WPA3, introduced in 2018, is the latest Wi-Fi security protocol designed to provide enhanced protection and a better user experience. It replaces the WPA2 protocol and addresses its vulnerabilities, offering a more robust security framework.
Key features of WPA3 include Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), which replaces the Pre-Shared Key (PSK) method used in WPA2, providing a more secure handshake resistant to offline dictionary attacks.
What makes WPA3 a better security standard
WPA3 introduces forward secrecy, ensuring that session keys cannot be compromised even if the long-term key is exposed. The protocol enhances encryption with a 192-bit security suite for enterprise networks and implements Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) to protect open networks from passive eavesdropping.
Additionally, WPA3’s Easy Connect (Device Provisioning Protocol) simplifies the process of adding IoT devices with limited interfaces to the network. These improvements make WPA3 a significant advancement in wireless network security, offering stronger protection against modern cyber threats.
Overview of WPA2 and WPA3 Wi-Fi Standards
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a security protocol designed to secure wireless computer networks. WPA2 and WPA3 are two generations of this protocol, each with distinct features and improvements over their predecessors.
WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2)
Introduction:
- Year Introduced: 2004
- Encryption Protocol: Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP).
Key Features:
- Encryption:
- AES: Provides a strong encryption mechanism, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
- CCMP: Enhances security by offering better encryption and integrity checks compared to its predecessor, TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) used in WPA.
- Authentication:
- Pre-Shared Key (PSK): Used in personal (home) networks, where a common password is shared among users.
- 802.1X/EAP: Used in enterprise networks for more secure, individualized authentication mechanisms.
- Security Mechanisms:
- 4-Way Handshake: Ensures that both the client and the access point have the correct credentials without transmitting the actual password.
- Group Key Handshake: Periodically changes the encryption keys to provide additional security.
- Vulnerabilities:
- KRACK Attack: Discovered in 2017, it exploited vulnerabilities in the 4-way handshake, allowing attackers to decrypt data.
WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3)
Introduction:
- Year Introduced: 2018
- Encryption Protocol: Still primarily uses AES but includes additional features and protocols to enhance security.
Key Features:
- Enhanced Security:
- Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE): Replaces PSK, providing a more secure handshake process. SAE is resistant to offline dictionary attacks.
- Forward Secrecy: Ensures that session keys cannot be compromised even if the long-term key is compromised.
- Robust Encryption:
- 192-bit Security Suite: For enterprise networks, offering a higher level of security with 192-bit encryption in line with the CNSA (Commercial National Security Algorithm) Suite.
- Improved User Experience:
- Easy Connect (DPP): Simplifies the process of connecting IoT devices with limited or no display interfaces.
- Transition Mode: Allows coexistence of WPA2 and WPA3 on the same network, facilitating gradual migration.
- Protection Against Common Attacks:
- Protection from Brute Force Attacks: SAE handshake mitigates the risk of offline brute-force attacks.
- Enhanced Encryption for Open Networks: Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE) provides encryption for open networks, preventing passive eavesdropping.
Similarities between WPA2 and WPA3
- Encryption Standards:
- Both WPA2 and WPA3 use AES encryption to ensure robust security.
- Backward Compatibility:
- WPA3 includes a transition mode, allowing devices supporting WPA2 to connect to WPA3 networks.
- Authentication Framework:
- Both standards utilize 802.1X/EAP for enterprise-level authentication.
Differences
- Handshake Protocol:
- WPA2: Uses the 4-way handshake with PSK or 802.1X.
- WPA3: Uses SAE for personal networks, offering resistance to offline attacks and ensuring forward secrecy.
- Security Enhancements:
- WPA2: Vulnerable to KRACK attacks and lacks forward secrecy.
- WPA3: Addresses KRACK vulnerabilities, offers forward secrecy, and protects against offline dictionary attacks.
- Ease of Use:
- WPA2: Does not have specific mechanisms to simplify device onboarding.
- WPA3: Introduces Easy Connect (DPP) for simpler onboarding of IoT devices.
- Encryption for Open Networks:
- WPA2: Does not provide encryption for open (unencrypted) networks.
- WPA3: Introduces OWE to encrypt traffic on open networks.
Summary
While WPA2 provided significant security improvements over WPA, WPA3 introduces several advanced features to enhance security further and improve the user experience.
WPA3 addresses known vulnerabilities in WPA2, offers more robust encryption, and introduces forward secrecy and easy device onboarding. As Wi-Fi security evolves, WPA3 represents the latest standard, designed to provide a higher level of protection against modern threats.
