What does WEP stand for in wireless security?

WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy. It is a security protocol designed to provide a wireless local area network (WLAN) with a level of security and privacy comparable to what is usually expected of a wired LAN. WEP was one of the first security protocols implemented in wireless networks, aiming to secure communication by encrypting the data transmitted over the airwaves.

WEP uses a shared key for encryption, which is used for scrambling the data packets sent between devices, making it harder for unauthorized users to intercept and read the information. However, while it was an important step in wireless security, WEP has significant vulnerabilities and is now considered outdated and insecure, leading to the development of stronger protocols such as WPA and WPA2.

The other options, while they contain elements related to wireless security, do not accurately reflect the acronym WEP. For instance, "Wireless Enhanced Privacy" and "Wireless Encryption Protocol" are not the officially recognized terms for WEP, and "Wired Equivalent Protection" inaccurately suggests a different focus that does not align with the historical context of the WEP protocol.