WPA2s

WPA2, or Wi-Fi Protected Access II, is a security protocol used to secure wireless computer networks. It is the successor to WPA and is a mandatory certification for Wi-Fi compliant devices. WPA2 utilizes Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption, which provides a higher level of security than the older Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) used in WPA. This encryption is applied to both data confidentiality and integrity.

There are two primary modes of operation for WPA2. The first is WPA2-Personal, which uses a Pre-Shared Key (PSK) or passphrase. This mode is typically used in home and small office environments where users share a common password to connect to the network. The second is WPA2-Enterprise, which employs IEEE 802.1X authentication. This method uses a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server to authenticate each user individually, making it suitable for larger organizations and businesses.

While WPA2 offers robust security, it is not immune to all vulnerabilities. For instance, the KRACK (Key Reinstallation Attack) vulnerability, discovered in 2017, allowed attackers to intercept and manipulate data transmitted over WPA2 networks. However, patches and updates have been released to address this and other discovered weaknesses. As of its widespread adoption, WPA2 has been the de facto standard for Wi-Fi security. Its successor, WPA3, is gradually being introduced to provide even stronger security features.