Which wifi encryption should i use

But how do you know which ones are safe? Looking at the network security settings can be a good indicator of which ones you can trust. To help you understand your options, we discuss the history of security protocols and compare WPA vs. When you install WiFi, you have a few router security options.

If your router is left unsecured, someone could access it, use it for illegal activities in your name, track your internet use or even install malware. When you look at the security of a wireless network, a few options will be available. Depending on the nature of your online use , you may require more or less security.

What security method you choose will depend on the capabilities of your router. If you have the option, here is the list of the best security protocols, ordered from most secure to least secure:. Wireless security has evolved over time to get stronger and easier to configure. Read through to learn about the history of how these security protocols evolved. It was the standard protocol from to While this version was made to protect, it had poor security and was hard to configure. Cryptographic technology imports were restricted at the time, meaning that more manufacturers could only use bit encryption.

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Those tips will do more for your WiFi performance than changing encryption types! If performance is the most important thing to you, consider ditching WiFi completely and switching to a wired Ethernet connection instead. Wired connections are not subject to the factors that make WiFi performance fluctuate and can give you the full benefit of a fast connection.

Assuming that your Ethernet card, cable and router all support a given speed. At least until WPA 3 becomes more widespread. A VPN may actually have a small negative effect on your internet performance, but the added features, benefits and security of a VPN are well worth this small tradeoff. A VPN means that, even if your WiFi security is cracked, your data will still be protected in a different layer of encryption.

You also have the benefit of privacy from your own internet service provider, since your data is encrypted even when leaving your network and entering the internet. With all of that out of the way, you can stop worrying about which WiFi encryption type is best for speed.

Sydney Butler is a social scientist and technology fanatic who tries to understand how people and technology coexist.