WPA Wi-Fi Encryption Cracked

Macworld is reporting that WPA encryption, the most commonly-used encryption for wi-fi networks, has been cracked. Long considered sturdier than WEP, the original form of encryption used on wi-fi networks, it now seems that WPA will need to be supplanted by a newer, more robust form of encryption.

Researcher Erik Tews found a way to use a "mathematical breakthrough" to find the key and intercept data coming from computers to routers over a wireless network. This is problematic because many businesses have only recently migrated from the less secure WEP, and will now need to move to a newer technology such as WPA2, which will require updating a lot of hardware and software. In addition, many existing devices can only use WPA or the older WEP.

Wi-fi security is essential, because of the way networks are accessible from unprotected points. This new challenge to security will necessitate a rapid response from vendors of wi-fi hardware.