• Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP): The sources strongly discourage using WEP because it relies on the RC4 encryption algorithm, which has significant security flaws that make it vulnerable to attacks. The sources list these specific weaknesses:
• Weak Encryption Algorithm: The RC4 encryption algorithm itself is considered outdated and insecure by modern standards.
• Static Initialization Vectors (IVs): WEP uses short, static IVs that are easily guessed, making it possible for attackers to decrypt network traffic.
• Small Key Sizes: WEP supports small key sizes (64-bit and 128-bit) that are easily brute-forced with modern computing power.
• Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA): While WPA was an improvement over WEP, it also uses the flawed RC4 algorithm and is susceptible to attacks. Though it introduced TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) to address some WEP weaknesses, vulnerabilities remain in both RC4 and TKIP.
• Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS): While not a security standard in the same way as WEP or WPA, WPS is an authentication method often offered by wireless routers. It is designed for easy setup but has critical vulnerabilities. The sources and our previous conversation emphasize that WPS’s use of an 8-digit PIN, which can be easily brute-forced, makes it highly insecure. The sources recommend disabling WPS entirely.

Importance of Strong Wireless Security

The sources stress that organizations and individuals should prioritize strong wireless security practices, including using robust security protocols and staying informed about potential vulnerabilities. They recommend WPA2 or, preferably, WPA3, the latest standard, as these offer the strongest protection for wireless networks.