Wi-Fi Alliance launches next-generation WPA3 security certification program

[51CTO.com original article] On June 26, the Wi-Fi Alliance officially held a media meeting in Beijing and announced the launch of the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED WPA3 security certification program. As a new generation of Wi-Fi security certification program, its new features can enhance the protection of personal and enterprise Wi-Fi networks. In the more than ten years since its release, WPA2 has been widely adopted. On this basis, WPA3 adds new features and simplifies Wi-Fi security, realizes flexible authentication, and provides more trustworthy encryption strength for highly sensitive data markets. As the Wi-Fi industry transitions to WPA3 security certification, WPA2 devices will continue to maintain interoperability and provide certified security performance.

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Mr. Kevin Robinson, Vice President of Marketing, Wi-Fi Alliance

The WPA3 security certification program continues to support the market through two different operating modes: WPA3 Personal and WPA3 Enterprise. All WPA3 networks use the latest security methods, disable outdated legacy protocols, and require the use of ProtectedManagementFrames (PMF) to maintain the resilience of mission-critical networks. Key capabilities of WPA3 include:

"WPA3 Personal: More resilient password authentication that provides effective protection even when the user chooses a password that is less complex than the recommended level. WPA3 uses Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) as a secure key protocol between devices to provide users with stronger protection against third-party cracking of passwords.

WPA3 Enterprise: Provides 192-bit encryption strength security, providing additional protection for networks that transmit sensitive data, such as those of government or financial systems. The 192-bit security suite ensures consistent deployment of encryption tools across WPA3 networks.

Earlier this year, the Wi-Fi Alliance introduced enhanced features and new capabilities for Wi-Fi Protected Access. Wi-Fi Protected Access is a core member of the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED security technology family, ensuring strong security protection for WPA2 as the wireless landscape continues to evolve. WPA2 remains a mandatory requirement for all Wi-Fi CERTIFIED devices, and as WPA3 market adoption continues to increase, the next-generation Wi-Fi security certification will become a mandatory requirement for all Wi-Fi CERTIFIED devices. WPA3 maintains interoperability with WPA2 devices through a transitional operating mode. Wi-Fi users can still get a reassuring security experience when connecting to a secure Wi-Fi CERTIFIED network.

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Release event site

“WPA3 is the first to deliver the industry’s strongest security protections in the face of an evolving security landscape,” said Edgar Figueroa, president and CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance. “WPA3 continues the evolution of Wi-Fi security and maintains the brand promise of Wi-Fi Protected Access.”

In addition, the Wi-Fi Alliance also announced the launch of Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Easy Connect, a new program that reduces the complexity of configuring Wi-Fi devices with limited or no display interface, such as some Internet of Things (IoT) devices already on the market, while maintaining high security standards. Wi-Fi Easy Connect allows users to securely add any device to a Wi-Fi network by simply scanning the product QR code using a device with a more powerful display interface, such as a smartphone. Wi-Fi Easy Connect and WPA3 represent the latest progress of the Wi-Fi Alliance certification program, ensuring that users have a good experience while maintaining a secure connection as the security landscape continues to evolve.

"Wi-Fi's continued evolution to stay ahead of the market is critical to its continued success as one of the greatest success stories in wireless technology," said Phil Solis, research director at IDC. "The Wi-Fi Alliance has played a critical role in the evolution of Wi-Fi and has worked hard to develop the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED program to ensure that individuals and businesses in all industries can trust the convenience and security of Wi-Fi connections."

The Wi-Fi Alliance's recently launched Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Enhanced Open certification program brings new advantages to users of open Wi-Fi networks. In situations where user authentication is not required or credential distribution is not possible (such as guest networks with web portals in coffee shops, airports, hotels and stadiums), Wi-Fi Enhanced Open can now provide stronger data protection while maintaining the convenience and ease of use of open networks.

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