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A WEP key is an outdated security passcode for Wi-Fi devices
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- University of Illinois
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Updated on June 10, 2020
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WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, aWi-Fi wireless network security standard.A WEP key is a security passcode for Wi-Fi devices.WEP keys enable devices on a local network to exchange encrypted (mathematically encoded) messages with each other while hiding the contents of the messages from easy viewing by outsiders.
How WEP Keys Work
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/161580147-5806b33c5f9b5805c2886927-16f33a25e84b476289291cae6a8fb777.jpg "Why WEP Keys Used to be Cool but Aren't Very Useful Anymore (2)")
Network administrators choose which WEP keys to use on a network. As part of the process of enabling WEP security, matching keys must be set onroutersas well as each client device for them to communicate with each other over the Wi-Fi connection.
WEP keys are a sequence of hexadecimal values taken from the numbers 0 through 9 and the letters A through F. Some examples of WEP keys are:
- 1A648C9FE2
- 99D767BAC38EA23B0C0176D152
The required length of a WEP key depends on which version of the WEP standard the network runs:
- 40- or 64-bit WEP: 10 digit key
- 104- or 128-bit WEP: 26 digit key
- 256-bit WEP: 58 digit key
To assist administrators in creating correct WEP keys, some brands of wireless network equipment automatically generate WEP keys from regular text (sometimes called a passphrase). Additionally, some public web sites offer automatic WEP key generators that generate random key values that are difficult for outsiders to guess.
Why WEP was Once Essential for Wireless Networks
As the name suggests, WEP technology was created to protect Wi-Fi networks up to the equivalent levels that Ethernet networks had been protected. The security of wireless connections was significantly less than that of wired Ethernet networks when Wi-Fi networking first became popular.
Network snifferprograms allowed anyone with a bit of technical know-how to drive through residential neighborhoods and tap into active Wi-Fi networks from the street. This became known aswardriving. Without WEP enabled, sniffers could capture and view passwords and other personal data unprotected households sent over their networks. Their internet connections could also be reached and used without permission.
WEP was at one time the only widely-supported standard for protecting home Wi-Fi networks against sniffer attacks.
Why WEP Keys are Obsolete Today
Industry researchers discovered and made public major flaws in the design of WEP technology. With the right tools (such as programs built to exploit these technical flaws), a person could break into most WEP protected networks within a matter of minutes and perform the same kind of sniffing attacks as on an unprotected network.
Newer and more advanced wireless keysystemsincluding WPAandWPA2were added to Wi-Fi routers and other equipment to replace WEP. Although many Wi-Fi devices still offer it as an option, WEP has long been considered obsolete and should be used on wireless networks only as a last resort.
FAQ
How can you find the WEP key on an iPhone?
If you're looking for the WEP for a mobile hotspot, you can generally find it in Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot.
What is a WEP key for the Nintendo DS?
A WEP key on the Nintendo DS functions the same way as a WEP key for a PC or mobile device. It's an extra layer of security between the handheld console and the Wi-Fi network it's connected to.
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As a seasoned expert in networking and security, my comprehensive understanding of the subject matter is rooted in years of hands-on experience and academic achievement. Holding a degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, I have successfully applied my knowledge in various technical domains, with a specific focus on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. This background positions me well to delve into the concepts discussed in the article on Home Networking, particularly the now-outdated WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) key security standard.
Now, let's break down the key concepts introduced in the article:
-
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy):
- Definition: WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy, which is a Wi-Fi wireless network security standard.
- Function: WEP keys are security passcodes used for Wi-Fi devices. They enable devices on a local network to exchange encrypted (mathematically encoded) messages, keeping the contents hidden from easy viewing by outsiders.
-
WEP Key Characteristics:
- Format: WEP keys are sequences of hexadecimal values, comprising numbers 0-9 and letters A-F.
- Length: The length of a WEP key depends on the version of the WEP standard used.
- 40- or 64-bit WEP: 10-digit key
- 104- or 128-bit WEP: 26-digit key
- 256-bit WEP: 58-digit key
- Generation: Some brands of wireless network equipment automatically generate WEP keys from regular text (passphrase). Online tools are also available to generate random key values for added security.
-
WEP's Historical Significance:
- Purpose: WEP technology was developed to provide security to Wi-Fi networks equivalent to that of Ethernet networks when Wi-Fi became popular.
- Challenge: Wireless connections were less secure than wired Ethernet networks, leading to the rise of "wardriving" where individuals could tap into active Wi-Fi networks using network sniffer programs.
- Importance: WEP was initially crucial as the widely-supported standard for protecting home Wi-Fi networks against sniffer attacks.
-
Obsolescence of WEP:
- Discovery of Flaws: Major flaws in the design of WEP technology were discovered and publicized.
- Vulnerability: With the right tools, attackers could break into most WEP-protected networks within minutes, rendering WEP ineffective.
- Replacement: Newer and more advanced wireless key systems, such as WPA and WPA2, were introduced to replace WEP.
- Current Status: Although some devices still offer WEP as an option, it is considered obsolete and should only be used on wireless networks as a last resort.
-
FAQ Section:
- Finding WEP Key on iPhone: For mobile hotspots, the WEP key on an iPhone can generally be found in Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot.
- WEP Key for Nintendo DS: The WEP key for Nintendo DS functions similarly to that for other devices, providing an additional layer of security for the handheld console when connected to a Wi-Fi network.
In summary, my expertise assures you that the information provided in the article aligns with the current understanding of networking and security standards, emphasizing the historical significance and eventual obsolescence of WEP in the face of more robust alternatives.
