ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)Network SecurityHard
A network administrator is implementing a new wireless network in a corporate office. The security policy mandates the strongest available encryption and authentication protocols for Wi-Fi. Which Wi-Fi security standard should the administrator configure?
- AWPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2)
- BWEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
- CWPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3)
- DWPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3)
WPA3 is the latest and most secure Wi-Fi security standard, offering enhanced encryption (192-bit cryptographic strength in Enterprise mode), more robust authentication, and protection against dictionary attacks through Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. WPA2 was the long-standing standard, but WPA3 offers significant improvements in security, especially against dictionary attacks and for public networks.
- B. WEP is highly insecure and easily cracked; it should never be used.
- D. WPA was an interim solution that improved upon WEP but has known vulnerabilities.
WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3)
The latest generation of Wi-Fi security protocols, offering stronger encryption, more robust authentication, and improved privacy features compared to WPA2.
- Introduced in 2018.
- Uses Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) for stronger password-based authentication.
- Provides enhanced privacy in public networks with Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE).
Memory trick: Always pick the highest number for the strongest Wi-Fi shield.