How can I tell what kind of WiFi encryption I'm using?

Considering the importance of having the right security, it’s actually
somewhat surprising that this isn’t more visible when you’re using a wireless
connection. Nonetheless it’s fairly easy to find.

I’ll show you how, as well as what you want and where you’d need to change
it.

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Windows XP

In most cases, in Windows XP when your wireless network adapter is enabled there’s an icon in the Windows Task Bar notification area that, if you right click on, gives you the option to View Available Wireless Networks:

Click on that and you’ll get a fairly familiar list:

As you can see, it shows not only the access point name but the type of encryption, if any, being used as well. (If you’re already connected to one of the networks the information is similar.)

Windows 7

In Windows 7 things have changed just a little. Click on the wireless network icon and you’ll get a popup menu of several different possible actions, including a list of the available wireless networks:

Right click on one of the available networks, and click properties to get this:

Here I’ve chosen the wireless network I’m already connected to, and as you can see it’s using WPA2 security.

Changing Wireless Encryption

The biggest misunderstanding is where to make this change. It’s not on your computer.

The type of encryption being used is determined by the wireless access point (perhaps part of a router) that is providing the wireless connection. You change that by configuring the access point.

Unfortunately, exactly how you do this will vary from router to router, and even device to device. Typically, there’s a web-based interface that you use with a special IP address and password to get to the access point’s configuration screens, from which you can make the change.

Here’s an example from a LinkSys access point:

There’s a dropdown to select the type of encryption to be used, and entry fields to specify the accompanying password.

As I said, your access point or router may be different, so check the documentation that came with the device.

And if you don’t have access to or control the access point, you cannot change the encryption it uses.

What Encryption Do I Want?

WPA2 if the device supports it.

To give that a little more detail (and in order of preference):

• WPA2 – currently the most secure. It should be available on almost all newer devices.

• WPA – there are some exploits that have made it to the proof of concept stage, however, currently they are not practical for hackers to make anything useful of. Of course that could change, but today I would not hesitate to use WPA if WPA2 were not an option.

• WEP – on the other hand, WEP has been exploited to the point where it’s almost as good as no encryption at all. ONLY use this if you have some device that will communicate no other way, and then treat this entire wireless network as open. In fact, you might as well use no encryption to be explicit about the security state.

• No Encryption – also known as “open WiFi”. You may notice that my home has two wireless access points: one encrypted with WPA2, and one open for guests and casual users. These networks are isolated from each other. An open WiFi access point should be used with care, and only if you’re prepared to have anyone in range connect to it.

So, wherever possible use WPA2 to keep your network safe and secure.

If you’re using someone else’s network then make sure you understand the type of security at play, and make sure that you’re not inadvertently exposing your sensitive data to people you don’t expect to.