Which mode uses a pre-shared key (PSK) to protect network access?

Which mode uses a pre-shared key (PSK) to protect network access?

• A. WPA2-Enterprise
• B. WPA3-Enterprise
• C. WPA2-Personal
• D. WEP

Answer: (C)

Using a pre-shared key means a single password is configured on both the access point and all clients, and anyone with that password can join the network. This setup is the hallmark of WPA2-Personal, often called WPA2-PSK, designed for simpler deployments where there isn’t a separate authentication server. In contrast, WPA2-Enterprise and WPA3-Enterprise rely on 802.1X authentication with individual credentials issued by a server, so they don’t use a shared passphrase. WEP also uses a shared key but is an older, insecure standard and not the modern PSK-based mode referenced here.

Using a pre-shared key means a single password is configured on both the access point and all clients, and anyone with that password can join the network. This setup is the hallmark of WPA2-Personal, often called WPA2-PSK, designed for simpler deployments where there isn’t a separate authentication server. In contrast, WPA2-Enterprise and WPA3-Enterprise rely on 802.1X authentication with individual credentials issued by a server, so they don’t use a shared passphrase. WEP also uses a shared key but is an older, insecure standard and not the modern PSK-based mode referenced here.