How to Find Network Security Key: A Step-by-Step Guide
Network Security key is popularly known as WiFi Network. Today, we are living in a highly connected world where WiFi has become the whole and soul of every digital activity- From streaming movies to just scrolling through your favourite social media app. And for accessing a WiFi Network what you need is a WiFi password. What is a Network Security Key? Network Security keys are the safeguards that protect a wifi network from any unauthorized access. But you must be wondering why it is so important. The answer is simple we use the WiFi network for multiple tasks such as browsing transactions, any unauthorized access to it can expose sensitive data. It can offer an open door to cyber attacks, breaches, and threats. Some of the importance of a strong network security key is listed below: Types of Network Security Keys Network security protocol can be categorized into three categories- namely, WEP, WPA, and WPA2. Most of the Networks use any one of these protocols. Each one of them is differentiated based on the encryption standards each protocol uses. Let’s look at each of them in detail: 1. WEB Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is one of the most outdated protocols. However, it is still used in older devices. But its worth noting that it is not recommended because of its static encryption code used to create its network security key. This protocol is weak and it can be decrypted and hacked. 2. WPA WiFi Protected Access (WPA) came as an improvement over the WEP protocol. It came with a dynamic encryption key that is used by Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP). However, after some time it was detected with vulnerabilities to various types of cryptographic attacks. 3. WPA2 One of the most secure Network Security Key protocols is WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2). It is considered the best because it leverages the AES encryption protocol available. However, we can not still say that it is totally risk-free as cyber threats are evolving and getting smarter each day with technological advancement. Therefore well-planned business security requires a Virtual Protocol Network (VPN), Antivirus Software, and Firewalls to offer robust security. How to Find Your Network Security Key? Finding the WiFi Password is very easy but the process and steps differ for different devices and operating systems. Let’s look at the steps for each device or operating system. 1. Router/Modem If you want to know the network security key of a modem or a router, you just need to check on the other side of the router. It can appear with various names such as passwords, network keys, wireless passwords, or WPA keys. This key can be used for the initial setup, however, it should be changed with a personalized, unique, and more secure password. In the case when you reset the router, the same WiFi Password will be needed for the setup. 2. Windows Device When it comes to network security keys on various Windows devices such as Windows 10, 11 or Windows Server can be found in the saved login data. Use the device that is already connected to the wifi network and follow the given steps: 3. macOS Finding the network security on MacOS is as simple as the process on Windows. You just need the name of the WiFi Network for which you need the WiFi Password. When you get the name, follow the steps given below: 4. Android The real task is finding the WiFi Password on Android. But don’t worry here is how you can get it on Samsung Galaxy S21: 5. iPhone Now navigate to iPhone Settings then scroll down to tap Wi-Fi. Beside your Wi-Fi network name, tap on the blue information icon located on the right side of the SSID on your iPhone: The Bottom Lines: Network Security Key plays an important role in securing your network specifically the WiFi network. It ensures that only authorized people get to access and use your Wifi and no one gets the data available on it. So make sure to use strong passwords and do not share them with everyone. Frequently Question Asked: Ques: Where do I find a network security key? Ans: The network security key is usually on your router’s label, in Wi-Fi settings, or saved in your connected device’s network settings. Ques: What is the network security key on my Samsung phone? Ans: The network security key on a Samsung phone is the Wi-Fi password. Find it in the connected Wi-Fi network settings under “QR Code” or “Password.” Ques: What is a security key on a laptop? Ans: The security key on a laptop is the Wi-Fi password saved in your network settings or a USB security key used for authentication. Ques: How to find Microsoft security key? Ans: Find it in your Microsoft account settings, email, or linked device. For 2FA, it’s often generated by an authenticator app or a USB security key. Ques: What is an example of a security key? Ans: Examples include Wi-Fi passwords, USB keys like YubiKey, or authentication codes generated by apps like Google Authenticator. Also Read: What is Cloud Web Security and Why is it Important?