Hacking WiFi Networks Legally: A Beginner’s Ethical Guide

Master Ethical WiFi Hacking: A Legal Beginner's Guide

If you've landed here, you're likely eager to understand how to hack WiFi networks legally and ethically—a crucial skill for any aspiring ethical hacker. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone with a bit of networking knowledge looking to dive into practical, legal hacking techniques, this guide is tailored just for you. You may be wondering how to test WiFi security without crossing legal lines or how to use your skills to help businesses protect their networks. The challenge? Learning effective WiFi hacking methods while respecting legal boundaries and ethical principles. This post walks you through foundational concepts, tools, and real-world approaches to legally assess and strengthen WiFi security. Unlike generic hacking tutorials that ignore the legal implications, we focus on responsible practices to empower you. By the end of this guide, you’ll confidently understand what it takes to ethically hack WiFi, why it matters, and how to get started securely. Ready to turn your curiosity into actionable skills that benefit you and others? Let’s unravel the world of legal WiFi hacking practicalities, foundational knowledge, and advanced tactics—all in one place.

Understanding Legal Boundaries: What Constitutes Legal WiFi Hacking and Why Ethics Matter

Before diving into any form of WiFi hacking, it’s essential to grasp the strict legal boundaries that govern this activity. Legal WiFi hacking refers explicitly to the practice of testing and analyzing wireless networks with explicit permission from the network owner or organization. This can include penetration testing, security audits, or vulnerability assessments conducted to improve network security. Attempting to access or manipulate WiFi networks without consent is illegal in most jurisdictions and can lead to severe penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or both.

Key Components of Legal WiFi Hacking

1. Explicit Authorization: Always obtain written permission from the network owner before performing any hacking activities. This not only protects you legally but also establishes trust and clarifies the scope of your testing.
2. Clear Scope of Work: Define and agree on the extent of your testing activities. This prevents accidental breaches beyond what is permitted and maintains professional integrity.
3. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA): Signing an NDA protects sensitive data and maintains confidentiality between you and the client or organization.
4. Reporting and Remediation: Legal hacking involves documenting your findings responsibly and providing actionable recommendations to improve security.

Why Ethics Matter in WiFi Hacking

Ethical principles underpin the whole concept of legal hacking. As an ethical hacker, your goal is to identify vulnerabilities before malicious attackers exploit them—not to cause harm or steal data. Operating under a strong ethical code promotes trust within the cybersecurity community and helps elevate your reputation as a responsible professional. Ethics also mandate respecting user privacy, avoiding unnecessary disruptions to services, and adhering to applicable laws and regulations.

Understanding these legal and ethical frameworks is not just about compliance; it’s what separates a malicious hacker from a skilled ethical hacker. As you continue to develop your WiFi hacking skills, always prioritize permission and ethics to build a solid foundation for a successful career in cybersecurity.

WiFi Fundamentals: How Wireless Networks Work and Common Vulnerabilities

To effectively and legally hack WiFi networks, it’s crucial to first understand the core structure and operation of wireless technology. WiFi networks rely on radio waves to transmit data between devices such as routers, access points, and clients (laptops, smartphones). These networks operate primarily within the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, using protocols defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard. Understanding these protocols provides insight into the communication process and potential weak points.

How Wireless Networks Communicate

1. Access Point (AP): This device acts as the central hub, broadcasting the network’s SSID (name) and managing connections.
2. Client Devices: These connect to the AP to gain internet access and send or receive data.
3. Data Encryption: To protect data privacy, networks use encryption methods such as WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3. Each generation improves security, but earlier versions like WEP are highly vulnerable.
4. Authentication: Before accessing a WiFi network, clients must authenticate through passwords or certificates, depending on the security setup.

Common Vulnerabilities in WiFi Networks

Several weaknesses make WiFi networks susceptible to unauthorized access or attacks, which ethical hackers must understand:

• Weak or Default Passwords: Many routers come with default credentials that users fail to change, making them an easy entry point.
• Outdated Encryption Protocols: Legacy encryption like WEP and WPA can be cracked efficiently using known exploits.
• Misconfigured Network Settings: Poorly set configurations, such as open guest networks or hidden SSIDs, can expose networks unnecessarily.
• Rogue Access Points: Attackers may set up malicious APs that mimic legitimate networks to intercept user traffic (evil twin attacks).
• Deauthentication Attacks: Tools exist to disconnect clients from a network forcibly, allowing interception of handshake data used to crack passwords.

