WPA2
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Networking
| Stands for | Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
WPA2 stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access 2, a networking abbreviation.
The Wi-Fi security standard that implements IEEE 802.11i with AES-based CCMP encryption, introduced in 2004 and required on certified devices from 2006. WPA2-Personal protects home networks with a shared passphrase, while WPA2-Enterprise authenticates each user through a RADIUS server.
Example: Set the router to WPA2-AES and pick a passphrase of at least 12 characters.
Usage notes
In 2017 researchers disclosed the KRACK attack on WPA2's four-way handshake; it was fixed with software patches rather than a new standard. WPA2-Personal remains open to offline password guessing if an attacker captures a handshake, which is why long passphrases matter. It is still the most widely supported Wi-Fi security mode.
Related abbreviations
More networking abbreviations
- AP – Access point (wireless)
- ARP – Address Resolution Protocol
- ARPANET – Advanced Research Projects Agency Network
- ASN – Autonomous system number
- ATM – Asynchronous Transfer Mode
- BGP – Border Gateway Protocol
- CGNAT – Carrier-grade NAT
- CIDR – Classless Inter-Domain Routing
- CIFS – Common Internet File System
- CNAME – Canonical name (record)
- CRC – Cyclic redundancy check
- CSMA/CD – Carrier-sense multiple access with collision detection