How to Improve Your Wi Fi Security with Advanced WPA3 Encryption Keeping Your Network Safe from Intruders
Wireless Security Protocols : WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3
UPD: WPA3 is the next generation of WiFi security
Protecting Wi-Fi from hackers is one of the most important tasks in cybersecurity. Which is why the arrival of next-generation wireless security protocol WPA3 deserves your attention: Not only is it going to keep Wi-Fi connections safer, but also it will help save you from your own security shortcomings.
Here is what it offers:
Password Protection
Start with how WPA3 will protect you at home. Specifically, itll mitigate the damage that might stem from your lazy passwords.
A fundamental weakness of WPA2, the current wireless security protocol that dates back to 2004, is that it lets hackers deploy a so-called offline dictionary attack to guess your password. An attacker can take as many shots as they want at guessing your credentials without being on the same network, cycling through the entire dictionary and beyond in relatively short order.
WPA3 will protect against dictionary attacks by implementing a new key exchange protocol. WPA2 used an imperfect four-way handshake between clients and access points to enable encrypted connections; its what was behind the notorious KRACK vulnerability that impacted basically every connected device. WPA3 will ditch that in favor of the more secure and widely vetted Simultaneous Authentication of Equals handshake.
The other benefit comes in the event that your password gets compromised nonetheless. With this new handshake, WPA3 supports forward secrecy, meaning that any traffic that came across your transom before an outsider gained access will remain encrypted. With WPA2, they can decrypt old traffic as well.
Safer Connections
When WPA2 came along in 2004, the Internet of Things had not yet become anything close to the all-consuming security horror that is its present-day hallmark. No wonder, then, that WPA2 offered no streamlined way to safely onboard these devices to an existing Wi-Fi network. And in fact, the predominant method by which that process happens today Wi-Fi Protected Setup has had known vulnerabilities since 2011. WPA3 provides a fix.
Wi-Fi Easy Connect, as the Wi-Fi Alliance calls it, makes it easier to get wireless devices that have no (or limited) screen or input mechanism onto your network. When enabled, youll simply use your smartphone to scan a QR code on your router, then scan a QR code on your printer or speaker or other IoT device, and you're set they're securely connected. With the QR code method, youre using public key-based encryption to onboard devices that currently largely lack a simple, secure method to do so.
That trend plays out also with Wi-Fi Enhanced Open, which the Wi-Fi Alliance detailed a few weeks before. You've probably heard that you should avoid doing any sensitive browsing or data entry on public Wi-Fi networks. That's because with WPA2, anyone on the same public network as you can observe your activity, and target you with intrusions like man-in-the-middle attacks or traffic sniffing. On WPA3? Not so much.
When you log onto a coffee shops WPA3 Wi-Fi with a WPA3 device, your connection will automatically be encrypted without the need for additional credentials. It does so using an established standard called Opportunistic Wireless Encryption.
As with the password protections, WPA3's expanded encryption for public networks also keeps Wi-Fi users safe from a vulnerability they may not realize exists in the first place. In fact, if anything it might make Wi-Fi users feel too secure.
Availability
The Wi-Fi Alliance began the WPA3 certification program in 2018, but it wasn't until 2020 when WPA3 support became mandatory for all devices brandishing the "Wi-Fi CERTIFIED" logo.
Since then, virtually all manufacturers of WiFi routers have released models that support the latest wireless encryption standard, so there are many options to choose from for those who still rely on older routers that don't support WPA3.
How to enhance your WiFi security
This is an advanced security option that allows computers and other devices to connect to a WiFi network but only if they have an authorised MAC address. This is a series of letters and numbers used to identify network devices. MAC addresses are usually written in pairs, with colons (or sometimes hyphens) as separators. For example, a MAC address could look like this:
04:1F:64:EF:A9:4D
or
04-1F-64-EF-A9-4D
WiFi routers can be instructed to allow connections only from a list of MAC addresses that you supply. To use this method, you need to gather together a list of all the MAC addresses of the computers and devices you wish to authorise on your WiFi network, and enter the details into your WiFi router's administration interface.
To find out how to do this on your Virgin Media Hub, check Setting up MAC filtering on your Virgin Media Hub.
To find out the MAC address of a Windows XP (or later) machine, follow these steps:
Type cmd and click OK.
Type ipconfig /all and press Enter.
Details of each installed adapter will be displayed. Look in the Physical Address section of your WiFi adapter for the MAC address, written in the style above.
To find out the MAC address of a Mac OS X machine, follow these steps:
Go to Mac HD > Applications > Utilities.
Double-click Network Utility.
Choose the network interface that relates to your WiFi connection if you're using built-in WiFi technology, the option is likely to be labelled AirPort (en1).
Look at the Hardware Address for the MAC address, written in the style above.
To find out the MAC addresses of other WiFi-capable devices, consult the documentation that came with those devices. Some of these devices may have their MAC addresses printed on the case.
