September 22, 2023 Network security: What wifi security protocol am I using?

Required wifi security protocol

If you never connect by wifi (that is, you use a wired connection on any computer you do AW BV work on), it’s appropriate to answer “NA” to questions about wifi – there’s no need to read the info on this page. There are many different wifi security “protocols”, that define how our wifi device and the modem/router “talk” to each other. It’s likely you’re already using a secure protocol, but we need to make sure. Acceptable security protocols are, in order of preference:

  1. WPA3 (best)
  2. WPA2 + AES
  3. WPA2 + TKIP

WPA2 Personal is equivalent any of the last two options, so it’s acceptable. Anything else may be a problem. These protocols work for anything else you do online (ie, not just work with AW BV), and are used by billions of people every day. More context.

Check wifi security type in Windows

On Windows 10, find the wifi Connection icon in the taskbar. Click it, then click Properties underneath your current wifi connection. Scroll down, and look for the wifi details under Properties. Under that, look for Security Type, which displays your wifi’s protocol.

Check wifi security type in MacOS

Hold down the Option key and click on the wifi icon in the toolbar. It will show your network details, including what security type you’re on.

Change wifi security protocol

To change your wifi security protocol;

  1. Access your modem/router’s web interface
    1. As described in the How do I change my router/modem password? FAQ
  2. Select the “Wireless” or “wifi” menu option
  3. Change the security protocol – might be in a “Security” subsection
    1. Set it to  the higher-most item on our list at the top of the page
    2. If you do not have any of those options, make a screenshot of what you do have, and share with your main contact at AW BV. A new modem/router may be necessary, and your ISP will likely provide this for free. If not, AW BV can contribute.
    3. If you are connected by wifi when making this change, you’ll lose access to the internet and the modem/router as soon as the protocol is changed; you’ll need to reconnect (same wifi password as normal)
  4. Each device that connects to wifi will become disconnected (because the security protocol has changed), so re-connect each device
  5. Tell your housemates they’ll need to reconnect to the wifi as well!
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