Apple Router

So will my Apple routers not be a secure now that you are not making them? I’ve always had one and now am nervous that it’s saying it’s not secure?

Posted on Sep 25, 2020 6:32 AM

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4 replies

Sep 25, 2020 7:04 AM in response to Nicholaskclark

The Apple AirPort base stations (routers) support both WPA2 & Enterprise WPA2 wireless security. Still today's standards. However, at time progresses, WPA3 has now been introduced and both newer routers and wireless clients (i.e., notebooks, smart phones, etc.) are coming out supporting this. At this point, just be sure to use the WPA2 Personal setting on your base station; use a strong wireless password, and if security is a critical issue to you, change your wireless password every 60-90 days.


Later, you can upgrade your networking gear to WPA3 as required.

Sep 25, 2020 2:10 PM in response to Nicholaskclark

Just a note as I answered this in another thread.. so to add to the two amigos.

From other sources I have seen iOS 14 will show weak security with WPA2 TKIP which requires upgrade to AES.

https://www.howtogeek.com/204697/wi-fi-security-should-you-use-wpa2-aes-wpa2-tkip-or-both/


Apple has never actually shown any difference between TKIP (older security for WPA) and AES (current standard) which some routers do.. it has always just shown personal. (PSK is also common term.. Personal Security Key which apple shortened to Personal)


IMPORTANT. Make sure you have WPA2 Personal checked in airport router.. NOT WPA/WPA2 Personal which will allow TKIP and/or AES.



Let me double up that warning.. as your eye might skip.


***The most important thing is to NOT use the option WPA/WPA2 Personal which will be TKIP + AES***


Compare that to a more modern router



There are a number of options for Authentication Method same as Apple uses.



But none for Encryption. You should be forced to use AES with WPA2 which is as it should be.


However if you set WPA then you can have both TKIP + AES meaning security is compromised when using that option. At least the Asus router allows you to force AES on WPA and not the usual combined TKIP + AES




One thing to check if you have multiple Airport routers is that all are set to WPA2 Personal. None should have WPA/WPA2. And if you have a modem router with wireless ensure it or any other wifi Access Point, Repeater, Mesh etc is also set properly.


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