By mastering these wireless fundamentals and common vulnerabilities, you position yourself to better assess and enhance WiFi security ethically. This knowledge is the foundation for using practical legal hacking tools and techniques that follow in this guide, ensuring your efforts strengthen defenses rather than exploit weaknesses unlawfully.

Getting Permission: How to Secure Authorization for Legal WiFi Penetration Testing

Before you start any WiFi penetration testing, the most crucial step is obtaining explicit, written permission from the network owner or authorized entity. Without this formal authorization, your activities—even if intended for security improvement—can be deemed illegal and result in severe legal consequences. Securing permission not only protects you from legal liabilities but also clearly defines your role, responsibilities, and the limits of your testing.

Steps to Secure Proper Authorization

1. Identify the Right Stakeholders: Reach out to the network owner, IT department, or organization responsible for the WiFi infrastructure. This ensures your request comes from and is approved by an authorized party.
2. Define the Scope of Work: Collaborate with the stakeholders to create a detailed document outlining exactly what will be tested (e.g., external wireless access points, guest networks), the tools and methods you’ll use, and testing timelines. A clear scope minimizes misunderstandings and scope creep.
3. Draft a Formal Authorization Letter or Contract: This legal document should explicitly grant you permission to conduct WiFi security testing. Include clauses covering confidentiality, liability, and data handling procedures.
4. Sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs): NDAs are critical to safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring your ethical responsibility to protect the network owner’s privacy and intellectual property.
5. Maintain Open Communication: Keep stakeholders informed before, during, and after testing. Transparency helps build trust and facilitates smoother collaboration.

Why Proper Authorization Is Non-Negotiable

Operating without permission—even with the best intentions—can expose you to criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and reputational damage. In contrast, a legally binding authorization elevates your work as a professional security tester and sets a solid foundation for ethical hacking engagements. Moreover, many companies and organizations require formal contracts before permitting penetration tests, highlighting how seriously they view cybersecurity and legal compliance.

By prioritizing getting permission first, you not only safeguard your legal standing but also reinforce the ethical principles that define responsible WiFi hacking. Always remember: legal WiFi penetration testing starts with clear, written consent—no exceptions.

Tools of the Trade: Essential Software and Hardware for Ethical WiFi Hacking

To effectively perform legal WiFi hacking, having the right software and hardware tools is indispensable. These tools enable you to analyze network traffic, identify vulnerabilities, and safely test the security of wireless networks within authorized boundaries. Whether you’re a beginner or progressing to more advanced levels, understanding the essential toolkit sets the foundation for successful and ethical penetration testing.

Must-Have Software for Ethical WiFi Hacking

1. Wireshark
   Renowned for network protocol analysis, Wireshark captures and inspects WiFi packets in real time. It helps ethical hackers understand data flows, identify suspicious activity, and troubleshoot encryption or authentication issues.

2. Aircrack-ng Suite
   This comprehensive suite includes tools for monitoring, attacking, testing, and cracking WiFi networks. Aircrack-ng excels at capturing and analyzing handshake data for vulnerability assessment of WEP, WPA, and WPA2 protocols legally with permission.

3. Kismet
   A passive network detector and sniffer, Kismet excels at discovering hidden WiFi networks, rogue access points, and clients without actively transmitting packets that might alert administrators.

4. Reaver
   Focused on exploiting weaknesses in WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), Reaver helps test if WPS is vulnerable to brute-force PIN attacks, a common misconfiguration in consumer-grade routers.

5. Bettercap
   A powerful framework for performing MiTM (Man-in-the-Middle) attacks on WiFi, Bettercap allows security testers to safely simulate attacks like deauthentication and packet injection to evaluate network resilience.

Essential Hardware to Boost Your WiFi Hacking Capabilities

While software tools are critical, having the proper hardware dramatically improves your effectiveness and flexibility:

• Penetration Testing WiFi Adapter
  Investing in a wireless adapter that supports monitor mode and packet injection (e.g., Alfa AWUS036NHA) is vital. These adapters allow you to capture packets and interact with networks beyond the limitations of standard WiFi cards.

