Here we can see, “Why isn’t WPA2 an Automatic Update?”
If you use Wi-Fi at work, you’re likely utilizing WPA2 security. Nothing else is worth utilizing, after all. Despite the obvious misnomer, WEP (extended or otherwise) was nearly cracked before it was published, and you do not want to use it! WPA was developed later and is hundreds of times more secure. Unfortunately, WPA is vulnerable to wireless cracking techniques, and it’s even less secure than a WEP-encrypted network if you don’t use a strong password.
WPA2 appears to be the solution. It employs AES,1 with obligatory CCMP support instead of WPA’s default (and susceptible) TKIP packet encryption. 2 Without going into great detail, suffice it to note that CCMP has shown to be secure uncrackable to this point.
The only issue? Without a special update for WPA2 encryption capability, Windows XP is incompatible with WPA2-secured networks. That’s understandable, given that WPA2 was released after Windows XP SP2. But there’s a catch: it’s not even listed in Windows Update! Windows Update, which is usually swift with the monthly Malicious Software Removal Tool and other recommended upgrades, startled us by not even hinting that a critical security update like WPA2 was ready for download. Since May 2005, Microsoft has made it available for manual download – but only with Genuine Advantage validation… That’s a lot of time to wait! 3
To make matters worse, you can’t even utilize WPA2 if you’re running Windows XP x64 Edition!! So, the answer is no for those enterprises trying to safeguard their wireless networks from attackers while still wanting to stay on the cutting edge with 64-bit versions of Microsoft Windows.
For those who are so inclined, there may be a workaround. You might be able to get Windows to connect to WPA2-encrypted networks without installing any updates or formatting your PC to get the x86 edition installed by using the proprietary Intel and Cisco applications provided for connecting to wireless networks.
The bottom line is that we know Microsoft is serious about security, and they, like us, are frustrated by the absence of it on Windows, but it’s incidents like this that make people question. For example, how difficult would it be to make this a recommended download for all x86 users via Windows Update and provide a version with x64 support before the release of Windows XP x64 SP2 years from now?
Conclusion
I hope you found this information helpful. Please fill out the form below if you have any questions or comments.
User Questions
1. Why are WPA and WPA2 insecure?
It’s conceivable that your WiFi Router is too old to be configured for more secure settings (or is incapable of doing so). As a result, you have two options: configure the most secure settings your Router supports or replace your Router with something more advanced with better security setup options.
2. What will take the place of WPA2?
The Wi-Fi Alliance introduced WPA3 in January 2018. This non-profit organisation promotes Wi-Fi technology and certifies Wi-Fi equipment for compliance with interoperability standards.
3. What is the procedure for enabling WPA2 on my router?
Click on ‘Network,’ then on ‘wireless security,’ on the left side of the screen. You’ve come to the proper location if you see WPA, WPA2, WPA3, and other alternatives to pick from. After selecting WPA2-PSK for wireless security and AES for encryption, restart the router as directed.
4. Router doesn’t support WPA2-AES, only WPA2-TKIP – Reddit
Router doesn’t support WPA2-AES, only WPA2-TKIP from HomeNetworking
5. WPA/WPA2 security? Help a completely clueless person : r/wifi
WPA/WPA2 security? Help a completely clueless person from wifi
