Which protocol is known for stronger encryption and authentication in WPA2?

The choice of CCMP, or Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol, is correct because it is specifically designed for use in WPA2 to provide both encryption and authentication. CCMP uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) as its underlying encryption algorithm, which enhances security by ensuring that data is encrypted in a robust manner.

CCMP employs a combination of Counter Mode for encryption, which allows for efficient processing of data blocks, and Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code (CBC-MAC) for message integrity checks. This dual approach means that not only is the data encrypted, but there is also assurance that the data has not been tampered with during transmission, thus addressing both confidentiality and authenticity.

In contrast, while AES and CBC are important components related to encryption, they do not encompass the holistic approach to both encryption and authentication that CCMP provides within the WPA2 framework. CEK, or Cipher Encryption Key, is a term used more generally in the context of cryptographic keys and does not specifically relate to the protocols used in WPA2. This focus on CCMP underscores its role as a critical component in securing wireless networks using WPA2.