Wi-Fi security gets upgraded with new WPA3 security protocol

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Wi-Fi security will be getting an upgrade to address modern cybersecurity issues now that the Wi-Fi Alliance finalized the Wi-Fi Certified WPA3 third-generation wireless security protocol on June 25.

WPA3-Personal will have stronger password security measures to make it harder to hack. This will apply even to “easy” passwords that are less complex than the recommended combination of characters, according to a statement.

This security measure depends on a new system called Simultaneous Authentication of Equals. The system specifically protects users from cyberattacks that try to guess the administrator password for Wi-Fi devices like routers.

Meanwhile, WPA3-Enterprise will have an equivalent 192-bit cryptographic strength protective measure for data that is being transmitted wirelessly. This means data being shared from a router with WPA3-Enterprise will less likely get hijacked or stolen.

WPA3 will also make it easier to connect smart home devices like smart speakers with their virtual assistants through the Easy Connect feature. This will come in handy since it lets users use their smartphones to set up connections for devices with small or no displays for configuration.

It will take some time before router firmware updates and new hardware become available. For the time being, the 14-year-old WPA2 security protocol will continue to have backwards compatibility until WPA3 becomes the required security for wireless devices.

Given the recent discoveries of routers vulnerable to the VPNFilter malware, and ever-present threat of cyberattacks, the new WPA3 security protocol comes as a welcome addition to the tools in fighting cybercrime.  /ra

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