Wireless Protocol 3 (WPA3) improves Wi-Fi security compared to the WPA2 protocol, as it provides individual data encryption, side channel protection, and a more robust authentication mechanism through its 192-bit encryption than the WPA2 protocol.
Here are some improvements offered by WPA3 over the WPA2 protocol :
Enhanced Encryption
WPA3 uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with the Galois/Counter mode (GCM), while WPA2 uses the AES-CCMP (Counter Mode Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol). The AES with GCM provides robust authentication as it is more complex to break than the WPA2 protocol.
Authentication Process
WPA2 uses a pre-shared key to gain access to a network, whereas WPA3 uses Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), which needs a user to interact every time an authentication request is placed. This prevents the network from being under dictionary and password-guess attacks.
Individual Data Protection
WPA3 offers individual encryption to every device connected to the network, including devices in an open network. With WPA2, there is a single encryption key for all the devices in a network.
Protection Against Attacks
WPA3 addresses many weaknesses in WPA2, especially the KRACK (Key Reinstallation attack), where an attacker can clone the network a user connects to and decrypt the data at each connection. WPA3 offers robust protection against network attacks for improved overall security.
WPA3 Use Cases and Best Practices
WPA3-Enterprise protects sensitive data in businesses and organizations with stronger encryption and security for individual data. With a public hotspot, WPA3 encrypts data without user authentication, providing safer internet browsing for users and guests. WPA3 is also ideal for industrial IoT applications, as it ensures data confidentiality and provides superior device security.
WPA3 Best Practices To Follow For A Secure Network
- Choose WPA3-Enterprise instead of the WPA3-Personal mode to leverage its superior security features. You should use the WPA3-Enterprise and a valid certificate to avoid Man-In-The-Middle attacks.
- For enhanced security, use 192-bit encryption. You should also use the EAP-TLS protocol and digital certificates for a more secure network environment.
- Ensure that all the network devices and infrastructure are compatible with WPA3 and can use the encryption strength optimally.
- Ensure your devices are upgraded regularly to leverage the WPA3 patches and improvements periodically.
Is It Prudent To Transition To WPA3-Enterprise From WPA-2 Enterprise?
As mentioned in this article, WPA3 Enterprise provides superior security compared to WPA2-Enterprise. However, as an organization, you should test all your existing devices and infrastructure for WPA3 Enterprise compatibility in advance. We’ve discovered that many major operating systems, such as Windows and Linux, still lack substantial support for WPA3.
Windows devices support the transitional WPA3, a rebadged version of WPA2 that provides Management Frame Protection (MFP), Counter-Mode CBC-MAC Protocol (CCMP), and EAP-SHA26. The UI does not show WPA3 Enterprise for Linux, as it still supports WPA/WPA2-EAP Cipher but no MFP.
Here is a list of all other OS and infrastructure supported by WPA3 Enterprise
| OS Support | Aruba | Meraki | Ubiquiti | Mist | Ruckus |
| Android 11 and Below | Poor Support | Poor Support | Poor Support | Poor Support | Poor Support |
| Android 12 and Above | Reasonable Support | Reasonable Support | Reasonable Support | Reasonable Support | Reasonable Support |
| iOS | Yes, but not 256 Bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes, but not 256 Bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ChromeOS | Yes, but not 256 Bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows (WPA3 Transition Mode*) | Yes, but not 256 Bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | No | No | No | No | No |
WPA3-Enterprise is a relatively newer iteration of Wi-Fi security, and the overall transition could be very time-consuming. Because it is not widely used, little is known about its security and whether it needs more security updates. WPA3-Enterprise only addresses the vulnerabilities from its previous protocol, but without patch updates and adherence to best practices, it could still leave your network vulnerable to attacks and data theft.
WPA2-Enterprise With EAP-TLS: Is It Better For A Secure Network?
WPA3-Enterprise addresses the vulnerabilities in WPA2-Enterprise, but many older devices lack support. Thus, organizations wanting to move to WPA3-Enterprise may need to overhaul their infrastructure. If that’s not feasible, WPA2-Enterprise with EAP-TLS supports digital certificates for 802.1X authentication and is still an excellent, secure alternative available to most modern devices and operating systems.
However, EAP-TLS will require a Public Key Infrastructure and a way to issue all those certificates to your endpoints. Our gateway APIs integrate with all significant MDM platforms, allowing you to leverage your MDM of choice for zero-touch certificate issuance. We offer the industry’s best self-service device onboarding technology for unmanaged devices.
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