Wi-fi protected access security specification

Two versions of WPA2 are available today. One is WPA2-Personal which safeguards the network access by providing a set-up password. The WPA2-Enterprise, on the other hand, authenticates networks users via a server. Devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and computers do a lot of exchange over the internet. These include online streaming, data and files exchange over WiFi networks. In this instance, these security protocols are a work in progress, and WPA2 is not exempted from the issues that most security protocols are experiencing.

Some of these issues are easy to fix and manageable, below are the different issues and how to solve it. Interaction of computers via a specific hardware component is made possible through hardware drivers. These drivers should be kept up to date for it to run smoothly. Old hardware can still be upgraded depending on the year it was manufactured.

To connect to a WPA2-secured wireless network, the correct driver must be installed. If the network card is not compatible with WPA2 or does not have a driver update, purchasing a new wireless adapter is the solution. Removable PCI wireless cards are mostly used by desktop computers.

Built-in wireless adapters are most commonly found on laptops. Although there is already a built-in adapter, the USB port can still be used by connecting a USB wireless network adapter.

Second, it means securing the data travelling wirelessly across your Wi-Fi network from unauthorized view. Wi-Fi security is just one aspect of security for networks. A protected Wi-Fi network is a great start, but you should also consider measures to protect your computer virus software, firewall, etc. Protected Management Frames PMF provide protection for unicast and multicast management action frames. Unicast management action frames are protected from both eavesdropping and forging, and multicast management action frames are protected from forging.

They augment privacy protections already in place for data frames with mechanisms to improve the resiliency of mission-critical networks. PMF is required for all new certified devices. Configure Wi-Fi client devices laptops, handsets, and other Wi-Fi enabled products to enable security protections. Configure for approved connections: Many devices are set by default to sense and automatically connect to any available wireless signal. Wi-Fi Alliance recommends that you configure your device to not automatically connect to an open network without your approval.

File and printer sharing may be common in business and home networks, but this should be avoided in a public network such as a hotel, restaurant, or airport hotspot. Users may also wish to use complementary security measures to improve the security of their activity over the internet including virtual private networks VPNs , firewalls, etc.

Additional devices can be easily added to a Wi-Fi Protected Setup network over time. With Wi-Fi technology connecting a wider array of devices, a simpler, standardized, approach to network configuration and security enablement is crucial.

Wi-Fi consumers are able to choose from a wide variety of product types and brands knowing that there is a straightforward method for adding these devices to their network.

Compatibility and quality are achieved through testing of Wi-Fi products. PIN entry is mandatory in all Wi-Fi Protected Setup devices, while push-button is optional and may also be found in some devices.