Fri. Jan 27th, 2023

Encryption of data on WiFi networks

WiFi is inherently less secure than a wired network. It uses radio waves which means its reach often extends beyond the area where it is required (for example from inside a business into a public area).

As WiFi uses radio waves, it is possible for anyone with a receiver (in practise, simply one of a number of WiFi network cards) to listen in and pick up the data being transmitted.

For this reason, it is vital to use encryption when setting up WiFi networks in order to prevent malicious actors from intercepting communications. Note that being able to listen in to traffic in this way may open up routes to other forms of attack, such as MAC spoofing.

WiFi networks are secured using one of WPA, WEP or WEP2.