I'm not really sure how to interpret your 'Awesome!'. If it was meant snarky and if you're willing to, please have a look at the HN guidelines for comments [1]. We can then improve the quality of the discussion.
You're right. I'm sorry about that. Sometimes I forget which web site I'm posting on.
Actually, thinking a bit longer about the problem, the issue in my mind is that vendors/producers do not have an incentive to update software if you only pay for the hardware once. For them it's just a cost. It's more interesting to sell more hardware. My strategy as consumer is to go to open source for such devices. But perhaps there are better strategies.
I'm aware of Cisco having a model to pay for software updates, but this is mainly for business clients. Does anyone know other vendors that have business models, that create incentives for updating devices? Perhaps even for consumers?
I remember that in the past MacOS updates had to be purchased, but this no longer seems to be the case. Is there actually a consumer market for such business models, where hardware and (paid) software are tied together for a longer life cycle?
Well, some people with OS/2, Atari STs, and VAX mainframes are not gonna get extended WiFi security either.
Those that have newer stuff and can afford to switch to new printers and everything after 10 or 15 years, can use it tho, and those would still be tons of users (and more going forward). We moved from old wifi standards anyway (or you don't use WAP2 either?).
For most people it's just their laptops and phones (which they change every few years), printer (which is easily replaceable since the ink replacements they have to do regularly cost more than the main unit (or close) anyway), and maybe some TV or media player unit.
If it doesn't make you worry, there's nothing to do here. WPA3 gives you nothing.
I guess if WPA2 get blown apart (to the degree WEP was) there might be a market for super-low-power APs that you put on or right next to the device. Not sure that'd be enough without additional shielding.
Most WPA2 devices do support 802.1x which —depending on the crack— may help extend the lifetime.
Awesome! Point me in the direction of the firmware upgrade portal for my 15-year-old wifi printers, computers, and game machines from companies that no longer exist.