Having a fiber-fast Internet connection like the PLDT Home is essential for most households. The rise of remote work, virtual learning, and digital entertainment has made having a stable Internet connection at home more crucial than ever. However, the increasing number of devices connected to a home network also increases the risk of cyber threats and hacking attempts. This is where wireless security and WiFi security protocols come in to protect our home networks.
What is wireless security?
Wireless security encompasses a set of measures designed to safeguard wireless networks and connected devices from unauthorized access and cyber threats. As wireless technology continues to gain traction and the use of WiFi networks becomes more widespread, ensuring the security of these networks has become an increasingly vital concern. These security measures include various protocols, encryption methods, and authentication procedures. This time, we’ll focus more on four different WiFi security protocols. So what are they?
What is Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)?
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is the first WiFi security protocol introduced in 1997. It is a security protocol that forms a part of the IEEE 802.11 standard. Its purpose is to enhance the security of data transmitted through wireless networks by providing encryption to protect against unauthorized access and interception. However, eSecurity Planet states this protocol is outdated and supposedly insecure because it is easily hackable.
What is WiFi Protected Access (WPA)?
WiFi Protected Access (WPA) was introduced in 2003. It is a wireless security protocol that replaces the vulnerable WEP protocol. WPA improves the security of wireless networks with stronger encryption algorithms and better authentication methods, delivering more robust protection against probable security problems. Nevertheless, the more advanced WPA2 and WPA3 protocols have since replaced WPA in most cases due to their increased security and enhanced features.
WPA2 and WPA3, explained
The 2nd generation WiFi Protected Access (WPA2) was developed in 2004. WPA2 is a protocol designed to replace the WEP and WPA protocols. It assures that data sent or received over your wireless network is encrypted, and only people with your network password can access it.
In addition, WPA2 introduced the Advanced Encryption System (AES) to replace the more vulnerable TKIP system used in the original WPA protocol.
Meanwhile, according to the WiFi Alliance, WiFi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) adds features to streamline WiFi security, enables more robust authentication, delivers increased cryptographic strength for susceptible data markets, and maintains the resiliency of mission-critical networks. It was introduced in 2018.
WiFi security protocols are of the utmost importance when preventing cyber attacks and hacking attempts on our home networks. Utilizing out-of-date protocols like WEP can result in security flaws and potential attacks. WPA, WPA2, and WPA3, on the other hand, are designed to protect against these threats more effectively, and each new version includes more advanced security features.
From Sandia National Labs Official GIPHY
Our WiFi networks' security is more critical than ever as the number of connected devices to home networks rises. It's vital to understand different WiFi security protocols as it enables us to make informed decisions when choosing a wireless network, including selecting a network with a higher level of security. Above all, by taking appropriate measures to secure WiFi networks, we can protect our personal information, financial data, and other sensitive information from potential threats.