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Wi-Fi has become an essential aspect of our daily lives, from browsing the internet to streaming videos. However, with the increasing use of Wi-Fi, the risk of cyber attacks has also increased. To ensure the security of Wi-Fi networks, encryption protocols are used. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the key encryption protocols used for Wi-Fi security.

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)

WEP was the first encryption protocol used for Wi-Fi security. It was introduced in 1997 and was designed to provide security equivalent to that of a wired network. However, WEP has several weaknesses and is no longer considered a secure encryption protocol. It can be easily hacked, and the keys can be cracked within minutes using readily available tools.

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)

WPA was introduced in 2003 as a replacement for WEP. It addressed the weaknesses of WEP and provided a more secure encryption protocol for Wi-Fi networks. WPA uses a stronger encryption algorithm called TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) and requires the use of a passphrase or key to access the network. However, WPA is also vulnerable to certain types of attacks, such as dictionary attacks, and is no longer considered a secure encryption protocol.

WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access II)

WPA2 is the current standard for Wi-Fi security and was introduced in 2006. It uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption algorithm, which is considered to be highly secure. WPA2 also requires the use of a passphrase or key to access the network and provides protection against dictionary attacks and other types of attacks. However, WPA2 is still vulnerable to certain types of attacks, such as brute-force attacks.

WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access III)

WPA3 is the latest encryption protocol for Wi-Fi security and was introduced in 2018. It provides several improvements over WPA2, including stronger encryption, protection against brute-force attacks, and enhanced security for public Wi-Fi networks. WPA3 also includes a feature called Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), which provides stronger protection against password guessing attacks.

Conclusion

Encryption protocols are essential for ensuring the security of Wi-Fi networks. While WEP and WPA are no longer considered secure, WPA2 and WPA3 provide stronger encryption and better protection against cyber attacks. As Wi-Fi continues to be an essential aspect of our daily lives, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest encryption protocols and ensure that our networks are secure.

About Forculus Home

Forculus Home is a 21st century home security company that takes its name from a lesser-known Roman deity, Forculus, the protector of gates, thresholds, and openings. The Forculus Home ecosystem embodies that spirit by providing an array of smart home security solutions to protect against increasingly advanced network threats passing through the thresholds of your home.

Founded by Taylor Sulik, Coast Guard Intelligence Officer veteran, physical and cybersecurity consultant,  and Fortune 500 risk management professional, Forculus Home brings enterprise-level security and analytical experience to home networks.

Forculus Home is proud to be an American-made company. We believe in ending foreign reliance, bringing manufacturing back home, and upholding the highest levels of quality and reliability in everything we do.