We all use Wi-Fi every single day and Security is a major concern for us. It has been 14-15 years we are using WPA or WPA2 (WiFi Protected Access) security protocols for all of our devices to connect wirelessly to a network. Recently the WPA2 was exploited by KRACK (Key Reinstallation Attack) and most of the devices are still at risk. although most companies like Microsoft, Google, Apple etc. released the patches to fix the issue. After this vulnerability in WPA2, the Wi-Fi Alliance comes with the Better Security Protocol in CES 2018 at Las Vegas. The WPA3 is officially announced by Wi-Fi Alliance.
The WPA3 will replace the WPA2 very soon and many devices that will arrive in 2018 will come with WPA3 compatible hardware. The Alliance says that the new WPA3 is a lot secure than WPA2 and will be much more beneficial for public Wi-Fi networks as these networks are the easy targets for Bad guys. WPA3 protocol will encrypt all data on Public Wi-Fi network where the encryption is built in Open Network.
WPA3 Features:
- A 192-bit security suit aligned with CNSA (Commercial National Security Algorithm) to protect government and in industrial networks.
- Great protection even you choose a weak password.
- Improved Privacy in open network by data encryption for each individual device.
- The configuration of security is simplified for devices which have limitations of the display (IoT Devices)
The WPA2 uses a four-way handshake to confirm whether the same password is being used by client and access point while joining the network. The WPA3 will use a new handshake to make a connection. The new handshake will not be vulnerable to dictionary attack like WPA2. WPA3 will also block the device after too many unsuccessful password guesses. Many features are yet to come in future.
Changing from WPA2 to WPA3 will be a slow process as it will take time for manufacturers to produce such hardware and get it certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance to use WPA3.
Sources: wi-fi.org
Article last updated: November 6, 2023
