WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2 are security protocols designed to protect wireless networks. They provide encryption to secure data transmitted over Wi-Fi, making it difficult for unauthorized users to access the network. WPA was introduced in 2003 as a temporary solution, while WPA2, released in 2004, offers stronger security features, including mandatory AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption. Both protocols help safeguard personal and sensitive information when using wireless internet. WPA2 is widely recommended for home and business networks due to its enhanced security measures. Users should ensure their routers are configured to use WPA2 for optimal protection.