- A
Switch to WPA2-Enterprise with 802.1X and a RADIUS server.
Why wrong: Incorrect. While WPA2-Enterprise is more secure, it still uses a 4-way handshake that can be captured; the attacker would need to crack the user's credentials instead of a PSK.
- B
Increase the WPA2-PSK passphrase length to 63 characters.
Why wrong: Incorrect. A longer passphrase makes cracking harder but does not prevent the handshake capture; an attacker with enough time could still crack it.
- C
Upgrade to WPA3-SAE.
Correct. WPA3-SAE uses SAE, which eliminates the possibility of offline dictionary attacks by design, making handshake capture useless.
- D
Enable MAC address filtering on the access point.
Why wrong: Incorrect. MAC filtering does not affect the handshake or encryption; it only controls which devices can connect.
Quick Answer
The answer is to upgrade to WPA3-SAE, as this protocol change most effectively prevents WPA2-PSK handshake capture attacks. WPA3-SAE replaces the vulnerable 4-way handshake with Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), which introduces forward secrecy—meaning that even if an attacker captures the entire handshake exchange, they cannot crack the passphrase offline because the session keys are derived from ephemeral, non-recoverable values. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of wireless security protocols and their cryptographic improvements; a common trap is choosing a stronger password or disabling SSID broadcast, which do nothing to prevent handshake capture. Remember, the key distinction is that WPA2-PSK allows offline brute-force attacks on the captured handshake, while WPA3-SAE’s SAE makes that mathematically impossible. Memory tip: “SAE saves the day with forward secrecy—no handshake, no crack.”
220-1102 Wireless Security Protocols Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of wireless security protocols. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A network administrator is investigating a security incident where an attacker captured the 4-way handshake of a WPA2-PSK network and successfully cracked the passphrase. Which protocol change would most effectively prevent this type of attack in the future?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Upgrade to WPA3-SAE.
WPA3-SAE uses Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), which provides forward secrecy. This means that even if an attacker captures the handshake, they cannot crack the passphrase offline because the handshake does not contain enough information to derive the key.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Switch to WPA2-Enterprise with 802.1X and a RADIUS server.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. While WPA2-Enterprise is more secure, it still uses a 4-way handshake that can be captured; the attacker would need to crack the user's credentials instead of a PSK.
- ✗
Increase the WPA2-PSK passphrase length to 63 characters.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. A longer passphrase makes cracking harder but does not prevent the handshake capture; an attacker with enough time could still crack it.
- ✓
Upgrade to WPA3-SAE.
Why this is correct
Correct. WPA3-SAE uses SAE, which eliminates the possibility of offline dictionary attacks by design, making handshake capture useless.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Enable MAC address filtering on the access point.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. MAC filtering does not affect the handshake or encryption; it only controls which devices can connect.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
Incorrect. A longer passphrase makes cracking harder but does not prevent the handshake capture; an attacker with enough time could still crack it.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Wireless Security Protocols — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Wireless Security Protocols — This question tests Wireless Security Protocols — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Upgrade to WPA3-SAE. — WPA3-SAE uses Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), which provides forward secrecy. This means that even if an attacker captures the handshake, they cannot crack the passphrase offline because the handshake does not contain enough information to derive the key.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 220-1202
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A security incident occurs where an attacker captures the 4-way handshake of a WPA2-PSK network and successfully cracks the passphrase offline. The technician is tasked with preventing this type of attack in the future. Which protocol should the technician implement?
hard- A.WPA2-PSK with a longer passphrase.
- ✓ B.WPA3-SAE.
- C.WPA2-Enterprise with PEAP-MSCHAPv2.
- D.WPA2-PSK with TKIP.
Why B: WPA3-SAE uses Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), which provides forward secrecy and prevents offline dictionary attacks. WPA2-PSK is vulnerable to handshake capture and offline cracking.
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.
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