(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What wireless security standard should be used for a new wireless network to ensure a high level of security?

1. WPA

2. WEP2

3. WPA2

4. WEP

The correct answer is: WPA2

WPA2 is the recommended standard for securing a new wireless network due to its robust security features. Introduced in 2004, WPA2 uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for encryption, which is far more secure compared to the encryption methods used by older standards like WEP and the original WPA. AES has been extensively analyzed and is widely regarded as highly secure, making WPA2 suitable for environments where data protection is critical. In addition, WPA2 supports stronger user authentication protocols, including support for 802.1X for enterprise networks. This allows for more secure authentication methods compared to WEP, which relies on a static key that can easily be compromised, and WPA, which while better than WEP, still has vulnerabilities that WPA2 resolves. When considering the evolution of wireless security, it's important to note that WEP is now considered obsolete and insecure, with numerous vulnerabilities that can be exploited in minutes. WPA is an improvement over WEP, but it is not as strong as WPA2, and newer standards like WPA3, which offers even better security enhancements, are becoming the norm as technology advances. However, as of the timeline provided, WPA2 remains the best choice for a secure wireless network deployment.