• Directional Antennas
  Directional antennas extend your range and signal strength, enabling you to detect networks or clients farther away while minimizing noise from other wireless sources.

• Portable Computing Device
  A lightweight, portable device such as a Raspberry Pi or a laptop equipped with Linux (e.g., Kali Linux) offers a versatile platform to run all your WiFi hacking tools on the go.

Combining Software and Hardware for Ethical Success

Using the right hardware alongside trusted software empowers you to perform thorough and efficient penetration tests legally. For example, a compatible WiFi adapter running Kali Linux with Aircrack-ng installed is a standard, cost-effective setup for discovering vulnerabilities and testing encryption robustness on authorized networks. Remember, each tool should only be deployed within the scope of your written authorization and with a clear understanding of the ethical responsibilities involved.

By equipping yourself with these essential tools of the trade, you lay the groundwork to become a proficient and respected ethical hacker in the wireless security domain. Next, we’ll examine practical WiFi hacking techniques that leverage this toolkit—all while staying fully legal and ethical.

Practical Tutorial: Performing Legal WiFi Network Scanning and Reconnaissance

Once you have secured explicit authorization and gathered the necessary tools, the next critical step in legal WiFi hacking is conducting network scanning and reconnaissance. This phase involves passively and actively gathering information about the target wireless environment to identify available networks, connected clients, and potential vulnerabilities without disrupting normal operations. Effective reconnaissance lays the foundation for accurate vulnerability assessment and penetration testing while staying fully within legal and ethical boundaries.

Step 1: Passive Network Scanning with Kismet or Airodump-ng

Passive scanning enables you to discover all nearby wireless networks and devices without transmitting packets that might alert network administrators or users. Tools like Kismet or Airodump-ng listen to WiFi signals, collecting valuable data such as:

• SSIDs (network names), including hidden ones if broadcasting
• BSSID (MAC address) of access points
• Channel numbers and frequency bands in use
• Encryption types deployed (WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3)
• Connected client devices and their MAC addresses

This comprehensive data forms the baseline for detailed security analysis. Passive scanning is non-intrusive and ideal for respecting network stability and privacy during reconnaissance.

Step 2: Active Scanning to Identify Network Characteristics

With permission and within your authorized scope, active scanning tools such as NetStumbler or Aircrack-ng’s Aireplay-ng can be used to:

• Probe network responsiveness and beacon intervals
• Test for misconfigurations like open networks or weak security protocols
• Discover vulnerable access points using outdated encryption
• Detect hidden networks by sending probe requests

Active scanning can provide deeper insight but must be carefully controlled to avoid service disruption or unauthorized packet injection. Always adhere to agreed procedures when performing active reconnaissance.

Best Practices for Legal WiFi Reconnaissance

• Document every scanning session, including start and end times, tools used, and findings.
• Avoid probing or injecting packets beyond the explicit permission granted.
• Maintain stealth and minimal network impact to protect user experience.
• Use reconnaissance findings to formulate targeted penetration testing plans that comply with legal and ethical frameworks.

By mastering legal WiFi scanning and reconnaissance techniques, you gather the critical intelligence needed to identify security weaknesses effectively without breaching privacy or trust. This responsible approach to network discovery distinguishes ethical hackers as professionals committed to strengthening wireless security through verified, permission-based methodologies.

Cracking WiFi Passwords Legally: Methods with Permission and Their Ethical Implications

Cracking WiFi passwords—when done legally and ethically—is a pivotal skill for ethical hackers tasked with identifying weaknesses in wireless security. The objective isn’t to exploit networks but to help network owners uncover vulnerabilities before malicious actors do. The most widely accepted legal methods for cracking WiFi passwords involve authorized penetration testing where you have explicit permission to attempt password recovery using controlled techniques.

Common Legal Methods to Crack WiFi Passwords

1. Capturing and Cracking WPA/WPA2 Handshakes
   With permission, you can use tools like Aircrack-ng to capture the WPA/WPA2 handshake during a legitimate client’s connection attempt. Once obtained, this handshake file can be subjected to offline dictionary attacks, brute force, or rainbow table attacks to test the network’s password strength. This process reveals weak passwords that administrators can strengthen.

