How do you know your WiFi security type and which one is the best? Security has been at the center of users’ concerns in recent years, and WiFi is an important element to consider in a protection strategy. However, navigating all the denominations isn’t always easy. We explain everything you need to know on the subject.
Have you ever wondered if your WiFi network is truly secure? This is likely to be the case at a time when cyberattacks are on the rise and protection solutions abound. But if not, or if you just want to know more about the subject, it is very important to start with knowing the protection type of your network.
In fact, there is no uniform security for all routers, and they are not all alike. The devices have improved over time, but some devices have not yet been updated for various reasons. That’s why it’s important to know your WiFi security type and what to do in case of weak protection.
What Are the Different Types of WiFi Security?
There are a total of 4 WiFi security protocols. A brief overview:
- Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP): It is the oldest protocol and therefore the least effective of them all. Deployed in 1997, still available on some older devices, but not recommended for use.
- Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA): WPA is the worthy successor of WEP. It closes the vulnerabilities found in the latter and adds additional protection tools such as Temporary Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP).
- Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2): Similar to its predecessor, it replaces TKIP with the Counter Mode Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP), which more easily encrypts data. Launched in 2004, it is the most popular protocol to date.
- Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3): The newest, WPA3, came to our homes in 2018. Therefore, it is the most effective in terms of protection as well as facilitating connection for all types of devices.
As you can see, the older the security type, the less effective it is. This can be explained by a simple reason: the protocols were developed according to the threats of the time and therefore they find themselves outdated in the face of new forms of cyber attacks. In addition, over time, hackers have found various ways to circumvent security systems that newer protocols cannot.
How do I find out my WiFi security type
As mentioned earlier, it is important to know the protocol installed on your router in order to evaluate the security level of your network. There are different ways to do this depending on the device you’re on. Let’s start with Windows 10:
- Click the WiFi icon in the taskbar
- Find your router’s name and click it. Featuresunder the second
- Scroll down to section Features
- even consult Security type
It’s even easier to use on macOS. Just click on the WiFi icon While holding down the Option key to view the connection settings, including the security type
Here’s how to do it on Android:
- to meet Settings
- select category Wireless
- Click on your router name
- Search for the line in the window that appears Encryption type
Things get tricky on iOS. Currently, there is no way to check your router’s security type on an iPhone or iPad. It is therefore best to use a PC to obtain this information.
If you have WPA3, the good news: you don’t need to do anything to strengthen the security of your network. Theoretically, you could sleep better for a few more years. Same thing if you have WPA2. Despite being older, the latter remains a very effective device against cyber attacks. However, for best protection, you can update your router if you wish.
On the other hand, if you haven’t updated your protocol from WPA or, less likely, WEP, it’s urgent that you do so if you don’t want to be the victim of an attack. To do this, refer to your router’s user manual or contact your ISP to find out how. Even the cheapest routers these days support WPA2.
