What WLAN security protocols should you prioritize?

1 What are WLAN security protocols?

WLAN security protocols are standards that define how wireless devices communicate securely over a network. They use encryption, authentication, and integrity mechanisms to protect the data and the identity of the users and devices. Encryption scrambles the data so that only authorized parties can read it. Authentication verifies that the parties are who they claim to be. Integrity ensures that the data has not been altered or corrupted in transit.

2 How do WLAN security protocols work?

WLAN security protocols work by establishing a secure connection between the wireless device and the access point (AP), which is the device that connects the WLAN to the wired network. The secure connection is also called a session or an association. The protocol defines how the device and the AP negotiate the encryption and authentication methods, exchange the keys or passwords, and verify the data integrity. The protocol also specifies how to handle errors, timeouts, and disconnections.

3 What are the types of WLAN security protocols?

There are several types of WLAN security protocols, but they can be broadly classified into two categories: personal and enterprise. Personal protocols are designed for home or small office networks, where the users share a common password or passphrase to access the WLAN. Enterprise protocols are designed for large or complex networks, where the users have individual credentials and are authenticated by a server. Personal protocols are simpler and easier to set up, but less secure and scalable than enterprise protocols.

4 What are the examples of WLAN security protocols?

When it comes to WLAN security protocols, Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is the oldest and weakest protocol, which uses a static key to encrypt the data. However, it is vulnerable to multiple attacks and should be avoided. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is the successor of WEP and uses a dynamic key to encrypt the data. It also introduces Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) to add some integrity and security features, although it is still not very secure. Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) is the current standard protocol, using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for encryption and Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP) for stronger integrity and security features. As the most secure protocol, it is recommended for personal and enterprise networks. Finally, Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) is the latest and most advanced protocol that utilizes Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) for authentication and enhanced protection against brute-force attacks, offline dictionary attacks, and forward secrecy. Although not widely supported yet, WPA3 is expected to become the new standard in the future.

5 What WLAN security protocols should you prioritize?

When it comes to network security, the answer to this question depends on the size, complexity, and security requirements of your network. As a general rule, you should ensure that the latest and most secure protocol is used for your devices and APs. Specifically, use WPA3 if possible, or WPA2 if not. Avoid using WPA or WEP unless legacy devices are present that cannot support anything else. Additionally, make sure to use strong and unique passwords or passphrases for your personal networks. Change them regularly and never share them with anyone. Utilize a password manager to store and generate them securely. Furthermore, it's essential to use enterprise protocols for business or organization networks. Configure a server to authenticate users and devices, and use certificates or tokens to bolster security. Finally, use a network management system to monitor and update your network settings and security policies.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?