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Wireless networks introduce unique security challenges because the transmission medium — radio waves — cannot be physically contained. Anyone within range can potentially intercept traffic, attempt to connect, or launch attacks. Securing wireless networks requires a combination of strong encryption, authentication, and monitoring.
The evolution of Wi-Fi security has been driven by the repeated breaking of older protocols:
| Standard | Encryption | Key Management | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEP | RC4 (40/104-bit) | Static keys | Broken — crackable in minutes |
| WPA | TKIP (RC4-based) | Dynamic keys per packet | Deprecated — vulnerable to attacks |
| WPA2 | AES-CCMP | 4-way handshake (PSK or Enterprise) | Current standard — secure when configured properly |
| WPA3 | AES-GCMP-256 | SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals) | Latest standard — strongest protection |
WEP uses a 24-bit Initialisation Vector (IV) that repeats frequently. Tools like aircrack-ng can crack WEP keys by collecting enough packets — often in under five minutes.
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