WiFi security types explained

Understanding WiFi security protocol types

Strong digital security helps keep everyone in your home protected from hackers online — but a good password manager isn’t enough. It’s crucial to ensure the WiFi connection itself is protecting you as well. 

Your WiFi will have a security protocol in place to protect data encrypted as it travels over your connection, and you probably never think about it. But, if your router is using an outdated protocol, this leaves you open to attacks. 

Our guide will explain what WiFi security protocols are, how to find out what type your network is using, and if you need to take action.

What are WiFi security protocols?

WiFi security protocols are security standards that use encryption technology to protect your sensitive data online. Essentially, the protocols will scramble your data so that it can’t be interpreted in the event of an attack or unauthorised access. They will only reveal information when proper authentication is provided.

Types of security protocols

There are currently four WiFi security protocols which are used by WiFi routers and access points. 

These security standards were first introduced in the 90s, and have gone through several phases to address new threats that come from changing technologies. 

While the protocols are an important part of wireless security, many people don’t know about them — and won’t know if their WiFi is using the most up-to-date version or not.

Security protocol: WiFi Protected Access 3 (WPA3)

Introduced in: 2018

Key fact: Currently being rolled out as the latest generation of protection.

Should you use it? Yes.

Security protocol: WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)

Introduced in: 2004

Key fact: Widely available and commonly used on home networks.

Should you use it? Yes, if WPA3 is unavailable

Security protocol: WiFi Protected Access (WPA)

Introduced in: 2003

Key fact: Brought in to temporarily correct WEP issues, though it is still sometimes used today.

Should you use it? No

Security protocol: Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)

Introduced in: 1999

Key fact: Abandoned and not recommended for use.

Should you use it? No

WiFi security type FAQs

What is WPA3 protocol?

The most recent and secure protocol is WPA3 (WiFi Protected Access 3), introduced in 2018. WPA3 hasn’t been widely rolled out yet, but is gradually being introduced to the market as the highest standard of wireless security.

Not only does WPA3 protect from external attacks, but it adds extra protection for personal errors, such as weak passwords. 

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What is WPA2 protocol?

Before WPA3, WPA2 (WiFi Protected Access 2) was the leading protocol since its introduction in 2004. In fact, WPA2, is currently the most commonly used protocol. 

For 20 years, WPA2 has been favoured s because it typically uses AES, or the Advanced Encryption Standard. Adding reliable encryption was a game changer for home networks, which were previously left fairly unprotected from attacks under WPA.

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What is WPA protocol?

Unlike WPA2, WPA (WiFi Protected Access) doesn’t have much to offer in terms of encryption, with only basic protection that could easily be broken by attacks. 

WPA was introduced in 2003, and since it was very quickly surpassed by WPA2 in 2004, it’ll be no surprise to hear that WPA was only meant to be a temporary solution to address vulnerabilities of its predecessor. Despite this, some home networks still use WPA today, with a fairly weak encryption standard called TKIP, or the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol.

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What is WEP protocol?

The first ever security protocol was WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), established in 1999. At the time, WEP aimed to provide the same level of security that wired networks offered, but vulnerabilities in the protocol were very quickly identified. 

Unfortunately, WEP is beyond saving, and cannot always be properly upgraded. It’s very rare to find a system that relies on WEP — if you do come across one, upgrade or replace the system immediately!

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Why is secure WiFi necessary?

If your WiFi is unsecure, attackers can get in at the source of your connection and compromise your devices. It’s like keeping your valuables in a locked box but leaving the key on top.

You should only connect to networks which use WPA2 or WPA3 for the best level of protection. If you do come across a system using WEP, maybe you’ve time-travelled and it’s 1999? Either way, connecting to networks with older security protocols leave you open to attacks and privacy breaches.

Security protocols are just one aspect of network security, check out more tips on setting up a secure home network to keep everyone in your home protected online.

How to check my WiFi security protocols? 

Now that you know what WiFi security protocols are, how can you find out which is being used by your home network? 

Checking this varies from device to device, and depends on your operating system. We’ve outlined ways to check security on common devices and OS below.

Find WiFi security on Android

Checking your security type may differ depending on your particular Android device, but you’ll likely find this information in the same settings area you use to find and connect to networks. Follow these steps:

1. Open up the settings in ‘Settings’.

2. Depending on your device, either navigate to ‘Connections’ or WiFi’.

3. Find the network you’re currently connected to. Click on the network name or the cog icon to view the settings.

4. Security type will be listed somewhere in this area.

Find WiFi security on iOS

Unlike Android phones and tablets, it’s not possible to check your WiFi security directly on an iPhone and other iOS devices. 

However, Apple is pretty hot on user security. So if you do connect to a network with weak security, a message will pop up within the WiFi settings area.

Find WiFi security on macOS

Checking security protocols on Apple Macbooks and other macOS devices is much easier than on iOS, but will still vary depending on your specific device:

1. While holding down the Option key, click on the WiFi icon in your toolbar.

2. This will open up details about your network, and your security type will be listed here.

Find WiFi security on Windows 10

All Windows devices should be using Windows 10 now, and have the same process to finding your WiFi security type:

1. Open up your WiFi settings by clicking the connection icon in the task bar, or through the settings area.

2. Find the network you’re currently connected to, and click ‘Properties’.

3. There will be an item called ‘Security Type’, and this will include the protocol your network is using.

Can I change my WiFi security type?

Home networks that use the older and less secure WPA or WEP protocols should be configured or replaced as soon as possible. 

Try to change your WiFi security protocol to a more reliable type through your router management settings. If this isn’t possible due to the outdated technology, it’s time to get on the phone with your provider and demand a new router, or consider switching.

If your network is using WPA3 protocol, it doesn’t get any better than that — so there's no need to take any further action. Many WiFi networks currently use WPA2, which is sometimes seen as WPA2 Personal or WPA2 (AES). 

This type is suitable for now, though you can still check your configuration settings to see whether WPA3 is available with your current system.

The best security types for WiFi are WPA3 or WPA2

The ideal security type for your WiFi router is WPA3, though this isn’t widely available as not all systems can support it yet. The next best type is WPA2, which is a valid option for now. As WPA2 has been around since 2004, you’ll be unlikely to find any tech that can’t support this.

If you find yourself on a weak security WiFi using WPA or WEP, this leaves you especially vulnerable to attacks. This can usually be resolved by upgrading your router — though if you’re also having persistent connection issues, it might be time to consider switching to a new provider entirely.

Community Fibre packages include high-quality WiFi 6 routers to keep you safe and secure online. We don’t use WiFi extenders, which sometimes have security vulnerabilities due to the encryption methods. Instead, our Premium WiFi uses innovative mesh technology for guaranteed strong connections around your home.