Android 15Beta 1 was launched earlier this week, and as with each new beta launch, Android specialists all over the place undergo the UI with a fine-toothed comb to search out all the brand new options buried inside the working system. This time was not an exception, with the addition of a long-overdue new toggle discovered focusing on Wi-Fi safety.
Android professional Mishaal Rahman recently uncovered a major replace in Android 15 Beta 1: a brand new toggle labeled “Enable WEP networks” has been added to the machine’s community settings. This modification underscores Google’s ongoing deal with enhancing consumer safety, significantly within the context of wi-fi networks.
Wired Equal Privateness (WEP) is a wi-fi community safety protocol launched many years in the past. Sadly, WEP know-how has been outdated by stronger, extra sturdy requirements like WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Entry) and the newer WPA3.
WEP’s inherent design flaws make it susceptible to cracking, even by novice hackers. If a community makes use of WEP, unauthorized people might doubtlessly intercept and browse knowledge transmitted over it, posing a severe threat to your personal info.
Android 15 Beta 1 Community preferences display with WEP allowance ON
By default, Android 15 Beta 1 blocks connections to WEP networks. The brand new “Enable WEP networks” toggle offers an override, nevertheless it features a clear warning, stating “WEP is an older safety protocol that is much less safe.” This modification helps customers make knowledgeable choices about Wi-Fi connections.
Whereas some customers would possibly nonetheless want this toggle for connecting to older gadgets, most customers will profit from leaving it disabled. This replace aligns with Google’s makes an attempt to guard consumer knowledge, particularly when utilizing doubtlessly insecure public Wi-Fi networks, reminiscent of these present in accommodations or espresso retailers.
It’s smart to keep away from WEP networks every time doable, and it’s advisable to improve your private home router’s safety to WPA2 or WPA3. Moreover, it’s all the time a good suggestion to be cautious when connecting to unknown public Wi-Fi networks, or if uncertain, think about using a VPN for added safety.