2. Exploiting WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Vulnerabilities
   Many routers have WPS enabled, which can be exploited using tools such as Reaver or Bully. These tools perform brute-force PIN attacks on the WPS feature, potentially exposing the network password. Assessing WPS weaknesses with explicit consent helps organizations decide whether to disable WPS or improve security settings.

3. Social Engineering and Credential Auditing
   Ethical hackers often assist clients by auditing user password habits and educating on strong passphrase creation. While purely technical cracking is common, combining it with authorized social engineering tactics—such as phishing simulations or password audits—within legal boundaries improves overall security posture.

Ethical Implications of Password Cracking

While password cracking is a powerful method for identifying WiFi security flaws, it must always be governed by strict ethical standards:

• Only proceed with explicit, written authorization specifying the scope, techniques, and endpoints of the password cracking tests.
• Ensure minimal impact on network performance and availability during cracking attempts to avoid disrupting legitimate users.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all recovered passwords and vulnerabilities; never share or exploit this information beyond the authorized report.
• Use findings to help the network owner implement stronger security controls, such as upgrading to WPA3, disabling WPS, or enforcing complex passwords.

Adhering to these ethical principles not only protects you legally but also fosters trust and professionalism in the cybersecurity community. Properly conducted password cracking with permission is an essential step in strengthening WiFi defenses and preventing unauthorized breaches. In the next sections, we will delve into the detailed steps and tools to perform these legal cracking techniques effectively and responsibly.

Using Scripting to Automate WiFi Security Testing: Examples with Python and Bash

Automating WiFi security testing through scripting enhances efficiency, repeatability, and accuracy—key advantages for ethical hackers working under tight timelines and defined scopes. By leveraging scripting languages like Python and Bash, you can create powerful tools to systematically scan networks, capture handshake data, analyze vulnerabilities, and generate comprehensive reports—all while ensuring your workflow remains compliant with legal and ethical standards.

Why Automate WiFi Security Testing?

Automation helps reduce human error, accelerate routine tasks, and maintain consistent testing parameters, which are crucial when conducting authorized penetration tests. For example, repeating manual scans with identical settings can be tedious and error-prone. Scripting instead allows you to:

• Schedule periodic network reconnaissance without manual intervention.
• Automatically capture WPA handshake packets during peak traffic times.
• Parse and analyze log files to identify weak encryption protocols or suspicious clients.
• Integrate with reporting tools that structure findings for clear client communication.

When combined with proper permission and adherence to ethical guidelines, scripting empowers ethical hackers to deliver more thorough and professional WiFi security assessments.

Python Example: Automating WiFi Scan and Handshake Capture

Python’s extensive libraries like Scapy for packet manipulation and subprocess for executing system commands make it ideal for WiFi security automation. Here’s a simplified workflow:

1. Scan for available networks using system tools (e.g., iwlist or airodump-ng) invoked via Python’s subprocess module.
2. Filter networks matching predefined criteria (e.g., those with weak encryption).
3. Start handshake capture sessions targeting selected access points during authorized periods.
4. Log results with timestamps and export to CSV or JSON for analysis.

Such scripts can be expanded with error handling, notification systems, or integration with vulnerability databases for smarter assessments.

Bash Script Example: Simplifying Packet Capture and Analysis

For lightweight automation focused on system-level tasks, Bash scripting is a robust option. A typical Bash script might:

• Launch a monitoring tool like airodump-ng on a specified wireless interface.
• Automate deauthentication packets to trigger handshake processes where permitted.
• Save captured handshake files with organized naming conventions.
• Invoke password cracking tools such as aircrack-ng in batch mode using wordlists.

Bash scripts are easy to customize for different testing environments and can be quickly deployed on portable Linux devices like Raspberry Pi, enhancing your on-the-go penetration testing capabilities.

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By building and utilizing Python and Bash automation scripts, you can significantly enhance the scope and professionalism of your legal WiFi penetration testing. Automation not only streamlines technical workflows during audits but also reinforces your standing as a methodical and ethical cybersecurity expert committed to delivering actionable insights efficiently and responsibly.

