iOS 15 features WPA3 security for hotspot connections

As developers who have access to iOS 15 beta continue to explore the new operating system, they are discovering a ton of new features that have not been officially announced. According to a new report, iOS 15 features WPA3 security for hotspot connections. WPA3 security will make hotspot connections safer for iPhone and iPad owners.

iPhone and iPad hotspot connections to gain WPA3 security in iOS 15

iPhone and iPad owners will be familiar with using their devices as a personal hotspot. It allows them to share the cellular data connection of your device with others. Currently, iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 only offer connectivity over WPA2 security protocol which has several weaknesses. For example, hackers can crack the password of a user’s hotspot connection and decrypt their data for malicious purposes.

As discovered by developer Noah Evans, Apple is finally applying the WPA3 security protocol on hotspot connections in its latest software update. WPA3 simplifies Wi-Fi security and offers better authentication. The average iPhone or iPad user might not feel a noticeable difference in their hotspot connections, but the added security will prevent any malicious attacks on their device.

WPA3 was announced by the Wi-Fi Alliance back in June 2018 in an effort to “simplify Wi-Fi security, enable more robust authentication, and deliver increased cryptographic strength”. The security standard uses Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) to provide stronger protections for users against any malicious hacking attempts. A secure key establishment process is used to create and authenticate the connection. The security standard offers robust protections even when users choose simple passwords rather than stronger ones. In comparison, WPA2 lacks built-in encryption and privacy in public open networks.

iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 beta 2 are currently available for developers to test out. A public beta will be made available sometime in July, while the official release will be rolling out this fall.

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