On recent versions of macOS (including current betas), when enabling Internet Sharing from Ethernet to Wi-Fi, the configured WPA2/WPA3 password is ignored and the shared network is broadcast as an open (unsecured) network.
Steps to Reproduce:
- Connect Mac to Ethernet via USB/LAN adapter
- Go to System Settings > General > Sharing > Internet Sharing
- Set up Wi-Fi options with a valid WPA2/WPA3 password
- Enable Internet Sharing
Expected Behavior:
Devices should see a password-protected Wi-Fi network with a lock icon and require authentication.
Actual Behavior:
- The network appears unsecured (no lock icon)
- Devices like iPhone connect without entering a password
- This can be verified immediately from iOS Wi-Fi settings
Additional Notes:
- Reproducible across macOS 15.5 RC and 16.0,26.0 Developer Beta
- Feedback has been submitted via Feedback Assistant multiple times
- This is a serious security risk if used in public or shared environments
Has anyone else experienced this? Any known workarounds besides terminal-level defaults or Plist edits?
Thanks in advance!