What is Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)?

You are probably quite well-equipped on how to handle your Wi-Fi networks, have the most complex passwords for your connection, use Wi-Fi calling and plenty more features. But are you aware of the security codes, encryption and other technologies that protect your Wi-Fi connection? If not, then here is our blog to help you understand what is WEP. By the end of this article, you will know the meaning of WPA, how secure WPA is and lots more.

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Okay, so what is Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)?

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a security algorithm that was developed in the 1990s to provide a secure wireless network connection. Since our wireless networks transmit their data with the help of radio waves, they can be intercepted by unwanted entities, which is not safe. Therefore, WEP was designed to protect wireless networks from unauthorized access by encrypting the data transmitted over the network. It makes use of a shared secret key to encrypt and decrypt data. This key is also named the WEP key at times.

The benefits of WEP

Now that we have explained what is WEP in Wi-Fi, let’s check out its benefits.

Encryption

WEP uses a shared secret key to encrypt data transmitted over the network, which helps to protect against unauthorized access.

Easy to use

The technology is easy to set up and use, which made it popular among users who wanted a simple way to secure their wireless networks.

Widely supported

WEP was supported by a wide range of wireless devices and routers, making it easy to use with many different types of hardware.

However, despite these benefits, WEP has been shown to have several vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. As a result, it is no longer considered to be a secure method of protecting wireless networks and has been replaced by more advanced security protocols such as WPA and WPA2.

But what were these drawbacks that made WEP go out-of-date? Read on to find out!

The drawbacks of WEP

Here’s a closer look into the factors that were critiqued about WEP:

Vulnerabilities

WEP has been shown to have several vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. These vulnerabilities include the ability to recover the shared secret key through passive attacks, and the ability to inject false data into the network through active attacks.

Limited key size

The technology uses a shared secret key to encrypt and decrypt data, but the key size is limited to 40 bits or 104 bits, which makes it relatively easy for attackers to crack the key through brute force attacks.

Lack of integrity protection

WEP does not provide integrity protection for data transmitted over the network, which means that an attacker could potentially modify or tamper data without being detected.

Inefficient

WEP is inefficient in terms of the amount of processing power and bandwidth required to encrypt and decrypt data.

Therefore, WEP is no longer considered to be a secure method of protecting wireless networks.

Why should you get a secure broadband connection?

Looking for a broadband connection to boost the internet speed in your home or office? Go for a secure network. Here’s why it will help you immensely:

Data privacy

A secure broadband connection helps to protect your personal and sensitive information from being accessed by unauthorized parties. This is especially important if you use your broadband connection to access online banking or other financial services. Or if you store sensitive documents or files online.

Identity protection

A secure broadband connection can help to protect your identity from being stolen or compromised. This is particularly important if you use your broadband connection to access sensitive or personal information online, such as your Aadhaar number or financial account information.

Network security

A secure broadband connection can help to protect your home or office network from being accessed by unauthorised parties, which can prevent data breaches or other cyber-attacks.

Protection against malware

A secure broadband connection can help to protect your devices from being infected with malware. In summary, a secure broadband connection is important. It helps to protect your personal and sensitive information, your identity, your home or office network, and your devices from being compromised. Think your Wi-Fi network is not safe? Switch to Airtel Xstream broadband!

Airtel provides the very best Wi-Fi plans for you and your family so that your entertainment or WFH needs are never compromised. In addition, you also get plenty of features – auto-troubleshoot and dual-band routers, unlimited internet, OTT benefits and more. Choose Airtel Xstream today!