WPA3: Next-generation Wi-Fi security is here

3 min read

On June 25, 2018, Wi-Fi Alliance introduced the next generation of Wi-Fi security, WPA3. It took over decade to introduce the successor of WPA2 protocol that brings new capabilities of enhancing personal and enterprise Wi-Fi networks. Individuals along with organizations were awaiting for this update especially after last years KRACK vulnerability, which was later fixed on many devices.

This update comes with a variety of added features that include more robust authentication and increased cryptographic strength for highly sensitive data markets. With this update Wi-Fi industries transit to WPA3 security, however, WPA2 devices will continue to interoperate and provide recognized security.

In order to maintain flexibility of mission critical networks, WPA3 networks will:

Prohibit outdated legacy protocols,
Deliver the latest security methods, and
Use PMF (Protected Management Frames)

WPA3 security supports the market through two distinct modes of operation: WPA3-Personal and WPA3-Enterprise.

WPA3-Personal

If users choose passwords that fall short of typical complexity recommendation, WPA3 leverages SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals) a secure key establishment protocol between devices to provide more robust protection for users against third party password guessing attempts. With this level of security enhancement your network is more resilient.

WPA3-Enterprise

The WPA3-Enterprise protocol proves beneficial to organizations transmitting sensitive data such as finance or government, as it provides 192-bit cryptographic strength along with additional protection to these networks. This 192-bit bundle has a consistent combination of cryptographic tools deployed across WPA3 networks.

Earlier this year, Wi-Fi Alliance introduced new features and some enhancements for Wi-Fi protected access. This addition ensures that WPA2 maintains robust security protection in the evolving wireless landscape. WPA2 is still mandatory requirement for all Wi-Fi CERTIFIED devices as it would still take some time for WPA3 market adoption to grow. Through a transitional mode of operation, WPA3 will still maintains interoperability with WPA2 devices, and Wi-Fi users can remain confident that their devices are well-protected when connected to secured Wi-Fi CERTIFIED networks.

Users and Wi-Fi device vendors need not worry as WPA3 protections won’t come into action overnight; it may still take some time to evolve or maybe even many-years-long process.

To get WPA3 in place you need a new router that supports it or you can hope your old one can be updated to support it. This is also true for all your gadgets. You have to buy new gadgets that support WPA3 or can hope your old devices are updated to the required standards. However, WPA3 can still connect with devices that use WPA2, so you need not worry about your device not working just because you brought in a new connectivity hardware at home.

WPA3 adoption has been on a positive side as organizations such as Hewlett Packard, Qualcomm, Huawei Wireless, Intel, Cisco and many more have announced their support towards next-gen Wi-Fi security for personal and enterprise networks.