Which Encryption Protocol Is Used in the WPA2 Standard?

Advanced Encryption Standard technology (AES) is used in the WPA2 standards, with the IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac WiFi standards.

Which Encryption Protocol Is Used in the WPA2 Standard – Is It Beneficial for Wifi Security?

WPA2 or Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 is the second generation of the Wi-Fi Protected Access wireless network security protocol. Based on the Advanced Encryption Standard technology (AES), it’s used with the IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac WiFi standards. AES ensures encrypted data to prevent unauthorized access and secure the network system. WPA2 is the successor to WPA.

What Is AES Encryption?

AES stands for the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which is a symmetric block cipher chosen by the U.S. government to encode and secure classified information. Its encryption algorithm is used in the 802.11i security protocol. 

AES is implemented in software and hardware for wifi devices to bear the Wi-Fi trademark with the WPA2 standard to encrypt sensitive data. AES-CCMP combines counter mode and CBC-MAC, which are two advanced cryptographic techniques. Adapting them to Ethernet frames, AES-CCMP provides a robust security protocol between the mobile client and the access point.

AES itself is a very strong cipher, however, counter mode makes it difficult for an eavesdropper to spot patterns, and the CBC-MAC message integrity method ensures that messages have not been tampered with.

Is AES the Strongest Encryption?

AES-256  supports the largest bit size of a key length of 256 bits. The possible combination numbers are so high it’s almost unbreakable by brute force based on current computing power, making it the strongest encryption standard. 256 bits (AES) can create up to 1.1 x 10^77 combinations.

AES-256 encryption mechanism in ATP SecurEncrypt

What Is WPA2-PSK AES?

While WPA is designed for use with an 802.1X authentication server, PSK is designed for home and small office networks where every user has the same passphrase. WPA with 802.1X authentication server distributes different keys to each user. PSK stands for ‘Pre-Shared Key’ which is designed for home and small office networks where every user has the same passphrase.

WPA2 and VoIP Telephony

Most modern Internet access routers are secured with a WPA2 secured WiFi Access Point, with features like Voice-over-IP features, and extensive telephone system functions. 

WPA2 encryption standard ensures that the data sent and received in the wireless local area network stays safe from unauthorized access devices using the WiFi while calling via Voice-over-IP. This enables a basic kind of data security even if no encryption is used within Voice over IP, such as the Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP).

When Did WPA2 Become Standard?

From March 13, 2006, to June 30, 2020, for all new devices to bear the Wi-Fi trademark WPA2 certification was set as mandatory. However, the certification began in September 2004. 

To Conclude

For its insane key length size, 256-bit AES encryption is technically the most secure data encryption. The data encryption is more mathematically efficient, backed by a critical cryptographic algorithm.