A help desk asks what a probe request is doing when a laptop is not yet connected to city Wi-Fi. What is correct?
Select an answer to reveal the explanation.
Short Explanation
The laptop is shouting “anyone named CityGuest?” into the hallway before it has a room key. That’s probing—and attackers listen for those preferred names too.
Full Explanation
Stations use probe requests (directed or broadcast) to discover BSS availability before or during connection attempts. Directed probes can reveal preferred SSIDs stored on the client. Assessors use that behavior for discovery awareness; defenders should understand the privacy and impersonation implications without needing exploit steps.