The Wi-Fi Alliance this week introduced WPA3, a new standard of enhanced WiFi network security protections.
The announcement follows the disclosure last year of a WiFi exploit called KRACK that allows attackers to take advantage of vulnerabilities in the commonly used WPA2 security protocol to intercept passwords and emails or inject ransomware into a website.
New features of WPA3 include “robust protections” for passwords even when they are weak, and a simplified security configuration for devices with limited or no display interface, such as Internet of Things gadgets.
Individualized data encryption will also be provided for devices connected to open networks.
In addition, WPA3 will use a 192-bit security suite aligned with the Commercial National Security Algorithm (CNSA) Suite, which the Wi-Fi Alliance said will further protect government, defense and industrial networks that have higher security needs.
“WiFi security technologies may live for decades, so it’s important they are continually updated to ensure they meet the needs of the WiFi industry,” Joe Hoffman of SAR Insight & Consulting said in a statement. “WiFi is evolving to maintain its high-level of security as industry demands increase.”
The Wi-Fi Alliance, whose members include Apple, Intel, Qualcomm, Microsoft, Comcast and other tech companies, said the new security features will be available later this year.