Which of the following description of WEP encryption is wrong?

Question

Options

• AWEP encryption uses a stream encryption algorithm
• BWEP encryption adds IV to break the regularity of the key
• CThe length of IV in WEP encryption is 48bits
• DWEP encryption allows the device to store four keys at the same time

• A
  15% (7)
• B
  9% (4)
• C
  72% (34)
• D
  4% (2)

Explanation

Option C is the incorrect description because WEP uses a 24-bit Initialization Vector, not 48 bits. The 48-bit IV figure belongs to WPA/TKIP (which improved upon WEP's short IV as one of its key enhancements), making this a common source of confusion on exams.

Option A is a true statement: WEP uses RC4, which is a stream cipher algorithm. Option B is also accurate: WEP concatenates the IV with the secret key before feeding it into RC4, which was intended to add variability and prevent identical keystreams. Option D is likewise correct: WEP supports four key slots (indexed 0-3), allowing devices to store and rotate between multiple keys.

Memory tip: Think "WEP is weak and short" - its IV is only 24 bits, which is part of why it is considered cryptographically broken. If you see 48 bits associated with an IV, that points to WPA/TKIP, not WEP.

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