Wireless Networks Lesson 003: Wireless Security Part 2

Wi-Fi Protected Access 2

Current network security standard.

What encryption standard does WPA2 use?

AES encryption algorithm.

What does WPA2 stand for?

Wi-Fi Protected Access 2.

Advanced Encryption Standard

Replaced RC4 stream cipher, with the capability of using a 128-bit or 256-bit for greater security.

Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP)

Uses AES for strong encryption and provides integrity and authentication via CCM mode.

What are the two modes of Wi-Fi Protected Access 2

Personal mode and enterprise mode.

How does WPA2 personal mode work?

Using a pre-shared key, and is usually used in smaller network.

How does WPA2 enterprise mode work?

Using individual authentication credentials, usually used in larger networks.

What is important to keep in mind regarding security, regardless of what network security protocol is being used?

To use and keep a strong password, that cannot be cracked using brute force or dictionary attacks.

Wi-Fi Protected Access 3

A modern network security protocol.

What does WPA3 stand for?

Wi-Fi Protected Access 3.

Why was WPA3 created and implemented?

To address modern security challenges and offer enhanced protections.

What encryption does WPA3 use?

SAE.

Besides its encryption standard, how does WPA3 secure networks?

Using forward secrecy and protected frame management.

What is the chronological order of the network security protocols?

WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3.

What encryption type does WEP use?

RC4.

Simultaneous Authentication of Equals

Advanced encryption standard that improves security against brute-force attacks and prevents encrypted data packet captures.

What does SAE stand for?

Simultaneous Authentication of Equals.

Protected Management Frames

Enhances protection of control messages exchanged between wireless devices.

What does PMF stand for?

Protected Management Frames.

What goal does PMF achieve?

Reduces the risk of eavesdropping and session hijacking.

Forward Secrecy

Ensures that even if the network password is compromised in the future, past communication sessions remain secure.

What kind of encryption key does WPA3 use on an enterprise level?

192-bit cryptographic key.

Is WPA3 widely used today?

No, it's seeing a gradual adoption.

What network security protocol do networks use today and why?

WPA2 and WPA3 in a hybrid setting to ensure device compatibility during the full adoption of WPA3.

MAC Address Filtering

Allows router to permit or deny access based on device MAC addresses.

What is a MAC address?

The hardware address of a given network card in a device.

What can be configured on MAC addresses?

The MAC address itself by an attacker.

Disabling the SSID Broadcast

Involves hiding the network name to make it less visible to casual users.

Can an SSID Broadcast still be found if it is completely hidden?

Yes, with determination.

What encryption types does WEP use?

RC4, using a static key and a 24-bit initialization vector.

What encryption types does WPA use?

TKIP, using RC4.

What encryption types does WPA2 use?

AES and CCMP.

What encryption types does WPA3 use?

AES, and protection against security attacks.