What encryption standard does WPA2 utilize?

WPA2, which stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access 2, utilizes AES encryption as its primary security protocol. AES, or Advanced Encryption Standard, is a symmetric encryption algorithm widely regarded for its strength and efficiency in safeguarding wireless networks.

One of the key strengths of AES is its ability to provide robust security through its variable key lengths of 128, 192, or 256 bits, making it suitable for protecting sensitive data transmitted over wireless networks. This level of security is essential since Wi-Fi networks are particularly susceptible to unauthorized access, and strong encryption helps to ensure that intercepted data remains unreadable to attackers.

In contrast, the other encryption methods listed do not apply to WPA2. TLS (Transport Layer Security) is mainly used for securing data transmission over the Internet rather than wireless networks. DES (Data Encryption Standard) is an older encryption standard that has been largely replaced due to vulnerabilities and weaknesses, and RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman) is an asymmetric encryption algorithm typically used for securing keys rather than encrypting bulk data in wireless contexts. Therefore, AES stands out as the most appropriate choice for WPA2 encryption.