WPA, WPA2, WPA3

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is a series of security protocols designed to protect wireless networks. Each version represents significant improvements in wireless security. WPA was introduced in 2003 as a temporary solution to address vulnerabilities in WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). It implement… WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is a series of security protocols designed to protect wireless networks. Each version represents significant improvements in wireless security. WPA was introduced in 2003 as a temporary solution to address vulnerabilities in WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). It implemented TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol), which dynamically generates a new 128-bit key for each packet, making it more secure than WEP's static keys. WPA uses RC4 encryption and includes a Message Integrity Check to prevent packet tampering. WPA2, released in 2004, became mandatory for Wi-Fi certification in 2006. It replaced TKIP with CCMP (Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol) and uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption, providing stronger security. WPA2 operates in two modes: Personal (PSK - Pre-Shared Key) for home networks and Enterprise mode using 802.1X authentication with RADIUS servers for corporate environments. WPA2 remained the standard for over a decade but was found vulnerable to KRACK (Key Reinstallation Attack) in 2017. WPA3, announced in 2018, addresses WPA2 weaknesses and introduces several enhancements. It replaces PSK with SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals), also known as Dragonfly handshake, which provides protection against offline dictionary attacks. WPA3 offers 192-bit security for enterprise networks and implements Perfect Forward Secrecy, ensuring that captured traffic cannot be decrypted later even if the password is compromised. Additionally, WPA3 includes Wi-Fi Easy Connect for simplified IoT device configuration and Opportunistic Wireless Encryption for open networks. For CCNA Security Fundamentals, understanding these protocols is essential for implementing proper wireless security. Network administrators should configure WPA3 where supported, with WPA2-Enterprise as a minimum standard for corporate environments, always avoiding deprecated protocols like WEP and original WPA with TKIP.