As with other security methods, its still possible for a hacker to gain access to MAC address-based access control. Nevertheless, each security feature you add protects your WiFi network a little bit more.
Faster and more secure Wi-Fi in Windows
Windows 11 supports Wi-Fi 6 and WPA3. Wi-Fi 6 gives you better wireless coverage and performance with added security. WPA3 provides improved Wi-Fi security by using the latest standard.
Wi-Fi 6
To connect to a network that uses Wi-Fi 6 and take advantage of the increased performance and coverage, heres what youll need:
A router that supports Wi-Fi 6. To find out if your router supports this, check the documentation that came with it or visit the router manufacturers website. If youre considering buying a new router, look for a Wi-Fi 6 label.
Windows 11 installed on your PC. To check and make sure you have the latest updates for Windows 11, select theStartbutton, then select Settings>Windows Update> Check for updates.
A wireless network adapter that supports Wi-Fi 6. To see if your PC supports it, check the documentation that came with it or check the PC manufacturers website.Tip: You can also check to see if your router supports Wi-Fi 6 by opening the Command Prompt, and then typing the command netsh wlan show drivers. Look next to Radio types supported and see if it includes 802.11ax.
To find out if you're connected to a Wi-Fi 6 network
Connect to a Wi-Fi network. Learn how
Select theWi-Fi networkicon on the right side of the taskbar, then select Manage Wi-Fi connections (>) on the Wi-Fi quick setting.
For the Wi-Fi network youre connected to, select Propertiesnext to the Wi-Fi network name.
On the Wi-Fi network screen, look at the value next to Protocol. It will say Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) if youre connected to a Wi-Fi 6 network.
WPA3
To connect to a network that uses WPA3 for security, heres what youll need:
A router that supports WPA3. To find out if your router supports this, check the documentation that came with it, or visit the router manufacturers website to see if an update is available to support WPA3. You might need to change settings on the router to turn on WPA3.
Windows 11 installed on your PC. To check and make sure you have the latest updates for Windows 11, select theStartbutton, then select Settings>Windows Update> Check for updates.
A wireless network adapter that supports WPA3. To see if your PC supports it, check the documentation that came with it or check thePC manufacturerswebsite.Tip:You can also check to see if your device supports WPA3 by opening the Command Prompt, and then typing the commandnetsh wlan show drivers. Look under Authentication and cipher supported in infrastructure mode and see if it includesWPA3-Personal.
To find out if youre connected using WPA3 security
Connect to a Wi-Fi network. Learn how
Select theWi-Fi networkicon on the right side of the taskbar, then select Manage Wi-Fi connections (>) on the Wi-Fi quick setting.
For the Wi-Fi network youre connected to, select Propertiesnext to the Wi-Fi network name.
On the Wi-Fi network screen, look at the value next to Security type. It will include WPA3 if youre connected to a network using WPA3 encryption for security.
Windows 10 (Version 2004) supports Wi-Fi 6 and WPA3. Wi-Fi 6 gives you better wireless coverage and performance with added security. WPA3 provides improved Wi-Fi security by using the latest standard.
Wi-Fi 6
To connect to a network that uses Wi-Fi 6 and take advantage of the increased performance and coverage, heres what youll need:
A router that supports Wi-Fi 6. To find out if your router supports this, check the documentation that came with it or visit the router manufacturers website. If youre considering buying a new router, look for a Wi-Fi 6 label.
Windows 10 (Version 2004) installed on your PC. To check and make sure you have the latest updates for Windows 10, select theStart button, then select Settings>Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
A wireless network adapter that supports Wi-Fi 6. To see if your PC supports it, check the documentation that came with it or check the PC manufacturers website.Tip: You can also check to see if your router supports Wi-Fi 6 by opening the Command Prompt, and then typing the command netsh wlan show drivers. Look next to Radio types supported and see if it includes 802.11ax.
To find out if you're connected to a Wi-Fi 6 network
Connect to a Wi-Fi network. Learn how
Select the Wi-Fi network icon on the right side of the taskbar, then select Properties underneath the Wi-Fi network name.
On the Wi-Fi network screen, under Properties, look at the value next to Protocol. It will say Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) if youre connected to a Wi-Fi 6 network.
WPA3
To connect to a network that uses WPA3 for security, heres what youll need:
A router that supports WPA3. To find out if your router supports this, check the documentation that came with it, or visit the router manufacturers website to see if an update is available to support WPA3. You might need to change settings on the router to turn on WPA3.
Windows 10 (Version 2004) installed on your PC. To check and make sure you have the latest updates for Windows 10, Start button, then select Settings>Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
A wireless network adapter that supports WPA3. To see if your PC supports it, check the documentation that came with it or check thePC manufacturerswebsite.Tip:You can also check to see if your device supports WPA3 by opening the Command Prompt, and then typing the commandnetsh wlan show drivers. Look under Authentication and cipher supported in infrastructure mode and see if it includesWPA3-Personal.
