WPA2 vs WPA3

WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) and WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) are both modern wireless security protocols designed to secure Wi-Fi networks. WPA2 is the current industry standard, which is considered to be secure. However, WPA3 is the newest and more advanced in comparison to WPA2. In this article we will talk about some crucial differences between them. I will try to explain this as clearly as possible. However, if you don’t understand some of my explanations, don’t hesitate to send me a message. I will compare both methods taking into consideration some aspects listed in the table of content below

 

Encryption Method

WPA2: The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with a 128-bit key for encryption. So far, this is considered highly secure, or at least enough secure in most cases. Full name of that algorithm is AES-CCMP (Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol)

WPA3: WPA3 primarily uses a 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) in Galois Counter Mode Protocol (GCMP) for encryption, which is significant improvement compared to the encryption used in WPA2.

Authentication

WPA2: We have here two options. WPA2-PSK – All devices connected to the network share a common encryption key, called Pre-Shared Key (PSK). It means that if an attacker obtains the key, they can potentially decrypt all network traffic. Second option is WPA2-Enterprise – It provides individualised and unique credentials for each device.

WPA3: Implements customized data encryption. This means that each device (PC, tablet, or whatever else) possesses its own unique encryption key, so even if one device’s key is compromised, it will only affect that specific device. The rest remains unaffected.

It uses the Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) protocol with 192-bit encryption key, to establish a secure connection. This protocol is designed to protect against offline dictionary attacks, which by itself provides even more security. 192-bit security key applies to the strength of the cryptographic operations used within the SAE protocol. It does not directly correspond to the length of the encryption key used for data encryption in AES

Note that this additional 192-bit encryption key in WPA3 does not apply to AES – online data encryption, but to SAE – additional encryption that prevent offline dictionary attacks.

Brute Force Attacks

WPA2: Vulnerable to offline brute force attacks, where attackers attempt to guess the network’s passphrase by repeatedly trying different passwords. Not necessarily manually.

WPA3: Offers protection against offline dictionary attacks by implementing a more robust key derivation process, making it significantly harder for attackers to crack the passphrase. See also the previously explained SAE.

Public Open Wi-Fi

WPA2: Does not have any built-in support for encrypting open public networks. Open networks are susceptible to eavesdropping. This is reason why I always discourage people from using Public Wi-fi

WPA3: Introduces Opportunistic Wireless Encryption (OWE), which provides encryption for open public Wi-Fi networks, enhancing privacy and security even on networks that does not require a password/passphrase. WPA2 does not provide similar security for public networks. So I can tell you this is a significant improvement.

Summary

These are major improvements that WPA3 introduced over WPA2 in terms of security and privacy. It offers stronger encryption, personalized data protection, resistance to offline attacks, improved support for public Wi-Fi networks. WPA3 is still not so popular, mostly due to lack of compatibility with older devices, but soon it become more widely used and integrated into newly manufactured devices and routers. Always check compatibility when upgrading your network.

Read also article about history of wireless security protocols