Public Wi-Fi and privacy

“Weak security” warning on Mac Wi-Fi

The Mac shows a security warning when a network uses an old security mode. The fix is in the router, not on the Mac.

Applies to: All current macOS versions. Router menus are different for each maker.Checked: 29 October 2026

Symptoms

WEP or TKIP. Apple lists WEP and TKIP as weak settings to avoid.
WPA Personal or WPA/WPA2 mixed mode. Apple lists these as weak settings too.
No security. Apple strongly discourages None, Open or Unsecured networks.
An old extender. An extender or a second access point can use an older mode than the main router.

Show the security mode of the current network.
```
system_profiler SPAirPortDataType | grep -m1 'Security'
```
Output For example Security: WPA2 Personal.
Hold the Option key and click the Wi-Fi icon. Read the security standard of the network.
Open the router settings. Find the Wi-Fi security mode for each band.

Set the security to WPA3 Personal.
If older devices must connect, use WPA2/WPA3 Transitional.
If you cannot use these modes, use WPA2 Personal (AES).
Use the same mode on extenders and other access points.
Install the latest router firmware. Updates can add newer security modes.
If you do not manage the network, do not send private data over it without a VPN.

The Kilobat Wi-Fi menu marks networks with legacy security. It suggests a WPA2 or WPA3 network.

Is WPA3 required for 6 GHz?

Yes. Apple says that WPA3 security is required for 6 GHz use.

Will old devices stop working with WPA3?

Some can. WPA2/WPA3 Transitional lets older devices use WPA2 Personal (AES).

Sources checked on 29 October 2026. Man pages are the ones installed with macOS; open one with man <name> in Terminal.