Why Many Companies Still Use WPA2 And Why It's Time to Move On
In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, one area that often gets overlooked is Wi-Fi security. Despite major advances, a surprising number of companies still rely on WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) to secure their wireless networks. As of 2024, approximately 60% of companies continue to use WPA2, while only around 40% have made the shift to WPA3, the latest and more secure standard.
WPA2: Still Prevalent, But Showing Its Age
Introduced in 2004, WPA2 has been the gold standard for Wi-Fi security for well over a decade. When properly configured ‒ especially in its Enterprise version ‒ it can still offer solid protection. However, it's not without its flaws.
One major vulnerability that shook confidence in WPA2 was the KRACK attack (Key Reinstallation Attack) (https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/krack ) discovered in 2017. This exploit revealed fundamental weaknesses in WPA2’s encryption process, leading security experts to urge organizations to patch their systems or consider upgrading to a more secure protocol.
Why WPA3 Is the Future
WPA3, released in 2018, is designed to address the shortcomings of its predecessor. It offers:
- Stronger encryption with individualized data encryption
- Protection against brute-force attacks
- Improved security even on public networks
- Forward secrecy, ensuring that if one session is compromised, past sessions remain secure
Despite these improvements, WPA3’s adoption has been relatively slow. Why? Mainly because of compatibility issues. Many legacy devices simply don’t support WPA3, and upgrading an organization’s entire fleet of hardware can be costly and time-consuming.
The Problem with Sticking to WPA2
While WPA2 is still functional, relying on it without additional safeguards is a growing liability ‒ especially as cyber threats become more sophisticated. This is where WIPS (Wireless Intrusion Prevention Systems) comes in.
WPA2 networks, especially in enterprise environments, require WIPS to provide continuous monitoring and automatic response to wireless threats. WIPS helps:
- Detect rogue access points
- Block unauthorized devices
- Monitor for unusual activity or attacks like spoofing and eavesdropping
Without WIPS, a WPA2 network is significantly more vulnerable to intrusions and data breaches.
What Companies Should Do Now
For organizations still using WPA2, the path forward is clear:
- Implement WIPS to bolster existing WPA2 networks.
- Begin planning for a transition to WPA3, prioritizing high-security areas and sensitive departments.
- Educate staff about safe Wi-Fi usage and the risks of outdated protocols.
- Regularly audit your wireless infrastructure for vulnerabilities and outdated equipment.
Final Thoughts
While WPA2 has served organizations well for nearly two decades, it's no longer sufficient on its own to meet today’s security demands. Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent, more targeted, and more sophisticated ‒ and wireless networks are often the weakest link. Relying solely on WPA2 without additional protections like WIPS creates a false sense of security. Many companies assume that because “it’s always worked,” it will continue to be effective. That mindset is risky.
The reality is this: WPA2 is fundamentally outdated. Its known vulnerabilities are well-documented and actively exploited by attackers. Even when properly configured, WPA2 does not offer the same level of security or resilience that WPA3 brings to the table. The longer companies wait to upgrade, the more they increase their risk exposure ‒ not just to breaches, but to compliance violations, data loss, reputational damage, and legal consequences.
Adopting WPA3 should not be seen as a luxury or optional enhancement ‒ it’s a strategic necessity for any organization that handles sensitive data or operates in a regulated industry. And for those still dependent on WPA2 due to legacy constraints, implementing WIPS is no longer optional ‒ it’s a baseline requirement.
In short, organizations must:
- Be proactive, not reactive, about Wi-Fi security.
- Treat wireless infrastructure as a critical part of their overall cybersecurity strategy.
- Allocate resources for upgrades, training, and monitoring.
- Understand that even one compromised access point can serve as a gateway to widespread network compromise.
As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, businesses that prioritize modern, layered wireless security will be the ones best positioned to protect their data, maintain customer trust, and stay ahead of emerging threats.
If you haven’t already started planning your move to WPA3, now is the time.