To find out if youre connected using WPA3 security
Connect to a Wi-Fi network. Learn how
Select the Wi-Fi network icon on the right side of the taskbar, then select Properties underneath the Wi-Fi network name.
On the Wi-Fi network screen, under Properties, look at the value next to Security type. It will include WPA3 if youre connected to a network using WPA3 encryption for security.
Implementing WPA3: Your Guide to Advanced Wi-Fi Security.
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on implementing WPA3, the latest generation of Wi-Fi security. In this article, we will explore the enhanced protection that WPA3 encryption brings to your Wi-Fi network. With its improved encryption and authentication methods, WPA3 makes it more difficult for attackers to compromise your networks security. Whether you have a personal home network or an enterprise setup, WPA3 offers different modes such as WPA3-Personal and WPA3-Enterprise to suit your specific needs. Additionally, Wi-Fi Certified Enhanced Open ensures security for open networks.
With WPA3, you can enjoy stronger password protection, the security of old data, simplified setup for smart home devices, and enhanced security on public Wi-Fi networks. To enable WPA3 on your router, simply access its settings and select the WPA3 security protocol. However, please note that not all devices support WPA3, so its important to check compatibility before implementing it. Lets dive deeper into the world of WPA3 and discover how it can elevate your Wi-Fi security.
What Is WPA and WPA2?
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a series of security protocols that safeguard Wi-Fi traffic. It manages the handshake process between your device and the router, as well as the encryption that ensures the security of your data. WPA2, the previous version, was a significant improvement over older protocols like WEP and WPA. Since its introduction in 2004, WPA2 has been widely adopted.
WPA3, the latest generation of Wi-Fi security, offers even stronger encryption and authentication methods than WPA2. It provides better protection against password cracking attacks and ensures the security of old data. With WPA3, you can have more confidence in the security of your Wi-Fi network.
Key features of WPA and WPA2:
- Handshake process: WPA and WPA2 employ a handshake process during the connection setup to authenticate devices and establish a secure transmission channel.
- Encryption: Both WPA and WPA2 use encryption algorithms to scramble your data, making it unreadable to unauthorized individuals.
Differences between WPA2 and WPA3:
- Enhanced password protection: WPA3 strengthens password-based authentication, making it harder for attackers to crack your Wi-Fi password.
- Protection against offline attacks: WPA3 ensures the security of old data even if an attacker gains access to the encrypted traffic.
Overall, migrating from WPA2 to WPA3 provides an additional layer of security for your Wi-Fi network. However, its important to note that not all devices support WPA3, so ensure your devices are compatible before implementing the upgrade.
How to Enable WPA3 on Your Router
Enabling WPA3 on your router is a straightforward process that requires accessing your routers settings. To begin, open your preferred web browser and enter your routers IP address in the address bar. You may need to consult your routers manual or manufacturers website to locate this information if you are unsure.
Once you have entered the IP address, press Enter to proceed. You should be prompted to enter your routers login credentials. If you have not changed these from the default settings, you can usually find them on the back of your router or in the user manual.
After successfully logging in, navigate to the Wi-Fi or Wireless section in your routers settings. Look for the security options, where you can find the security protocol setting. Change it from the current setting to WPA3, and then save the changes. Your router will now utilize WPA3 for Wi-Fi security.
It is essential to note that enabling WPA3 may result in temporary disconnections for devices currently connected to your network. To minimize disruption, it is advisable to perform this setup during a time when there is minimal network activity.
Devices Compatible with WPA3
If youre considering implementing WPA3 for your Wi-Fi security, its important to ensure that your devices are compatible. Fortunately, many popular devices support WPA3, including the latest operating systems and popular brands.
Windows 11 and Windows 10 (Version 2004) both provide native support for WPA3, offering enhanced security for your Wi-Fi network. Apple devices such as the iPhone 7, 5th gen iPad, Apple Watch Series 3, Apple TV 4K, and late 2013 Mac computers are also compatible with WPA3, ensuring that your Apple ecosystem remains secure.
Android devices running Android 10 and newer versions also support WPA3, allowing you to protect your Wi-Fi network regardless of your preferred mobile platform. However, its important to keep in mind that older devices may not be compatible, so its always a good idea to check with the manufacturer or consult the device specifications.
If you have smart home devices, its crucial to verify their compatibility with WPA3. Different manufacturers may have different levels of support for WPA3, so its best to reach out to the manufacturer or check their documentation for specific information.
Gitte is a pro at networking and cybersecurity, and she brings decades of experience to the Museum of Wi-Fi. With over a decade of experience in the IT industry, Gitte has a knack for demystifying complex wifi technologies and presenting them accessibly. Passionate about the evolving landscape of wireless communication, she is dedicated to educating and guiding readers through the intricacies of Wi-Fi security and technology.