Advanced Techniques: Understanding WPA3 Security and the Latest WiFi Protection Protocols

As wireless security technologies continue to evolve, WPA3 has emerged as the latest and most robust WiFi protection protocol, designed to address vulnerabilities found in its predecessors like WPA2. For ethical hackers and security professionals, mastering the intricacies of WPA3 and staying updated on recent WiFi security standards is essential to perform effective, legal WiFi penetration testing and help organizations defend against sophisticated cyber threats.

What Makes WPA3 Different and More Secure?

1. Enhanced Encryption: WPA3 uses Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), an improved key establishment protocol that replaces the traditional Pre-Shared Key (PSK) method. SAE provides resistance to offline dictionary attacks, making password cracking significantly more difficult even if attackers capture handshake data.
2. Forward Secrecy: WPA3 ensures that past communications remain secure even if a password is compromised in the future, protecting sensitive data from retrospective attacks.
3. Improved Protection on Public Networks: The new protocol incorporates Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE), which offers individualized encryption on open networks without requiring passwords, thereby mitigating risks associated with unencrypted public WiFi.
4. Stronger Security for IoT and Enterprise: WPA3 introduces 192-bit security suites for high-assurance environments, enhancing protection for sensitive infrastructures.

Implications for Ethical WiFi Hacking

WPA3's advanced features necessitate updated methodologies and tools for legal WiFi hacking:

• Handshake Capture Limitations: Unlike WPA2, WPA3’s SAE handshake cannot be cracked using traditional dictionary or brute-force attacks, requiring penetration testers to explore alternative approaches for validating password strength, such as testing client-side vulnerabilities or configuration flaws.
• Focus on Configuration Audits: Many WPA3 deployments coexist with legacy devices, which may remain vulnerable. Ethical hackers should assess networks for mixed mode setups and verify proper WPA3 implementation.
• Firmware and Hardware Testing: Because WPA3 is relatively new, some routers may have incomplete or flawed protocol implementations. Testing these devices for side-channel vulnerabilities or misconfigurations remains a valuable legal hacking activity.
• Emphasize User Education: As WPA3 adoption grows, educating users and administrators about proper passphrase complexity, device compatibility, and firmware updates becomes critical to maintain strong wireless security.

Staying Current with WiFi Security Protocols

The wireless security landscape is continuously advancing, with emerging standards like WiFi 6 (802.11ax) introducing enhanced features such as improved encryption and traffic management. Ethical hackers must:

• Regularly update their knowledge on latest WiFi encryption standards and vulnerabilities.
• Use tooling that supports WPA3 and beyond, ensuring compatibility and accuracy during penetration testing.
• Adopt a holistic security approach that combines protocol review, configuration audits, and practical attack simulations within the bounds of legal authorization.

By deeply understanding WPA3 security and the newest WiFi protection protocols, you, as an ethical hacker, will be better equipped to identify emerging vulnerabilities, advise on future-proof defense strategies, and maintain a competitive edge in wireless penetration testing—all while adhering to the strictest ethical and legal standards.

Reporting and Responsible Disclosure: How to Document Findings and Help Network Owners Improve

A crucial yet often overlooked aspect of legal WiFi hacking is the process of reporting and responsible disclosure. After conducting authorized penetration tests or vulnerability assessments, the ethical hacker’s responsibility extends beyond merely identifying weaknesses—it includes carefully documenting findings and delivering a clear, actionable report that helps network owners enhance their security posture. Proper reporting not only validates the value of your work but also builds trust and promotes transparency with clients or organizations.

Best Practices for Documenting WiFi Security Testing Results

1. Comprehensive and Clear Documentation
   Record every step of your testing process, including tools used, methods applied, dates, times, and network details. This information provides crucial context, allowing stakeholders to understand how vulnerabilities were discovered and evaluated.

2. Detailed Vulnerability Descriptions
   For each weakness found—whether it’s a weak password, outdated encryption, or configuration flaw—explain its potential impact, how it was exploited during testing, and the associated risks. Include evidence like logs, screenshots, or capture files where appropriate to substantiate your findings.

