A network security key is a password you enter to connect your computer, phone, tablet, and other devices to a private network. If your home Wi-Fi network is password-protected, you will need to enter your network security key to connect a device to it. Network security keys are essential because they protect Wi-Fi networks from unauthorized access. Show
How can I find my network security key?There are a few methods you can use to find a network security key. You can check your physical router/modem or use one of your devices that are already connected to the network. See below for complete instructions. How to find a network security key on a router/modemThis one is the most straightforward method. If you can find your router or modem, it will almost always have a sticker with the network security key printed somewhere on it. It may be labeled something other than network security key, however. Depending on the manufacturer of the router or modem, it could also be labeled:
How to find a network security key on iPhone or AndroidThe below instructions may vary slightly depending on which brand of phone you have or which version of Android you have installed, but here is how to find a network security key on Android:
Here’s how to find a network security key on iPhone:
How to find a network security key on WindowsBecause Windows saves network security keys so you can reconnect to Wi-Fi networks without having to keep re-entering passwords, finding a network security key on a Windows device already connected to a network is easy. Here’s how it’s done:
How to find a network security key on MacSimilar to Windows, finding a network security key on Mac isn’t too much trouble. Here’s how to do so:
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3. Click on the name of your Wi-Fi network. 4. Click on the "Wireless Properties" button and then on the Security tab. 5. Select the "Show Characters" checkbox to reveal your network security key. Finding the Network Security Key On a MacIf you have a Mac, you can find your network security key by following a few simple steps. 1. Click the search icon on the top right side of your screen.
2. Search the phrase "Keychain Access".
3. When the Keychain Access screen pops up, double click on the name of your Wi-Fi network.
4. Select the "Show Password" checkbox.
5. Enter your Mac password to reveal your network security key. RELATED: How Can Your Printers Have Security Risks? [Tips to Protect] How Can I Better Protect my Network?Create a Strong Network Security KeyWeak passwords are one of the easiest ways to give a hacker access to your network. If you have a WPA/WPA2 key that you can select yourself, consider strengthening it and protecting where it is written down to better leverage your cyber security infrastructure. In general, you should limit how much you write down your passwords, whether they're on a sticky note, an Excel spreadsheet, or in the Notes app on your phone. This piece of advice extends to writing down your Wi-Fi passwords anywhere too. Writing a password down anywhere leaves it susceptible to being found by hackers. If a hacker were to gain access to your network, there is no telling the havoc that they could wreak. Consider changing your network security key and other passwords every six months to keep them fresh and secure. Additionally, when creating a password or security key, don't use easy-to-find information such as birthdays or your children's names. When creating a password, make sure it's long and complex. To make your passwords more complex, try creating a "passphrase" instead. Passphrases involve picking a meaningful phrase that you can remember, and making the first letter of every word the password. RELATED: How Can I Create and Secure a Strong Password? Keep Firewalls, Routers, and Antivirus Software Up-to-DateFirewalls keep would-be intruders where they should be– outside your network. By putting up a virtual “wall” against inbound and outbound traffic, firewalls choose whether to allow or block certain traffic through. Antivirus software is great at scanning incoming files and code for known viruses and malware. Installing antivirus on your computer should be one of the first tasks you complete when you get a new computer, as it will help protect against Internet threats. Firewalls and antivirus software serve as a good basis for building your network security. While installing firewalls and antivirus software are both great methods for securing your network, many people forget or push off updating them. While we know this process can be a nuisance, every day that you wait to update your firewall and antivirus after new versions emerge leaves you more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Software updates are used to patch newly discovered security gaps. When you push off updating your security software, you leave yourself open to a cyber criminals exploiting these security gaps to hack into your accounts and steal your personal data. If you are able to, enable auto-updates on your security software and schedule any updates for late at night when you're not using your computer. This will ensure that even if you forget to manually complete an update, it will still happen regardless. RELATED: How Does Antivirus Work? Consider Managed IT ServicesIf you are a business, you might feel overwhelmed with managing your cyber security infrastructure. Managed IT services can, among many other tasks, help you create a company-wide password policy that works for your business. Additionally, managed IT services proactively handles your network's security by implementing safety measures, and then employ a team of IT experts to address any threats or issues that pop up. In the event that a ransomware attack happens or your network goes down, they can reduce downtime by quickly recovering data due to their use of frequent and secure backups. RELATED: What are Managed IT Services? We hope that this article answered your questions and taught you a few tips about network protection. For more cyber security-related content, follow our blog!
Posted by Erica Kastner Erica Kastner is a lead Marketing Specialist at Standard Office Systems as well as a University of Georgia graduate. She aims to use her passion for problem-solving to help businesses understand how to better leverage their network infrastructure. How do I find my network security key?How to find a network security key on iPhone or Android. Open Settings and select Connections > Wi-Fi.. Click on the network listed under “Current network”.. Scan the QR code to see the network security key.. Is network security key same as password?Is the network security key the same as the password? Yes, the network security key is just another word for your Wi-Fi password. Always use a strong password to prevent outsiders from connecting to your network. Public Wi-Fi networks carry an extra level of risk, even if they're password-protected.
What does a network security key look like?Network security keys are a combination of characters, for instance F23Gh6d40I. If your computer is already connected to your Wi-Fi and you cannot remember the security key and need to find it, you can also find it by going to the settings on your computer.
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What is the network security key?
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