The vast majority of the population does not have to investigate what an IP or a DNS is to be able to surf the internet. However, since knowledge does not take up space, we believe it is important to know what “network security key” means. This term has as a synonym what we commonly known as “Wifi password”. In this blog we will tell you what types of security keys exist and how to find our Wi-Fi password if we need it.
If we want to give a specific definition to the term, the network security key is a code or phrase that allows us to connect to a private network. It is used to authorize that device, whether mobile or computer, so that it can establish a connection to the network.
The most common types of network security keys are:
- WEP: they are a protection code for devices with Wi-Fi. WEP keys are a sequence of characters with numbers from 0 to 9 and letters from A to F. The size of a key of this type can be 10, 26 or 58 characters. WEP keys began to lose credibility and public favor as they began to prove easy to guess and encrypt, making them perfect targets for hackers.
- WPA/WPA2: These types of keys are more secure than WEP. The WPA is a password that you can get from the owner of the network. On the router we have at home, it’s the password that is sometimes printed on the side of the device. Usually, the owner can reset the WPA key to change it to whatever code or phrase they want.
What Is the Network Security Key?
Many times we are not aware or do not know what our network security key or Wifi key is. That is why in this blog we are going to show where the network security key is so that you can access your WiFi network and enjoy your internet connection.
The easiest way to find it is to go around the router and look for the WPA2-PSD. You will also find the name of your WiFi network here. However, please note that users can change the username, WiFi password, and the router’s password is the default one provided by your Internet provider.
So, if you’ve changed and forgot what or where the network security key is, here’s how you can find it:
Windows
- Go to Control Panel, open Network and Internet, and then open the Network and Sharing Center.
- Once you have opened the Network and Sharing Center, find and click on the name of your WiFi network.
- A new “Wi-Fi Status” window will appear. Click the “Wireless Properties” button.
- Go to the “Security” tab and check the “Show characters” checkbox. You will now be able to see your network security key.
MacOS
- Open Spotlight search by pressing Command + Space or the search icon at the top right of the screen.
- Type “Keychain Access” and press “Enter” or “Return” to launch the app.
- On the left side, under “Keychains,” go to “Systems.”
- Find the WiFi network for which you need a network security key in the list and double-click it to open another window.
- Click the “Show Password” checkbox.
- A new window will open asking for your Mac administrator username and password. Type it in and Keychain Access will show you your network security key.
What Happens If You Lose Your Network Key?
If you have lost your home WiFi network key, there is nothing to worry about. It only takes a couple of minutes to get it from your router. If you can’t get it from your router, that’s not a problem either. We can perform a factory reset to bring it back to its default. You can modify it however you want.
If you know your router’s login, simply log into your router and use one of the methods above to display your network key. Remember it or write it down in a safe place.
If you do not know the username of the router, you should perform a factory reset. This means you’ll have to set up a new password and reset your router if you’ve made any changes, but you’ll still be able to access wireless. You will need to find your router’s manual or do an internet search to find the factory reset and make and model of your router.
Perform a factory reset and log in using the default credentials. Immediately change the admin password of the router, and then set your WiFi password using the same or different password as needed. Use WPA2 encryption if available, and set a strong but memorable password. You can use the old one if you prefer, since you won’t have to change it on every connected device.
Network keys are an essential part of network security and are used all the time under this name or another. It is vital to use strong passwords at all times and keep them as secure as possible. Not losing will always help too.