3. Prioritized Recommendations
   Offer specific, prioritized remediation steps. For instance:

4. Upgrade from WEP/WPA to WPA3 encryption.
5. Disable WPS to mitigate brute-force attacks.
6. Change default passwords to strong, unique passphrases.
7. Segment guest networks to restrict critical asset access.

Clear guidance enables network owners to efficiently allocate resources and strengthen defenses.

1. Executive Summary for Non-Technical Stakeholders
   Craft a concise overview highlighting critical vulnerabilities, overall risk level, and recommended actions without technical jargon. This ensures decision-makers grasp the importance of your findings.

Ethical and Legal Considerations in Disclosure

• Respect Confidentiality: Handle all sensitive information responsibly. Do not share data or exploit vulnerabilities beyond the authorized scope.
• Coordinate Disclosure: Communicate findings promptly and professionally with authorized contacts. Ideally, use secure channels to transmit reports.
• Avoid Public Exposure: Refrain from disclosing vulnerabilities publicly without explicit permission or after the organization has addressed the issues. Responsible disclosure policies protect both parties and prevent malicious exploitation.
• Offer Follow-Up Support: Providing additional assistance for remediation or retesting fosters long-term relationships and demonstrates your commitment to improving security.

Incorporating robust reporting and responsible disclosure practices affirms your role as a trusted, professional ethical hacker. Your detailed documentation not only helps network owners remediate risks effectively but also strengthens your credentials in the cybersecurity community as a reliable advocate for legal WiFi hacking and network security enhancement.

Staying Updated: Continuing Education Resources and Certifications for Ethical WiFi Hacking

In the rapidly evolving world of ethical WiFi hacking, staying current with the latest techniques, tools, and security protocols is essential for maintaining your effectiveness and professionalism. Continuous learning not only sharpens your skills but also ensures you comply with emerging legal standards and industry best practices. Leveraging trusted education resources and pursuing recognized certifications can significantly accelerate your growth as a competent, ethical WiFi security tester.

Top Continuing Education Resources for Ethical WiFi Hacking

1. Online Courses and Training Platforms
   Websites like Cybrary, Udemy, and Offensive Security offer specialized courses focusing on wireless network security, penetration testing, and legal hacking methodologies. Look for classes that cover advanced topics such as WPA3 testing, WiFi protocol analysis, and the latest vulnerability exploitation techniques. Many platforms also emphasize hands-on labs that simulate real-world scenarios safely and ethically.

2. Industry Blogs and Forums
   Engaging with active communities such as Hack The Box, Reddit’s r/Netsec, and cybersecurity blogs including Krebs on Security or SANS Institute updates provides timely insights into newly discovered WiFi vulnerabilities, security patches, and relevant case studies. Regularly reading and participating in discussions helps you stay connected with current trends and network with other ethical hackers.

3. Security Conferences and Webinars
   Conferences like DEF CON Wireless Village, Black Hat, and RSA Conference showcase cutting-edge research on wireless security and ethical hacking innovations. These events often feature workshops and talks on WiFi hacking tools, attack vectors, and defensive mechanisms, providing invaluable learning experiences and certification credits.

Essential Certifications to Advance Your Ethical WiFi Hacking Career

Pursuing certifications validates your expertise and enhances your credibility among employers and clients. Some of the most relevant certifications for ethical WiFi hacking include:

Certification	Focus Area	Benefits
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)	Broad ethical hacking skills	Industry recognition; foundational WiFi penetration testing
Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)	Specialized WiFi security	In-depth wireless network penetration testing knowledge
CompTIA Security+	General cybersecurity principles	Establishes security basics including network vulnerabilities
GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)	Penetration testing methodologies	Advanced tactics and legal compliance knowledge

Earning these certifications usually requires comprehensive training and passing rigorous exams, which cover both technical skills and ethical/legal responsibilities critical to ethical hacking.

By consistently investing in continuing education and acquiring respected certifications, you solidify your role as a knowledgeable, trustworthy ethical hacker specializing in WiFi security. This commitment to lifelong learning ensures you remain a step ahead of cyber threats, deliver valuable security assessments, and navigate the legal landscape confidently—ultimately contributing to stronger, more resilient wireless networks everywhere.