a nasal "ng". The spelling of warwalking reflects the blending of the words "war driving" and "walking".
Warwalking is a digital security term that refers to the act of walking or moving around an area with the intent of identifying and mapping wireless network signals. It involves individuals or groups equipped with mobile devices, such as laptops or smartphones, who seek out and record the presence of wireless networks within a given range.
The process of warwalking typically includes the use of specialized software and hardware to detect and collect information about nearby wireless networks. Warwalkers usually focus on identifying network names (SSID), signal strength, encryption type, and other relevant details. This information is gathered with the intention of understanding the security vulnerabilities of wireless networks and potentially exploiting them.
Warwalking is often considered a subcategory of wardriving, with the difference being that warwalking is conducted by individuals who are physically walking or moving through an area, as opposed to war-driving where individuals navigate through vehicles. The term "war" in both cases is metaphorical, symbolizing the proactive and investigative nature of seeking out and understanding vulnerabilities in wireless networks.
Warwalking can be seen as a dual-purpose activity, serving both security professionals and potential attackers. Security experts and administrators may engage in warwalking to identify potential weaknesses, ensure proper network security measures, and establish safeguards against unauthorized access. Conversely, malicious individuals may engage in similar activities to pinpoint vulnerable networks for potential exploitation, unauthorized access, or various cybercrimes.
In summary, warwalking involves actively exploring an area to map wireless network signals, collecting valuable information about networks present, and assessing potential security vulnerabilities for both legitimate and illicit purposes.
The word "warwalking" is a combination of the words "war" and "walking". The term "war" in this context refers to wireless access reconnaissance, which is the process of scanning and identifying vulnerabilities in wireless networks. It originated from the concept of "wardriving", which was coined in the late 1990s.
"Walking" signifies the physical act of moving around a specific area while conducting these wireless network scans. Thus, "warwalking" specifically refers to the activity of scanning and exploring wireless networks while walking or moving about.
