THE Wi-Fi is one of the most popular internet connection options in the world. Since its popularization, billions of people and millions of companies have used the wireless method to transmit data and carry out the most diverse actions that exist. Thus, as the number of devices increases, it is important that the security level of the connections keep pace with this growth.
To improve the security of wireless networks, Wi-Fi Alliance – organization that promotes and certifies Wi-Fi standards – announced the certification of the protocol WPA3. The new “standard” addresses several vulnerabilities that exist in the WPA2, for both personal and corporate network environments, and adds new features to simplify security.

For more than a decade, the WPA2 protocol has been used to deliver users the best Wi-Fi solution on the market. However, this protocol has some weaknesses that can be significant, depending on usage. Among these, it is possible for hackers to capture a stream of encrypted data from your router and carry out an attack on your network at any time. Since it is not necessary to remain connected to the router to guess what the network password is, attackers ignore the limits that the router itself places on repeated access attempts.
Among the improvements, WPA3 includes a more robust password-based authentication system that reduces the chances of a hacker “guessing” your password, individualized data encryption to protect against Wi-Fi interception (Protected Management Frames) and the ability to protect data traffic even if the network has been hacked.
The new protocol also includes new quick configuration options for smart home devices via Easy Connect – also available for the WPA2 protocol -, a feature in which the network owner defines the best authentication method, which can be as simple as scanning a QR code.
For businesses, governments and financial institutions, WPA3 offers an optional mode using security protocols with 192 and 384 bits of minimum strength – 256-bit keys are popularly used. As a result, the implemented cryptographic tools promise to better protect confidential data.
As announced today, the new routers and network distribution devices with the new security protocol are due to be launched soon, so WPA3 will not be in use for now. The good news is that it will maintain interoperability with WPA2 devices, so there will be no need to update all devices on the same network after updating the device. hot spot.
In addition to WPA3, the 802.11ax, the replacement for 802.11ac. The new protocol allows data speeds higher than existing routers and the first devices that rely on the new technology should also take a while to reach stores.
via Engadget