Cisco is positioning itself at the forefront of wireless security with a series of innovations aimed at addressing the evolving threats in the era of artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The company highlights that wireless networks are no longer just about connectivity but serve as the primary interface for people, devices, and AI systems. This shift necessitates robust security measures, as AI agents and always-on clients create new traffic patterns and demand greater upstream data flow.
The network is emerging as the only consistent enforcement layer for security, as it can monitor continuous interactions and enforce policies beyond initial access controls. Cisco integrates networking, security, applications, and third-party data through a common foundation, enabling teams to apply policies consistently and detect threats more effectively. Wireless security is central to this approach, especially as organizations prepare for future cryptographic changes.
Cisco is launching the Cisco Wireless CW9176ISEC, the industry’s first Wi-Fi 7 access point with quantum-resilient capabilities. This access point, along with updated Wireless LAN Controllers and Campus Gateways, aligns with the NSA’s CNSA 2.0 quantum-resistant algorithms. Starting January 1, 2027, all new national security system deployments must comply with CNSA 2.0, with a transition deadline set for the end of 2030.
Cisco is also introducing PQC over the air (OTA), a feature available across its Wi-Fi 7 access point portfolio starting in January. This collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Microsoft, and Intel ensures quantum-safe communications across network infrastructure, operating systems, and client hardware. The solution allows existing wireless ecosystems to support quantum-safe communications without requiring equipment replacement.
Additional security enhancements include Auto MACsec, which simplifies the encryption process between access points and switches. This feature automatically detects compatible Wi-Fi 7 access points, applies security policies, and establishes certificate-based encryption, reducing operational complexity. Auto MACsec is available now with IOS XE 26.2.1 and supported on Cisco C9350 Series Smart Switches.