Before diving deeper into the topic “What is the network security key?”, let’s walk through some basics first!
The network security key is also known as your wifi password, which gives your mobile or device access to the wifi network. So, in other words, this key protects the network against unwanted access.
Besides, security keys also allow your device to connect to other devices in the network. Thus, it also protects connected devices from unauthorized intruders.
In the modern world, the security key is widely used in daily life, for accessing the Internet, logging into email accounts, or transferring money.
What Is The Network Security Key?
Is Network Security Key Necessary?
Have you ever wondered why most people have to set a network security key or a wifi password? And why don’t we let everyone access our network? Here are good reasons for using a network security key!
First of all, we don’t want hackers to get access and take away our data. So, setting a password is an optimal way to ensure that the data is only under our control.
Secondly, the security key will limit the number of devices accessing the network to prevent the router from overloading.
Additionally, security keys also help to protect our network against various website threats. These websites could enter and spread the virus or even steal our data.
See also: How To Identify A Wireless Access Point Ip Information
How Many Types Of Network Security Keys Are There?
There are three main types of network security key, which are WEP, WPA, and WPA2. Now it’s time to know about them in detail.
WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy. This type of key uses a 40-bit key to encrypt the data packet between your computer and your router.
WEP is the oldest type of the three keys mentioned above so that the hacker could hack the encryption within a minute. Therefore, you shouldn’t use this type of key. Nowadays, almost all access points don’t support it anymore.
WPA or Wi-Fi Protected Access can encrypt information and verify that the network security key is not modified. This type only allows authorized devices to access the network.
An advantage of WPA is that almost all wireless network adapters can take advantage of it. However, some older adapters are not supported.
In current years, we mainly use WPA2 instead of WPA because of its safety. WPA2 is much harder to crack when compared to WPA. So it’s highly recommended to use this security key to protect your network.
How To Find a Network Security Key?
Normally, there are two main situations when people are looking for a network security key. The first situation is when they set the password for the first time, the other is when they forget what the password is.
This part will cover answers for both situations.
Find The Network Security Key On A Router
In case you have just bought a router, the first thing you want to find is the default key for accessing the network. In most cases, it can be found at the bottom of the router.
Each manufacturer may use different labels. But don’t worry, look for one of these phrases – password, wireless password, or WPA key.
It’s easy, right? The remaining task is to change the default key.
Useful information: How to Access the Router?
Find The Network Security Key On Windows
Well, in case you have changed your security key, and after a few months, a friend visiting your house asked for the password and you suddenly realized that you had forgotten the key. Luckily, if you have a device using Windows 10 connected to the network, you can find the key in a few steps.
First, look at the Taskbar and right-click the network icon, then you will see a context menu appear, select “Open Network & Internet settings”. Next, continue by selecting “connections”. Then click on “Network and Sharing Center”
In the Network and Sharing Center, click on the wifi’s name that you search for, then select “wireless properties”. Next, select the Security tab. Then find the words “Network security key”. Your password is next to it but in the masked form. To reveal it, click on “Show character” which is located below the password.
Find The Network Security Key On A Mac
The process of recovering the password via your Mac is pretty easy.
Firstly, you need to click on the search icon, which is a magnifying glass. Then type “Keychain Access’’ and search for it. In the Keychain Access, look for your Wi-Fi network at the top right corner.
Then double click on the wifi name that you search for, select “show password” then your Mac will require your device’s password before it shows the network security key. The last step is to enter this password and it’s done.
How Can I Set Up A Strong Network Security Key?
Now you’ve known the importance of a network security key. However, if you use a password that is easy to guess, you will turn yourself into easy prey for hackers.
Continue reading this article to learn the way of creating a secure and strong password.
Many people avoid forgetting passwords by using the same password for every account. This method helps you remember the password; however, you are actually opening a door for hackers to access and steal your personal data.
The first thing to remember is to make the password longer to create a strong network security key. The longer the key is, the more secure your password is. Besides, you should add punctuation, capital letters, and numbers as well.
One of the tips shared by experts is that you should change the key every 6 months. The risk will increase if you keep the same key for too long. So set a reminder on your phone and it will remind you to change your key.
Read more: How can you recognize an unsecured wireless network?
In A Nutshell
After reading this article, have you become more confident to answer the question, “what is the network security key?”. Additionally, you’ve learned about how to find your network security key in detailed steps.
Since a network security key improves the usability, safety, and reliability of your network, don’t forget to follow our guides and set up one for you immediately!
