Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a security protocol designed to protect wireless networks. It was developed to address vulnerabilities in the older Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) standard. WPA uses stronger encryption methods, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to access the network. There are different versions of WPA, including WPA2 and WPA3, each offering improved security features. These protocols help ensure that data transmitted over a wireless network remains private and secure, protecting users from potential threats such as eavesdropping and unauthorized access.