In the WPA 4-Way Handshake, which action occurs after the PMK is proven?

In the WPA 4-Way Handshake, which action occurs after the PMK is proven?

• A. Distributes an encrypted GTK to the client
• B. Exchanges messages for generating PTK
• C. Sets first initialization vector (IV)
• D. Proves knowledge of the PMK

Answer: (B)

In the WPA 4-Way Handshake, once both sides have verified they know the PMK, the next step is to derive and install the per-session keys by exchanging messages to generate the Pairwise Transient Key (PTK). This PTK is created using the PMK together with fresh nonces (ANonce and SNonce) and is what ultimately protects the unicast data between the client and the AP. After the PTK is established, the GTK for multicast/broadcast traffic is distributed and installed in the subsequent messages. The IVs and other encryption parameters are part of the ongoing encrypted data flow, not a separate handshake action.

In the WPA 4-Way Handshake, once both sides have verified they know the PMK, the next step is to derive and install the per-session keys by exchanging messages to generate the Pairwise Transient Key (PTK). This PTK is created using the PMK together with fresh nonces (ANonce and SNonce) and is what ultimately protects the unicast data between the client and the AP. After the PTK is established, the GTK for multicast/broadcast traffic is distributed and installed in the subsequent messages. The IVs and other encryption parameters are part of the ongoing encrypted data flow, not a separate handshake action.