Qualcomm is embracing the Wi-Fi Alliance’s new Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA3) standard, the third generation of connectivity security solutions meant to strengthen both public and private networks against attacks, the company said Tuesday. The move will see the solution integrated into all of the firm’s chips for smartphones and access points moving forward, with the implementation spanning the newly introduced WCN3998 and IPQ807x AP platforms, 2×2 802.11ax-enabled technologies designed for connected devices.
Qualcomm and the WFA are touting WPA3 as a natural evolution of digital security, especially given how the existing WPA2 specification has recently been bypassed in its entirety, signaling that hackers have caught up with the standard which became mandatory in early 2006. The San Diego, California-based chipmaker is describing the newly announced adoption of WPA3 as a natural extension of its no-compromise security strategy meant to ensure all of its technologies are as resistant to potential attack vectors as possible. Compared to the older specification, WPA3 is meant to provide sufficient protection even to weak passwords which aren’t in line with security recommendations, as is often the case with protected networks, with users repeatedly proving themselves as the largest security vulnerabilities. Improved cryptography capabilities are also part of the latest package which will be implemented into Qualcomm’s chips starting with the Snapdragon 845 this fall. All modern Wi-Fi network infrastructure products from the company will also be updated in accordance with the same timeline.
While mobile remains the bulk of Qualcomm’s business strategy, the company is presently attempting to diversify to self-driving vehicles and contemporary NFC solutions through the acquisition of Dutch NXP Semiconductors. The $44 billion deal is one China-issued approval away from being completed over a year and a half after its initial announcement, though Beijing is now said to be pushing for a speedy conclusion of its probe as a sign of goodwill ahead of its trade negotiations with the United States.