What is WPA3: The Next Step in WiFi Encryption + Router Security

The Wi-Fi Alliance, the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi, has announced they are working on WPA3. WPA3 is a new wireless protocol that will replace the current WPA2 standard and enhance Wi-Fi security.

What Is The Wi-Fi Alliance?

In 1999, a slew of visionary companies came together to form a global non-profit organization. This organization held the goal of driving the best user experience using wireless technology, regardless of the brand.

In 2000, the group adopted the term Wi-Fi as the official term to refer to its technical work. It then announced its official name, The Wi-Fi Alliance.

With the adoption of Wi-Fi continuously growing worldwide, hundreds of companies and dozens of countries participate in the organization. Together, they work to drive new technologies and applications for Wi-Fi use.

How Will WPA3 Differ From WPA2?

WPA3 replacing WPA2 is a big deal because it currently protects your Wi-FI router as well as all connected devices. WPA2 was hit by the massive KRACK Attack in 2017, leaving routers and devices vulnerable to attacks.

With WPA2 approaching 14 years old, the upgrade to WPA3 is welcomed with open arms. Currently, some major features that the Wi-FI Alliance is building into WPA3 are:

Robust protections even when users choose passwords that fall short of typical complexity recommendations.
A simplified process of configuring security for devices that have a limited or no display interface.
Strengthened user privacy in open networks through individualized data encryption.
A 192-bit security suite, aligned with the Commercial National Security Algorithm (CNSA) Suite from the Committee on National Security Systems, will further protect Wi-Fi networks with higher security requirements such as those in use in government, defense, and industrial sectors.

Unfortunately, existing hardware in current Wi-Fi routers may not be compatible with new WPA3 firmware updates. However, this is likely due to the new certification requirements of the new protocol.

What Can You Do Now To Protect Yourself?

Thankfully, here at FlashRouters, we provide the latest firmware open-source firmware updates for DD-WRT among many others. As of now, our FlashRouters currently only support up to WPA2 encryption. But open-source firmware and the ability to use a VPN can secure your home network to the best of its abilities.