I cannot connect to the internet "Weak Security (WPA)"

mariotandil wrote:

I would like to know if I can bypass the warning and connect to the internet anyway, accepting the risk for my Mac and my files.

Yes. You can bypass the warning and use your WiFi.

There is a cottage industry of people looking for various potential security exploits in various products. In some cases, these efforts are funded by a company's competitors. Very few of these security exploits have actually been exploited or will ever be. But, this is legalized extortion. If the company doesn't post a fix, then the exploit will be publicized. No one is really complaining about this because it is driving so many new and ongoing sales of replacement equipment.

For something like a WiFi protocol, your risk is always going to be limited to the range of your WiFi signal. For most people that means their neighbours or someone parked in front of their house. But that's it.

Note that there are many different kinds of security exploits. You specifically asked about WPA protocols. It is possible to have a security exploit on your router itself that would enable it to be hacked anywhere in the world. This would be your router, not the range extended you linked to. It is always a good idea to review your security and make sure you have a good password. Don't use the default password because those are public. Don't allow admin access from anywhere except the internal network.

All that being said, you should start shopping for new equipment. Chances are that it would be faster than what you have not, in addition to being more secure.

My ISP provider took me through a process to update the wifi on my router. If you can do this easily, it is a good place to start.

Updating the security on my router removed the weak security notice on my iPhone but it remains on my iMac. My ISP assures me that the wifi security is not at all weak; and my wifi works normally with both iPhone and iMac.

The weak security notice only appears on my newish iMac with Big Sur 11.3.1. My old iMac with El Capitan shows no notice.

I've never owned a repeater, but I would guess that eliminating it would solve the problem. Why can your device not connect directly to the router via Wifi?

I am not an expert but your issue is different from mine. Even with the weak security message, the wifi on my iMac with Big Sur will connect and operate normally. With yours, it does not.

I suspect the issue for me is a false message from my iMac since it does not appear on my iPhone but, for both these devices, and all other devices in my home, wifi works fine.

You are getting the message on one device but not another because of the software - OS and iOS - you have installed. The latest versions include the warning - earlier ones do not. The connection should work regardless - it just isn't as safe as it could be and any modem/router should include the latest security measures. If they do not, your internet provider (or the mfr of your device) should not be selling devices that are not up to the latest safety measures.

Just so you know:

You have had weak security for some time - you just did not know about it. The new OS now has a feature that will warn you about it.

Can you confirm that this is blocking your connection? I thought this was just a warning. I had it on my machine when I updated. I updated the model to fix it, but that was just because I didn't like that warning. I was still able to use the wifi.

Hello. I don't want to divert this thread from the original question but my Apple iPhone and my newish iMac have the very latest software; and the iPhone no longer gives the weak security warning while the iMac does. I have updated my router, directed by Virgin Media, my ISP, to security that is not regarded as weak. VM forum has this assurance: https://community.virginmedia.com/t5/Networking-and-WiFi/iOS-14-Weak-Security/td-p/4410050

I have had this discussion elsewhere on the Apple forum. I have conflicting advice from VM and my Apple iMac; and from my Apple iPhone and my Apple iMac. It is not clear cut like an old router or an Apple device without the latest software. I will leave it there so as not to go over old ground or divert the thread.