What Is the Newly Announced WPA3 Wi-Fi Security Protocol?

This article gives a clear answer about Newly Announced WPA3 Wi-Fi Security Protocol. It explains the main idea, practical context, and details that help readers understand the subject.

Understanding Newly Announced WPA3 Wi-Fi Security Protocol

The new Wi-Fi Alliance announced the long-awaited new generation wireless security protocol - Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA3). WPA3 will replace WPA2 - the protocol has been used for 15 years on many wireless devices, including smartphones, laptops and IoT devices.

WPA2 has long been considered insecure because open Wi-Fi networks are not encrypted, making anyone sharing the same network interfere with other devices' connections.

Most importantly, WPA2 has just been discovered with a KRACK (Key Reinstallation Attack) vulnerability that allows an attacker to intervene and decode Wi-Fi traffic between computers and access points.

The new Wi-Fi standard offers greater security.

The new Wi-Fi standard brings higher security capabilities that will be available on personal and business wireless devices later this year.

• WPA3 protects users' privacy on open networks by encrypting data.
• WPA3 protects trial-and-error attacks, does not allow hackers to log in multiple times using common passwords until successful.
• WPA3 also simplifies security for devices without screens set up like IoT devices.
• There is also a 192-bit security suite for users who require as high as government.

"Wi-Fi security technology will last for decades, so it is important to keep updating to meet the requirements," said Joe Hoffman, from SAR. Insight & Consulting said.

Because the hardware must be certified by Wi-Fi Alliance to use WPA3, the new standard will not be available soon. It may take several months before manufacturers support the new standard, but hopefully will be the end of this year (2018).