WiFi Security

What is WiFi security?

WiFi security refers to the encryption that protects the data traveling between your device and your router. Without encryption, anyone nearby could intercept and read your network traffic—like reading postcards instead of sealed letters.

Over the years, WiFi security has evolved through several standards: Open (no security), WEP (broken), WPA (outdated), WPA2 (current standard), and WPA3 (newest and most secure). Each newer standard improves on the last.

Why it matters

Using weak or no WiFi security means anyone nearby can potentially see what you're doing online, steal your passwords, or access devices on your network. Even with HTTPS protecting individual websites, unencrypted WiFi exposes which sites you visit and can enable various attacks.

WEP, despite requiring a password, is so broken that it can be cracked in minutes with freely available tools. If your network still uses WEP, it's essentially the same as having no password at all.

What you can do

• Check your router settings and enable WPA2 or WPA3 if available
• Use a strong, unique password—at least 12 characters with mixed types
• If your router only supports WEP, it's time to upgrade to a newer router
• Enable WPA3 if your router and devices support it for the best protection
• Avoid connecting to open (unprotected) WiFi networks in public places
• Consider using a VPN when on networks you don't control for extra security

What Network Weather shows you

Network Weather identifies your WiFi security type and warns about weak or outdated encryption.