Wi-Fi Security Sees Toughest Upgreat in a Decade

Wi-Fi Security Sees Toughest Upgrade in a Decade

Wi-Fi Alliance is looking to beef up security with an updated protocol

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Jun 27, 2018

Last year more than 500,000 consumer-grade routers around the world were breached by hackers using the nefarious VPNFilter malware that originated from Russia. Now, after nearly a decade of the same standards, the Wi-Fi Alliance is looking to beef up security with an updated protocol.

The Wi-Fi Alliance is a group of companies certifying devices capable of data transmission over Wi-Fi. For years, the standards have been the same, allowing hacker after hacker access to vulnerable routers. Yesterday, the alliance updated the commonly implemented security protocol for Wi-Fi enabled devices and has also begun the process of certifying products that support WPA3.

Devices upgraded to WPA3 will be mostly invulnerable to hackers attempting to guess your passwords until they get it right. The new security provisions will also enable "robust protection" when people use weak passwords. Additionally, WPA3 enabled devices will also feature individualized data encryption, making them safer to use in public places.

The Wi-Fi Alliance is also releasing a new program for both WPA2 and WPA3 devices that enables a QR code-based system for connecting devices to access points. All you would have to do to connect is scan the code.

While the Wi-Fi Alliance currently does not mandate a WPA3 certification for all new devices, its adoption is expected to accelerate in the coming years and WPA3 could soon become a prerequisite for Wi-Fi certification.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • 2025 Gun Violence Statistics Show Signs of Progress

    Omnilert, a national leader in AI-powered safety and emergency communications, has released its 2025 Gun Violence Statistics, along with a new interactive infographic examining national and school-related gun violence trends. In 2025, the U.S. recorded 38,762 gun-violence deaths, highlighting the continued importance of prevention, early detection, and coordinated response. Read Now

  • Big Brand Tire & Service Rolls Out Interface Virtual Perimeter Guard

    Interface Systems, a managed service provider delivering remote video monitoring, commercial security systems, business intelligence, and network services for multi-location enterprises, today announced that Big Brand Tire & Service, one of the nation’s fastest-growing independent tire and automotive service providers, has eliminated costly overnight break-ins and significantly reduced trespassing and vandalism at a high-risk location. The company achieved these results by deploying Interface Virtual Perimeter Guard, an AI-powered perimeter security solution designed to deter incidents before they occur. Read Now

  • The Evolution of ID Card Printing: Customer Challenges and Solutions

    The landscape of ID card printing is evolving to meet changing customer needs, transitioning from slow, manual processes to smart, on-demand printing solutions that address increasingly complex enrollment workflows. Read Now

  • TSA Awards Rohde & Schwarz Contract for Advanced Airport Screening Ahead of Soccer World Cup 2026

    Rohde & Schwarz, a provider of AI-based millimeter wave screening technology, announced today it has won a multi-million dollar award from TSA to supply its QPS201 AIT security scanners to passenger security screening checkpoints at selected Soccer World Cup 2026 host city airports. Read Now

  • Brivo, Eagle Eye Networks Merge

    Dean Drako, Chairman of Brivo, the leading global provider of cloud-native access control and smart space technologies, and Founder of Eagle Eye Networks, the global leader in cloud AI video surveillance, today announced the two companies will merge, creating the world’s largest AI cloud-native physical security company. The merged company will operate under the Brivo name and deliver a truly unified cloud-native security platform. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.