What's New: WPA Wireless Encryption Cracked?

Security researchers claim they can partially crack the Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption, considered the standard for wireless networking security. Once wireless traffic is compromised, viewers can listen in on or communicate with network traffic from laptops, phones, or other wireless devices. The researchers claim they can crack wireless router-to-PC communication in 12 to 15 minutes, but admit they have not yet figured a way to crack PC-to-router communication.

Previous versions of wireless security, such as WEP, were quickly cracked and are generally considered as unsecure as an unencrypted network. If WPA is compromised, it could affect thousands of businesses and retail stores.

Friday, Nov 7, 2008 10:55 am CST

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