The Origins: Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
The journey of wireless security begins with Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), introduced as part of the original 802.11 standard. WEP was designed to provide a level of confidentiality comparable to that of a traditional wired network. However, WEP's effectiveness was undermined by significant vulnerabilities:

24-bit Initialization Vector (IV): WEP's IV was too short, leading to repetition of IVs, which allowed attackers to crack the encryption.
Static Key: The requirement of a static master key meant that once compromised, all data could be decrypted. Flawed Authentication: WEP's authentication mechanisms were inadequate, making it easier for unauthorized users to access the network. With its use of the RC4 stream cipher, WEP was initially thought to offer sufficient protection. However, as the infographic states, the implementation was highly susceptible to hacking efforts. Consequently, WEP is now considered obsolete and should not be used to secure wireless networks.

The Response: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
As the security community recognized WEP's limitations, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) was introduced. WPA was a stopgap measure designed to address WEP's flaws without requiring new hardware:

Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP): WPA maintained RC4 but introduced TKIP, which included mixing functions to produce a unique key for each packet.
Longer IVs and Key Values: WPA expanded the IV size to enhance security, although it continued to use RC4, which was itself becoming outdated. Despite these improvements, WPA was a provisional standard; it was meant to be a quick fix rather than a long-term solution. The infographic rightly points out that WPA, while an improvement, is also no longer recommended for use.

Advancement: Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) was the next significant upgrade in wireless security. WPA2 introduced several key advancements:

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES): WPA2 replaced RC4 and TKIP with the more secure AES algorithm, providing stronger encryption.
CCMP Protocol: The Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP) replaced WEP and TKIP, offering enhanced data protection and integrity. WPA2 was a considerable leap forward in wireless security, delivering an encryption standard that met the demands of modern wireless communication. However, the infographic indicates that WPA2 should only be used if the more secure WPA3 is not available, highlighting the continuous need for advancements in security.

The Present and Future: Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3)
WPA3 represents the current standard in wireless security, introducing significant enhancements over its predecessors:

Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE): This new handshake protocol replaces the Pre-Shared Key (PSK) in WPA2, mitigating vulnerabilities to offline dictionary attacks.
Increased Encryption Strength: For enterprise networks, WPA3 offers the option of using 192-bit encryption, providing a higher level of security. Forward Secrecy: This ensures that past communications remain secure even if a current key is compromised. WPA3 is a testament to the continuous efforts to improve wireless security. As the infographic highlights, WPA3 is the recommended encryption protocol to use, providing the most up-to-date and robust security for wireless networks.

The transition from WEP to WPA3 is a narrative of constant innovation in the face of evolving cybersecurity threats. Each new standard has built upon the lessons learned from its predecessors, leading to today's highly secure WPA3 protocol. While WEP and WPA are outdated and vulnerable, WPA2 remains a viable option where WPA3 is not supported. Nevertheless, for optimal security, organizations and individuals should aim to implement WPA3 wherever possible. As wireless technology continues to advance, so too will the methods to protect it, ensuring our digital communication remains confidential and secure.