Benefits and Vulnerabilities of Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
Paul Arana · 2006
With the increase in use of Wireless Networks, the initial protocols, Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) first, then Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), used to secure wireless communications were found inadequate due to many proven vulnerabilities so a new protocol was implemented, the Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) protocol. This paper will first discuss the benefits of the Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) protocol used to secure communications in Wireless Networks over previous protocols and the vulnerabilities addressed by it, then it will discuss the available modes to secure a wireless network using the Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) protocol and finally explore its vulnerabilities. In conclusion, this paper will present possible solutions and/or suggestions on how the Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) protocol vulnerabilities might be mitigated and/or addressed through enhancements or new protocols.