What is a possible outcome of using static pre-shared keys (PSKs) in wireless security?

Using static pre-shared keys (PSKs) in wireless security introduces a higher risk of key compromise due to the nature of how these keys are utilized. A static PSK remains constant over time, meaning that once it has been distributed or shared among users, it can be vulnerable to various attacks.

If an attacker gains access to the PSK—through methods such as eavesdropping, brute force, or social engineering—the entire wireless network becomes compromised. This static approach does not incorporate mechanisms for regularly changing keys, making it easy for unauthorized users to exploit the network as long as they have the PSK.

In contrast, without dynamic key management features, such as those found in protocols that support key rotation and renewal, the security posed by static PSKs is significantly weakened. Network administrators must be vigilant about protecting the pre-shared key and ensuring that it is not leaked, as this could open the door for further malicious activities within the network.