Which action improves security for wireless devices?

• A. Use firmware that ships with default encryption keys
• B. Firmware on wireless devices must be updated to support strong encryption for authentication and transmission
• C. Disable encryption on wireless networks
• D. Use WEP for compatibility

Answer: (B)

Keeping wireless devices secure hinges on up-to-date firmware that enables strong encryption for both authentication and data transmission. Firmware updates fix known vulnerabilities and add support for modern protections, such as WPA2 or WPA3 with AES, along with robust authentication methods and better key management. When devices run updated firmware, they can negotiate strong cryptographic protections, making eavesdropping, tampering, and impersonation much harder.

On the other hand, using default encryption keys leaves devices open, because those keys are widely known and could be reused by attackers to access traffic. Disabling encryption entirely removes confidentiality, exposing sensitive data. Using WEP is obsolete and easily cracked, offering little real protection.