- A network security key is one such tool that can help you keep your information safe and protected when online. It is your WiFi password which you would need to access your network.
- There are a few different types of network security keys on WiFi, each working in different ways. Understanding what kind of network key your WiFi router uses is essential for setting it up and resolving issues.
- There are many ways to keep your network security key secure. But, the bottom line is that it has to be kept secret.
The Internet has afforded us a level of information and convenience that seemed unimaginable in the past. But, while the advancement in technology has been swift, so has the increase in the number of cyber threats that range from compromised credit card information to devastating corporate data breaches.
Fortunately, with heightened awareness and the availability of digital security tools, you can safeguard yourself from these attacks. A network security key is one such tool that can help you keep your information safe and protected when online. What a network security key is and how it works is what we will discuss in this article.
Popular Home WiFi Plans
| Home WiFi Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Belong Standard Plus Unlimited NBN broadband plan |
50mbps |
$65 per month |
|
Dodo NBN Standard Plus (nbn50) Unlimited Dodo broadband Plan |
50mbps |
$60 per month |
|
Uniti Wireless NBN The 50 (nbn50) Broadband Plan |
50mbps |
$79.95 per month |
|
Aussie Broadband Premium Speed NBN 100GB Plan |
50mbps |
$70 per month |
Network Security Key: What It Is & How It Works
If you’re new to setting up your WiFi or have just switched WiFi plans, you will most likely encounter the network security key. Essentially, it is your WiFi password which you would need to access your network. It allows you to establish a secure connection while also preventing unauthorised network access.
You would also come across it when you’re trying to join a public WiFi network, such as in restaurants and airports, among other public places. Of course, breaches can happen even with a network security key, but it can reduce the probability of cyber incidents such as the following:
- Network Hacking - The intentions for attacking a network widely vary, and it can range from preventing access to the network to exposing sensitive business data and information. Whatever the intent, it can cause disruption and inconvenience on a personal and business level.
- Compromised Information - You risk getting your personal information, including your address, passwords, and financial details, compromised on an unprotected network. But, with a network security key, you can keep that information private.
- Software and Hardware Hacking - There is a long history of reports where large corporations, including banks and entertainment businesses, were hacked by groups that stole sensitive data and rendered their hardware temporarily unusable. In most cases, these not only resulted in business disruptions but affected consumer trust as well.
Types of Network Security Key
There are a few different types of network security keys on WiFi, each working in different ways. Understanding what kind of network key your WiFi router uses is essential for setting it up and resolving issues.
- WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
WEP is a security passcode for Wi-Fi enabled devices. It encrypts messages transmitted via the network, keeping them from being easily read and decoded by outsiders. It’s composed of a sequence of characters, from numbers 0-9 and letters A-F. It can be 10, 26 or 58 characters long and can be automatically generated.
- WPA/WPA2 (WiFi Protected Access)
These security keys are considered more secure than WEP. It is composed of a password or paraphrase, which you would often see printed on the side of the WiFi router. As the network owner, you can usually reset the WPA key.
In particular, WPA2 is a more secure version of WPA and is often recommended for businesses that tend to require higher security measures. But, with that, you may need hardware with higher processing capacity.
Where to Find Your Network Security Key & How to Optimize It
In most cases, your WiFi router has a sticker that lists the information about your wireless network. This includes the security key password, which can be a combination of numbers and letters. If your smartphone or computer is already connected to the WiFi and you need to find the security key, you can also look for it by going to the settings.
There are many ways to keep your network security key secure. But, the bottom line is that it has to be kept secret. You should treat it with the same level of care that you would treat a house key—you wouldn’t leave it on your front door, would you? In the same manner, don’t write your password on a sticky note and stick it to your monitor. Avoid writing it down altogether, even.
It also pays to change your password regularly. It should be something unique and challenging to guess. Avoid using passwords or combinations that pertain to birthdays, names, and anything similar as that kind of information is easy to hack. Think of a random key instead.
Takeaway
The integrity of your network security key might be your only protective barrier against a serious data breach. Just as you would take the time to choose the best WiFi plans, carefully choose a strong password to keep your data safe as well. Need help in finding the right WiFi plans? Call us at Compare Broadband!
Loading...
