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Wi-Fi encryption standards change over time as new ones are developed and older ones become insecure and obsolete. Heres a look at the best encryption you should be using to secure your Wi-Fi router in 2022.

As of February 2022, the best Wi-Fi security standard is called Wi-Fi Protected Access Version 3, or WPA3 for short. Introduced in 2018 by the Wi-Fi Alliance, there are several variations of the WPA3 standard:

For home Wi-Fi users, the best choice is WPA3-Personal, since it wont require a deep knowledge of wireless security to configure properly. If youre running a business or organization with high data security needs, consult IT experts that can help you set up WPA3-Enterprise wherever possible.

The Wi-Fi Alliance also promotes a standard called Wi-Fi Enhanced Open that seamlessly applies a low-level of encryption (called OWE) to open Wi-Fi access spots (those that dont require a password). However, OWE has already been compromised by researchers. Even if it had not been compromised, we do not recommend running an open Wi-Fi access point.

RELATED: What Is WPA3, and When Will I Get It On My Wi-Fi?

Since WPA3 is still moderately new, you may own some older devices that dont support connecting to a router configured to use WPA3 encryption. Or maybe your router doesnt support it either. If thats the case, you have several options:

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Now that youve read about the best Wi-Fi encryption, weve created a rogues gallery of obsolete and insecure wireless security standards to avoid. There are more out there, but these are the most prominent ones:

To check or change your router or access points Wi-Fi security settings, youll need to log in to the devices configuration interface. Most devices allow you to connect through a special local web address in a browser (such as 192.168.0.01), and others also allow you to configure them through a smartphone app. Check your routers documentation to find out how to do this.

Once youre logged in, look for labels like Wireless Security, Wireless Configuration, Security Level, SSID Setup, or something similar. Click it, and youll likely see a drop-down menu where you can choose the encryption method used on your router.

After choosing the strongest encryption your router supports, apply the changes and restart your router. When your router or access point starts up again, youre ready to go.

If your router doesnt support WPA2, you definitely need to upgrade to a new router immediately. If it doesnt support WPA3, its time to strongly consider an upgrade as well. Stay safe out there!

RELATED: How to Access Your Router If You Forget the Password

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Whats the Best Wi-Fi Encryption to Use in 2022? - How-To Geek