WPA3

What Is WPA3?

Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) is the latest Wi-Fi encryption protocol introduced by the Wi-Fi Alliance in 2018. It enhances the security features of its predecessor, WPA2, providing more robust encryption for data transmitted over Wi-Fi networks. WPA3 offers various modes tailored to different usage scenarios and security needs: WPA3-Personal, WPA3-Enterprise, and Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE).

WPA2 vs. WPA3

Security Risks in WPA2

WPA2, introduced by the Wi-Fi Alliance in 2004, has been widely used for over a decade. It includes WPA2-Personal and WPA2-Enterprise, using pre-shared keys (PSK) and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for securing Wi-Fi networks. Despite its widespread use, WPA2 has notable vulnerabilities:

• Key Reinstallation Attack (KRACK): Discovered in 2017, this exploit allows attackers to reinstall previously used keys, compromising network security.

• Offline Dictionary and Brute Force Attacks: Simple passwords, often used in personal or home networks, are susceptible to dictionary and brute force attacks, where attackers attempt to guess passwords through repeated trials.

To address these vulnerabilities, the Wi-Fi Alliance launched WPA3 in 2018.

Advantages of WPA3 over WPA2

WPA3 retains the WPA2-Personal and WPA3-Enterprise categories but introduces significant enhancements.

WPA3-Personal: Enhanced Password Protection

WPA3-Personal replaces PSK authentication with Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE):

• SAE Protocol: Unlike the fixed PMK generated in WPA2's PSK authentication, SAE uses a dynamic random variable in PMK generation, ensuring a unique key for each session.

• KRACK Protection: SAE allows either device in a peer-to-peer connection to initiate the handshake, eliminating the KRACK vulnerability.

• Defense Against Offline Attacks: SAE rejects connections after multiple failed attempts and includes forward secrecy, preventing attackers from decrypting past sessions even if the password is later obtained.

These features allow users to set simpler, more memorable passwords without compromising security.

WPA3-Enterprise: Enhanced Security

Building on WPA2-Enterprise, WPA3-Enterprise introduces a more secure 192-bit mode:

• 192-bit Suite-B Security: Enhances encryption strength with a 192-bit key, compared to WPA2's 128-bit key.

• HMAC-SHA-384: Provides more secure key exchange and confirmation during the handshake process.

• GCMP-256: Protects data traffic with a stronger encryption protocol.

• Protected Management Frames (PMF): Uses GMAC-256 to secure multicast management frames, further enhancing security.

OWE Authentication: Open Network Protection

Traditional open Wi-Fi networks, often found in public places, pose security risks due to the lack of encryption. WPA3 addresses this with Enhanced Open (OWE) authentication:

• OWE: Users can access the network without a password, and data is encrypted using the Diffie-Hellman key exchange, enhancing data security.

Do You Need to Upgrade to WPA3?

Upgrading to WPA3 is recommended for improved security. However, transitioning from WPA2 to WPA3 is gradual, dependent on device and software updates. Meanwhile, enhancing WPA2 security with patches and stronger passwords is advisable.

Which Devices Support WPA3?

Devices supporting WPA3 must pass the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED WPA3™ certification. Users can verify device compatibility on the Wi-Fi Alliance's official website. For networks where not all devices support WPA3, WPA3-Personal and OWE transition modes allow for backward compatibility:

• WPA3-Personal: Uses a hybrid authentication mode, enabling WPA2 devices to connect while supporting WPA3-capable devices.

• OWE Transition Mode: Allows devices without OWE support to connect in open mode, while OWE-capable devices connect with enhanced security.