Preventing Wi-Fi password sharing via QR Code : Best Practices and Solutions
Summary
In today's digital age, sharing Wi-Fi passwords has become easier with QR Code. However, this convenience can lead to unauthorized access and potential security risks. This article explores strategies to prevent Wi-Fi users from sharing password using QR Code, ensuring a secure and controller network environment.Question
How to prevent Wi-Fi user to share password to other users using QR Code?Customer Environment
Wireless LAN (WLAN) configured with security protocol WPA2-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2- Pre Shared Key)Symptoms
QR code-based password sharing allows users to connect to a Wi-Fi network by scanning a QR code that contains the network's SSID and password. This method simplifies the process of connecting to Wi-Fi but can compromise security, especially with WPA-PSK (Pre-Shared Key) protocols, as the same password is shared among all users. QR codes for connected Wi-Fi networks can be generated from most client devices. On Android, look for a "Share" or "QR Code" option when selecting the network. On iPhone, while there isn't a native option, third-party apps or websites can be used to create a QR code.QR code:
SSID: WPA2-PSK
Password: 12345678
Scan Results:
Resolution
Access Points and Controllers do not have a direct option to prevent QR code-based password sharing, as this is a feature of the client OS. However, we can mitigate this by choosing the correct authentication type.
Solution 1: Configure DPSK
Dynamic Pre-Shared Key (DPSK): Assigns unique passwords to each user, enhancing security by ensuring that each device has a different key. It further secures the network by binding each DPSK to the user's device MAC address, preventing unauthorized devices from connecting even if they have the password. Refer to the DPSK document for more details: https://support.ruckuswireless.com/documents/3792-smartzone-internal-dpsk
Solution 2: Enterprise AAA (802.1X) & MAC Authentication
802.1X Authentication: Uses a username and password or device MAC address for authentication, providing a higher level of security compared to WPA-PSK. MAC Authentication allows network administrators to control access based on the device's MAC address, ensuring that only authorized devices can connect. Refer to the article on 802.1X authentication using NPS server in vSZ/Smartzone for more details: https://support.ruckuswireless.com/articles/000014549
Notes: DPSK and 802.1X authentication are supported across all RUCKUS controller platforms, including SZ, ZD, R1, and Unleashed.
Article Number:
000014780
Updated:
April 23, 2025 02:06 AM (9 days ago)
Tags:
Configuration, Troubleshooting, Ruckus Cloud WiFi, Unleashed, ZoneDirector, ZoneFlex Indoor, ZoneFlex Outdoor, SmartCell Gateway
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