What Is Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > Home Networking 81 81 people found this article helpful
What Is Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)?
A step beyond WEP
By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 27, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless Wi-Fi Protected Access is a Wi-Fi security technology developed in response to the weaknesses of Wired Equivalent Privacy standards. It improves upon WEP's authentication and encryption features. WPA2, in turn, is an upgraded form of WPA; since 2006, every Wi-Fi-certified product must use it. WPA Features
WPA provides stronger encryption than WEP using either of two standard technologies: Temporal key integrity protocol and advanced encryption standard. WPA also includes built-in authentication support that WEP does not. Some implementations of WPA allow WEP clients to connect to the network, too, but the security is then reduced to WEP levels for all connected devices. WPA includes support for remote authentication dial-in user service servers. In this setup, the server accesses device credentials so that users authenticate before they connect to the network. The server also holds extensible authentication protocol messages. When a device successfully connects to a WPA network, keys generate using a four-way handshake that takes place with the access point (usually a router) and device. When TKIP encryption is used, a message integrity code is included to make sure that the data is not spoofed. It replaces WEP's weaker packet guarantee, which is called cyclic redundancy check. What Is WPA-PSK
WPA Pre-Shared Key is a variation of WPA designed for home networks. It's a simplified but still powerful form of WPA. Similar to WEP, a static key or passphrase is set, but WPA-PSK uses TKIP. WPA-PSK automatically changes the keys at preset intervals to make it difficult for hackers to find and exploit them. Working With WPA
You'll see options for using WPA for connecting to a wireless network and when setting up a network for others to connect to. It was designed to be supported on pre-WPA devices such as those that use WEP, but some work only with WPA after a firmware upgrade. Others are simply incompatible. WPA pre-shared keys are vulnerable to attack, even though the protocol is more secure than WEP. Your best defense is a passphrase that's strong enough to circumvent brute-force attacks. FAQ How do I find my WPA key for my router? Your wireless network's name (SSID) and the key is usually printed on the bottom of your router. The network name and key shouldn't be confused with the username and password, which are needed to access the router settings. If the WPA key has been changed, reset your router to return the key to the default. What is the difference between WPA vs. WPA2 vs. WPA3? The major difference between WPA and WPA2 is that WPA2 offers superior encryption. The latest standard is WPA3, which offers enhanced security for open networks. How do I know if my router is WEP or WPA? On Windows 10, select the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar, select Properties under the network you're currently connected to, then look for the Security Type. On a Mac, hold down the Option key and select the Wi-Fi icon in the toolbar to see your network details. On Android, go to your Wi-Fi connections and tap the network to see its details. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire An Overview of Wireless Protected Access 2 (WPA2) Can't Connect to the Internet? Try These 10 Tips What Are WEP and WPA? Which Is Best? How to Kick People off Your Wi-Fi What Is a Network Security Key and How Do You Find It? WPA2 vs. WPA What Is Network Encryption? How to Hack-Proof Your Wireless Router How to Fix a Vizio TV That Won't Connect to Wi-Fi How to Connect Chromecast to Hotel Wi-Fi How to Encrypt Your Wireless Network How to Set up a Home Wi-Fi Network How to Set up Wi-Fi on Nintendo DSi How to Secure Your Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot How to Fix It When Nintendo Switch Won't Connect to Wi-Fi How to Share Your Internet Connection on a Mac via Wi-Fi Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies