In this internet world, every other person is using wifi. But it is important to keep your wifi protected. If your wifi is not password protected, anyone can use your internet. It will affect your internet speed and may lead to cyber threats. WPA2 password is one of the best ways to secure and protect your wifi. Read this blog to understand what WPA2 is and how it can help you keep your wifi secured.
History of Wifi Passwords:
WPA stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access, used to protect the privacy of your internet connection. If your wifi is password protected, no other person can access your wifi internet without your permission.
WPA was developed in 2003 to replace the earlier technology Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) functions. WPA was better than WEP, yet it failed to survive for a long due to its weaker security features.
So in 2004, WPA2 was developed, which is used to date as the safest security option for wireless or wifi internet connections.
What is a WPA2 password?
Wireless Protected Access 2 (WPA2) is the advanced technology to keep your wireless networks or wifi secured. WPA2 is based on the IEEE 802.11i technology, and it replaced the original WPA.
WPA2 password is a strong and reliable technique to keep your wifi protected. Anyone who wants to use your wifi must first enter the WPA2 password.
WPA2 Password Versions:
WPA2 Password has the following versions:
- WPA2-PSK (AES) (also called WPA2- Personal)
- WPA2-PSK (TKIP)
- WPA2 Enterprise
WPA2-PSK (AES) is more secure than WPA2-PSK (TKIP). Still, WPA2-PSK (TKIP) is used in older devices that do not support WPA2-PSK (AES).
The WPA2 uses two-layered Security:
PSK security:
Pre-shared key (PSK) Security- The WPA2 uses the PSK password system, and the user who has this password can use the internet.
MIC security:
Message Integrity Code (MIC)- The MIC Security verifies the keys that users transfer. The MIC stops sharing the data if the keys do not match twice.
Pros of WPA2:
- The strongest WPA2 password.
- Three types of bits: 128 bits/192 bits/256 bits make hacking almost impossible.
- WPA2 uses Advanced Encryption Standard.
How Does the WPA2 Password Work:
[https://everydaycyber.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/EDC-What-is-a-WPA2-password-Personal-vs-Enterprise-WPA2.png]
WPA2 asks users to create a password to protect the Wi-Fi connection. Once the wifi is protected with a strong password, no stranger can use your wifi without your permission.
People generally use WPA2 to keep their home networks and local offices protected. Though WPA2-PSK is safe, it allows all the users to connect using the same password. It is a loophole that reduces its security. For instance, in public places like airports, and railway stations, the internet speed lowers due to over-usage by many people.
WPA Enterprise is another version of WPA2 which is more secure. It provides different versions to every individual, thus providing limited access to the Wi-Fi connection. Every individual gets a separate network to use. Thus, it also helps in maintaining faster speed.
What Are The WPA2 Password Requirements?
There is no mandate requirement or guideline to enter the type of password. Still, users can use the following pattern to create a strong password.
- Upper and lowercase letters
- Numeric characters
- Special keyboard characters
Some things to Consider To create a Password:
- Never use obvious or common passwords, like your name.
- Use a set of random characters, a mix of alphanumeric and special characters, to make it a strong one.
- Do not use too short a password that anyone can easily crack.
A minimum of 16 characters is considered a strong password ideally. Hackers can easily crack the password using hacking tools if the password is anything less than this.
How To Set your Router’s WPA2 password?
Step 1.
First, check your router address on its bottom. It may look like 192.168.1.1. Enter this router address into your browser’s address bar and press enter.
Step 2.
Once you press enter after entering the router address, you will be redirected to a login screen. Once you log in, you can enter the router’s internal settings.
Step 3.
In the router’s internal settings, go to the security or administration tab. From the drop-down menu under the Security tab, choose WPA2. Now enter your WPA2 password to keep your wifi secured.
After entering the password, click Finish and exit the router. Connect your router with a computer or any other device and check if the password is working or not.
How to Connect My Mac to the Internet Using Wifi?
- Click the wifi icon on your Mac from the menu bar. Choose one network from the list of available networks displayed.
- Click on the network you want to join. If the network you want to join is not visible, click on Other Networks to show other nearby networks.
- Enter the password to join and click connect.
FAQs of WPA2 Password:
How safe is a WPA2 Password?
It is known as one of the best security passwords for wifi. The users’ passwords help them secure their wifi from hacking or unauthorized access.
How and where can I find the WPA2 password?
To find the WPA2 password, first, you must know the router’s IP address. You can see the router’s IP address at its bottom.
Enter the router address in any browser. Log in to the router settings and enter the router’s Security settings. Enter the username and password to log in. You can find the WPA2 settings in the Security or Wireless tab.
Which is better: WPA2 or WPA2 Enterprise?
WPA2 Personal and WPA2 Enterprise both use the same encryption technology. WPA2 is more useful for home and small office networks. At the same time, WPA2 Enterprise is used for enterprises.
WPA2 Enterprise allocates a separate password to each user, making it more secure, faster, and reliable. It allows only a part of the wifi to each user so that the speed is not affected badly.
On the contrary, WPA2 allocates a common password to each user. Thus, it slows down on overuse.
What does WPA2 mean for Wi-Fi?
WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) is a security protocol used in wireless networks to encrypt data, enhancing the confidentiality and integrity of data transmissions, and providing a secure Wi-Fi connection.
Conclusion:
So, now you know the importance of a WPA2 password for your Wi-Fi protection. You can use the steps given in the blog if you want to set up your wifi. Make sure to protect your wireless network with a strong WPA2 password.
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