In a note to analysts, Barclays analysts Blayne Curtis and Thomas O’Malley say Apple plans to release its first iPhones with Wi-Fi 6E support in 2021. Wi-Fi 6E is a faster, more efficient version of Wi-Fi that allows wireless access points like routers to better manage networks crowded with lots of users and client devices.
Since WPA2 launched in 2004, not much has changed for WiFi security and that's becoming increasingly apparent when public hotspots are frequently risky and exploits are far too common. That will all change soon as the Wi-Fi Alliance plans to roll out a WPA3 standard that addresses a number of weak points. The highlight will be individualized data encryption. Even if you're on an open public network, you won't have to worry quite so much about someone snooping on your data.Even people who have terrible passwords will be safeguarded, and a simplified security process for devices that have either a tiny display or none at all. Companies or governments that need stricter security will have access to a 192-bit security suite.WPA3 should arrive sometime in 2018, and comes on the back of other improvements like more thorough testing to catch potential vulnerabilities.
The encryption method used to protect most wireless networks -- Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA-2) -- has been hacked, and it has the possibility of affecting all major computer platforms. KRACK (short for "Key Reinstallation Attack")is the name of the flaw that has been exploited, and it makes it possible for those attacking a network to eavesdrop on any network traffic between an access point and a device.
At this point, Microsoft, Google and Apple have acknowledged the issue, with Microsoft releasing an update today that should take care of the issue in its flagship Windows operating system, while Google's Pixel devices will receive an update next month. Apple has said that the next batch of updates for there products will fix this issue.
Once operating systems are updated to protect users from the attack, most wireless routers and access points will also need to be updated to fully protect against KRACK. Note that in order for someone to make a KRACK attack, they need to be in close physical proximity to your home or office network, it cannot be done remotely. If your device doesn’t have an update coming you should get a supported router and make sure you’re using https in when going to a website. Stay safe out there folks.
