Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms: WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
a relatively weak encryption system built into Wi-Fiand related 802.11b wireless networking systems. The original version of WEP used a 40-bit key (sometimes described as a 64-bit key) and is not considered highly secure. Newer versions use a 128-bit key and are considerably better.
Despite possible limitations, even 40-bit WEP is definitely better than nothing, since without it, all data sent through the network wouldeasily be readable by an eavesdropper outside the building.
