CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice

What does AES in WPA2 stand for?

1. Advanced Encryption Standard

2. Applicable Encryption Standard

3. Alternative Encryption Standard

4. Automatic Encryption Standard

The correct answer is: Advanced Encryption Standard

WPA2, which stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access 2, is a security protocol used to protect wireless networks. AES, in this context, refers to Advanced Encryption Standard. This is a vital encryption algorithm specified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States. AES is widely recognized for its security and efficiency and is used to secure data transmission in WPA2 networks. The importance of AES in WPA2 lies in its strength as a symmetric key algorithm, which encrypts and decrypts data using the same key, ensuring that unauthorized users cannot easily intercept or decipher the data being transmitted. This level of encryption is crucial for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the data exchanged over wireless networks, making it a preferred choice for modern security standards. In contrast, the other options—Applicable Encryption Standard, Alternative Encryption Standard, and Automatic Encryption Standard—do not correspond to any recognized encryption standards in the context of WPA2 or general encryption practices. These terms do not denote any established encryption frameworks, and therefore, they do not serve as suitable descriptors for the encryption protocol utilized in WPA2.