Getting “weak security “ message, what should I do?

It's not really an iPad issue. This is a less secure method of using for securing your Network and the iPad is noticing this and letting you know that is the less secure option. I work for an Internet Provider and I can tell you from experience that the WPA2 (TKIP) is not as secure as the WPA2(AES) or WPA3 method and your iPad is letting you know this. The iPad has most likely been updated to iPadOS 14 which is more updated then what you have on your iMac is and it's not giving you the message because it isn't something that was built in to give you this message in the OS that is running on it yet. Perhaps when it gets updated it may be something that gets built in to let you know that your method isn't as secure. It is a setting that can pretty easily be changed in your router settings and will stop you from getting this message on any of your devices as you would then be using a more secure method.

Sorry but I do think it can have something to do with the router. My router is less than 3 years old and does not offer WPA2 (AES) or WPA3. It has WPA/WPA2 personal (TKIP) and that is outdated. I checked with my ISP and he was eager to sell me a new $200 router, but had no clue what WiFi security settings it would have. We have DSL and are forced to use their “approved” routers none of which are recognizable brands. I am now in touch with their “customer advocate” and will see where that goes.

I believe you misunderstood my comment. The router isn’t exhibiting a fault - but is, perhaps, unable to support the more secure WiFi Security protocols.

Not supporting more advanced features isn’t a fault - it’s a limitation.

Then we are vigorous agreement - the point that I have maintained throughout this thread. It is the network (WiFi router) settings/capabilities that are the issue - and not the iPad having fault, malfunction or defect.

The iPad, having been updated to iPadOS14, now has capability to provide an informational warning that the WiFi Security of the network, to which it is connected, is not as good as is recommended. This not a technical fault.

The OPs original question, as to why, has been comprehensively answered.

Ever since updating to IOS14 my WiFi setting showed weak security, following several conversations with my provider TalkTalk I have been assured this is an IOS upgrade issue.

Are Apple working on this ?

If you read above posts, you will note that it is NOT an Apple or device issue. It is an issue with your provider not having or giving you a modem/router that is capable of more up to date secure settings. Your router has outdated technology; unless it can be updated to use the latest WPA2 (AES) or WPA3 protocol, you may want to purchase one that does.

By the way, you've always had weak security; it is simply the iOS update that now calls your attention to it. Contact your provider and tell them to update their equipment instead of blaming it on "the other guy".

It’s always the same with this sort of issue

both sides blame each other

my Android mobile shows everything is ok but iPad and iPhone show weak security and only has done since the update of IOS14

strange that

fawkesy wrote:

It’s always the same with this sort of issue

both sides blame each other

my Android mobile shows everything is ok but iPad and iPhone show weak security and only has done since the update of IOS14

strange that

Security is never static, as new vulnerabilities are discovered and exploits issued and remediations designed and tested and shipped.

Software updates are when new checks are rolled out.

Whichever version of Android you're using here—Android 11 is current—is more tolerant of lower-grade Wi-Fi security.

It is NOT an issue with iOS 14. That new iOS has advanced security measures built in and is simply telling you that your router does not. It may not be able to be updated and what there is now is the latest available for that outdated model, but that still makes your ISP irresponsible for not investing and keeping up with security measures. I’d also take them to task for publicizing such ridiculously incorrect information. Mine is not much better, am still working on trying to find out if they have an uptodate model.

And your ISP’s worst offense (aka lie): telling you it is totally secure.

do a search for wpa2 tkip and read the results

A WiFi network extender will not resolve this problem - as it simply “extends” the existing WiFi network - replicating the security of the host network. You instead need to physically connect (using and Ethernet connection) an upstream WiFi Router or WiFi Access Point (AP) to your ISP-provided kit.

If using an upstream router, either the new Router - or the ISP Modem/Router - must be configured in Bridge Mode. If the ISP Modem/Router is set to “bridge”, you can use the Firewall that is built-in to your [new] upstream router. Otherwise, the upstream router can be set to bridge - and ISPs Modem/Router provides the Firewall (if any).

Either way, you’ll be using the upstream Router/AP for WiFi - upon which you’ll be configuring the most advanced security mode that both your client devices and Router mutually support.

Many thanks for your input and look forward to hearing what else comes back.

I would like to think that the likes of TalkTalk must react to this new security status that IOS14 provides. What proportion of their clients are Apple users.

cheers

The vast majority of ISPs provide a “free” (or “delivery charge”) Modem/Router when you contract for service - that is adequate for connecting you to the ISPs network and can be remotely managed by the ISP; your local network security is not their interest. The objective is to provide a reliable connection to the ISP’s network at minimum cost. The Modem/Router is never cutting-edge.

Your ISP has no interest in subsequently upgrading the Modem/Router - unless it generates recurrent new revenue through monthly rental, or enables other lucrative subscription services. As such, for example, when a new(er) WiFi security standard is required by the subscriber (as is your want), they have no interest - unless you were to purchase their new “whiz-bang” ISP provided Router (refer again to the opening paragraph of this reply).

You would receive a new router if you upgraded your service to a faster internet service (e.g., upgrading from “old” ADSL to “new” VDSL - a.k.a. FTTC or FTTP) - if your current kit was not compatible.

If you want full control of your local network and security, the only way this can be achieved is to provide your own equipment. In some cases, if an appropriate Router is acquired, it is possible to replace the ISP Router - but this is not always possible. It is often much simpler to treat the ISP router as a “dumb box” - considered “untrusted” - and provide your own upstream network infrastructure.

TalkTalk is a low-cost carrier - with service and technical features that are commensurate with their service offering.

babowa wrote:

Unfortunately, i agree with every word you uttered!

... adding another router wouldn't change the connection speed, just add the newer security protocol. So, the slow connection would still be present, right?

By adding a better WiFi Router/Access Point upstream of your ISP kit, you’ll likely have a much faster, more robust and substantially more secure local WiFi network serving your home. As such, if accessing a local file server streaming media content from a media server/computer on your network - or have many devices accessing your WiFi - you WiFi performance should improve. Your new Router/AP may have more spatial streams and/or have more radio bands, boosting WiFi performance.

Your broadband WAN connection, however, will be no faster.