# Pwnagotchi

> open source project

**Wikidata**: [Q115063020](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115063020)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pwnagotchi

## Summary
Pwnagotchi is an open-source project that combines artificial intelligence with Wi-Fi security auditing, designed to capture and analyze Wi-Fi handshake data using techniques like deep reinforcement learning. Launched in 2019, it runs on handheld devices and promotes ethical hacking practices by automating the collection of wireless network information. The project emphasizes transparency and community involvement through its freely accessible code and collaborative development.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: First published on September 19, 2019.
- **License**: Uses the MIT License (Q27016754), as specified in its GitHub repository.
- **Core Technologies**: Utilizes Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), IEEE 802.11w-2009, and deep reinforcement learning for handshake capture and analysis.
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi.
- **Versions**: Initial release 1.0.0 (October 19, 2019), with iterative updates up to 1.4.2 (December 19, 2019).
- **Social Media**: Twitter account (@pwnagotchi) with 11,306 followers as of December 6, 2022.
- **Community Platforms**: Official website (https://pwnagotchi.ai/) and subreddit (r/pwnagotchi).

## FAQs
### Q: What is Pwnagotchi used for?
A: Pwnagotchi is used to audit Wi-Fi network security by capturing and analyzing wireless handshake data, leveraging AI to optimize the process. It is designed for ethical hacking and security research.

### Q: Is Pwnagotchi legal to use?
A: Legality depends on context. The tool itself is legal for authorized auditing but may violate laws if used without permission. The project emphasizes ethical use and compliance with regulations.

### Q: How does Pwnagotchi work?
A: It uses deep reinforcement learning to autonomously collect Wi-Fi handshakes, interacting with networks using protocols like IEEE 802.11w-2009. The AI evolves strategies to improve data capture efficiency.

## Why It Matters
Pwnagotchi represents a novel intersection of AI and cybersecurity, democratizing access to advanced wireless auditing tools through its open-source model. By automating the collection of Wi-Fi handshake data, it streamlines security research and vulnerability testing, enabling professionals to identify and address network weaknesses more effectively. Its emphasis on ethical hacking fosters responsible disclosure practices, contributing to broader digital security awareness. The project’s community-driven development and transparency also set a precedent for collaborative innovation in the field, making sophisticated security tools accessible to researchers and educators worldwide.

## Notable For
- **AI-Driven Security Auditing**: First to integrate deep reinforcement learning for autonomous Wi-Fi handshake capture.
- **Open-Source Accessibility**: Freely available code promotes customization, auditing, and educational use.
- **Ethical Hacking Focus**: Explicitly designed for authorized testing, encouraging responsible vulnerability disclosure.
- **Community Engagement**: Active support through platforms like GitHub, Twitter, and Reddit fosters collaboration among security professionals.

## Body
### Overview
Pwnagotchi is an open-source software project launched on September 19, 2019, combining AI-driven techniques with Wi-Fi security auditing. It enables users to capture and analyze wireless network handshakes, supporting protocols such as WPA and IEEE 802.11w-2009. The tool is designed for handheld devices, blending functionality with a retro gaming aesthetic inspired by Tamagotchi.

### Technology & Features
- **Core Functionality**: Uses deep reinforcement learning to optimize Wi-Fi handshake capture, evolving strategies based on interactions with target networks.
- **Protocol Support**: Implements IEEE 802.11w-2009 for secure frame transmission and WPA for authentication.
- **Hardware Compatibility**: Operates on Raspberry Pi and similar single-board computers, leveraging Wi-Fi adapters for packet monitoring.

### Version History
- **1.0.0 (October 19, 2019)**: Initial public release with core AI and handshake capture capabilities.
- **1.4.2 (December 19, 2019)**: Final 2019 update, refining performance and stability based on community feedback.

### Community & Availability
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub (https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi) under the MIT License.
- **Social Media**: Maintains an active Twitter presence (@pwnagotchi) and subreddit (r/pwnagotchi) for user support and updates.
- **Documentation**: Guides and tutorials available via the official website (https://pwnagotchi.ai/).

### Legal & Ethics
The project stresses ethical use, requiring users to obtain proper authorization before auditing networks. It aligns with responsible disclosure principles, urging contributors to adhere to legal frameworks like GDPR and HIPAA when handling sensitive data.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/blob/master/LICENSE.md)
2. [Release 1.0.0. 2019](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/releases/tag/v1.0.0)
3. [Release 1.0.1. 2019](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/releases/tag/v1.0.1)
4. [Release 1.1.0. 2019](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/releases/tag/v1.1.0)
5. [Release 1.1.1. 2019](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/releases/tag/v1.1.1)
6. [Release 1.2.0. 2019](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/releases/tag/v1.2.0)
7. [Release 1.2.1. 2019](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/releases/tag/v1.2.1)
8. [Release 1.3.0. 2019](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/releases/tag/v1.3.0)
9. [Release 1.4.0. 2019](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/releases/tag/v1.4.0)
10. [Release 1.4.1. 2019](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/releases/tag/v1.4.1)
11. [Release 1.4.2. 2019](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/releases/tag/v1.4.2)
12. [Release 1.4.3. 2019](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/releases/tag/v1.4.3)
13. [Release 1.5.0. 2020](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/releases/tag/v1.5.0)
14. [Release 1.5.1. 2020](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/releases/tag/v1.5.1)
15. [Release 1.5.2. 2020](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/releases/tag/v1.5.2)
16. [Release 1.5.3. 2020](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/releases/tag/v1.5.3)
17. [Release 1.5.5. 2021](https://github.com/evilsocket/pwnagotchi/releases/tag/v1.5.5)
18. [Source](https://www.vice.com/en/article/xwekw4/pwnagotchi-is-the-open-source-handheld-that-eats-wi-fi-handshakes)