What Is Network Security Key – How to Find It

We often make the silly mistake of calling multiple things a generic name. It’s so much so that we don’t even know the specific name of some things. This is precisely the reason the word Network Security Key might spook you a little. But you have come across the phrase once or twice. What exactly is this Network Security Key? And how do you find it? I’ve covered it all in this guide.

What is a Network Security Key?

Network Security Key is the technical term for what we commonly call the Wi-Fi password. If you think about how a Wi-Fi network functions, you might understand things better.

A device needs to authenticate itself before connecting to a Wi-Fi network. This authentication requires one key, which is the Wi-Fi password. Since this key is private and unique, it prevents threat actors and strangers from accessing your network.

Depending on the context, Network Security Key may also be called:

• Network Password
• Wi-Fi Password
• WEP/WPA Key
• Wi-Fi Key

As you can guess, a Network Security Key plays a crucial role in making Wi-Fi networks work.

How does a Network Security Key Work?

Here’s a quick overview of how a Network Security Key works:

1. When you try to connect to a private Wi-Fi network, your device will communicate with the network router.
2. It will soon ask for the network security key.
3. At this point, your device—be it a smartphone, computer, or Kindle—will send the password to the router.
4. The Wi-Fi router already has secure storage where the correct network security keys are kept.
5. The router will quickly confirm whether you have entered the correct network security key.
6. If you enter the correct option, your device will establish an encrypted connection to the router and, thus, the network.

While there are numerous steps and sub-steps, the entire process doesn’t take more than a few seconds. This means you will have an active Wi-Fi connection in a few seconds, given that you have the correct NSK.

At its core, the Network Security Key involves works with two things: authentication and encryption. While the first thing is evident, the aspect of encryption is a little different. Encryption makes sure that everything that happens between the device and the router is inaccessible to an outsider.

Because network security demands vary a lot, you can find different types of Network Security Keys.

Types of Network Security Key

The Wi-Fi Alliance, the entity maintaining the norms for Wi-Fi, has launched different security protocols over the last decades. Based on these security protocols, four types of network security keys are available to end users.

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)

WEP is an archaic wireless security protocol, and this type of network security key is not used anymore. Since it used static encryption keys, the security it offers is borderline non-existent by today’s standards. Given the official announcement from 2003 to replace WEP with WPA, you won’t likely come across this type of key.

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)

WPA is the oldest variation of the Wi-Fi Protected Access security protocol. Unlike its predecessor, WPA used the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol to create and manage dynamic encryption. It also brought additional options for user authentication. No modern Wi-Fi device ships with WPA, though. So, unless you deal with legacy hardware, you won’t come across it.

WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2)

The second variation of the WPA protocol is a giant leap in terms of encryption. It introduced a super-secure encryption protocol, namely Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Depending on the situation, WPA2 offers two modes: Personal and Enterprise. While not completely secure, WPA2 is considered a standard when it comes to Wi-Fi connectivity. A number of Wi-Fi routers still ship with WPA2.

WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3)

WPA3 network security keys offer the highest possible security and encryption as per today’s norms. It has been active since 2018. The WPA3 protocol uses features like Simultaneous Authentication of Features (SAE), forward secrecy, and individual data encryption to protect the network from brute force and other modern attacks. You should use WPA3 keys whenever possible if privacy is your primary concern.

By the way, public/open networks don’t need a network security key. While this may sound convenient, it also means anyone can access the network.

How to Find Network Security Key

Let’s say that you have already connected your device to a network. You can then find the network security key of the Wi-Fi network using one of the methods listed below.

On Router/Modem

You can look at the router label or the packaging to find the default SSID and password for the Wi-Fi network. This is the easiest option if you are just setting up your Wi-Fi network.

If you have already changed the default password, you can use the router admin panel to find the network security key. You need to log in to the dashboard, navigate to Network settings, and choose Wi-Fi.

You can either copy the existing security key or change it to something better.

On Windows Device

On a Windows PC, you can use the Settings option to find the NSK of an active network.

1. You first have to open Settings from the Start Menu
2. Go to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings
3. On the next page, choose More network adapter options
4. Windows will now show you a list of network adapters connected to the system
5. Locate the Wi-Fi adapter and select Status from the right-click menu
6. Click on Wireless Properties and move to the Security tab.
7. Here, you can see that the Network security key is hidden.
8. Click Show characters to reveal the security key.

Depending on the user privileges, you may have to enter the password. You can then copy the password to someplace safe.

On macOS

Here’s the easiest way to find the network security key on macOS Sequoia

1. Open the Passwords app on your Mac and authenticate.
2. Go to Wi-Fi from the options in the sidebar.
3. Use the Search function to locate the Wi-Fi network.

• You can click the Password field to copy it to the clipboard.
• You can also create a QR code, which other devices can scan and join your network.

On Android Device

Android also lets you access a saved network security key of a saved Wi-Fi network.

1. Open Settings and go to Wi-Fi.
2. From the list of connections, locate the one you want.
3. Tap the Gear button next to the network name.
4. On the next page, tap the QR code/Share button to create a shareable QR code.

• When the QR code pops up, you can simply copy the network key.

This process is straightforward and works on most Android smartphones out there.

On an iPhone

Although the Passwords app works on iPhones, there is an easier way.

1. Open Settings and go to Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the (i) button next to the Wi-Fi network name
3. Tap the Password field and authenticate using Face ID/Touch ID.

• You can then copy the key right away.

You can then paste the network security key somewhere else. But iOS already does a great job of keeping it secure in the Passwords app.

What is a Network Security Key Mismatch Error and How to Fix It?

A Network Security Key Mismatch Error occurs when the provided password does not match the password saved on the Wi-Fi router. Since the request cannot be authorized, your device will not connect, and you will get a message about the mismatch error.

Common Network Security Key Mismatches

The most common reason behind the security key mismatch error is that you entered the incorrect password. However, in some cases, router configuration issues and software glitches may also happen. But you can solve the network security key mismatch error quickly.

How to Fix the Error

Here are some steps you can try to get rid of the mismatch error:

• Double-check the password and ensure that you are entering it correctly.
• If the problem persists, reboot the router and try again using the correct password.
• Attempt to change the Wi-Fi password to something else via the router admin panel.
• If no other option works, you can try resetting the Wi-Fi router.

One of these solutions will surely help you get rid of the mismatch error.

How to Keep Your Network Secure

Here are some tips you must follow in order to keep your network secure.

• Always try to use the most secure wireless networking protocol. In the case of Wi-Fi, you must go for WPA3, which offers best-in-class encryption.
• Use a complex, non-guessable, and unique network key (Wi-Fi password). Don’t share it with anyone unless you absolutely need to.
• Ensure that you run the latest version of the Wi-Fi router firmware. Router firmware updates contain important security patches.
• If possible, you should use built-in security features or a firewall for the network. For business Wi-Fi networks, this is a must.

Following core digital hygiene, in general, can keep your network secure.

Conclusion

I believe this article gave you a comprehensive idea about the Network Security Key and how to find it. While it is not a complex word, you should not take these passwords lightly. A weak and guessable network security key means threat actors can get into your network.