It is important to have a strong network security key to prevent others from accessing your device. In this article, we will show you how to find a network security key on your device. Before that, we will explain to you what a network security key is and the different types of network security keys.
What is a Network Security Key?
Network Security Key – doesn’t it sound too technical. But what if we told you it is the same thing as a Wi-Fi Password. It can also be a WEP network password
The Network Security Key gives you root access to a wireless network. It is like a digital signature. It protects personal data.
Every network comes with its own default Network Security Key/default wireless passcode. When setting up the network for the first time, users can change this pre-set password according to their preference.
You can do it from the internet settings option on your device. If you can’t find the option, you can always seek assistance from your internet service provider.
Different types of network security keys?
When it comes to Wireless Network Security Keys, there are different types of network security keys. But there are two major types.
- Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
- Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
For security reasons, the private network security key is usually encrypted. This way your personal information remains safe and protected against cyber attacks.
Wired Equivalent Privacy, WEPencryption key uses a 40-bit key to encrypt the data transmissions. It forms an RC4 key by combining it with a 24-Bit IV (Initialization Vector).
To fend off possible attacks, a WPA protocol secure connection uses a 128-bit encryption key security protocol. This simple technique establishes a secured network and makes it hard to hack data packets.
How to create a strong network security key?
Creating a strong network security tab for your wireless connection is mandatory for everyone. But you should set a password that you can remember.
There is one proven method for picking a strong password every time – Bruce Schneier’s Method.
How does this method work? Simple! First, take a sentence, and turn it into a password.
To do so, you can replace the actual letters of the sentences with corresponding symbols, and numbers on your device’s keyboard. It is a secure option verified by many cyber security experts.
- WIw7,mstmsritt… = When I was seven, my sister threw my stuffed rabbit in the toilet.
- Wow…doestcst = Wow, does that couch smell terrible.
- Ltime@go-inag~faaa! = Long time ago in a galaxy not far away at all.
- uTVM,TPw55:utvm,tpwstillsecure = Until this very moment, these passwords were still secure.
How to find a network security key on Mac OS?
To find the Network Security Key on your Mac, follow the below steps-
- Open the search function
- Type “Keychain Access”, and select your Network from the dropdown.
- Check the box labeled “Show Password”, under the wireless icon. Hit the “Allow” button.
- The password will now be displayed on your screen under the key field.
- You might need to provide your default user name, and passcode.
- You can also see other information such as Router’s User Name.
You can use this password for establishing network connections with new devices. Now you know how to find a network security key on your Mac Computer.
How to find a network security key on Windows?
The following steps involved in finding the Security Key on your Windows 10 vary depending on the Microsoft Version you are using.
How to find network security key on Windows 10?
Follow the below steps:
Click on the Start Button, then navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Centre.
How to find network security key on Windows 1 8.1, or Windows 7?
Follow the below steps:
Open the Search Box (look for the search icon), and look for Network > Network and Sharing Center.
You can access the same settings from the Control Panel of your device.
How to find network security key on Windows OS?
Follow the below steps:
- Launch the Start Menu Search Bar on your Windows Device
- Type cmd, and select the option “Run as Administrator.”
- Input netsh wlan show profile into the Command Prompt
- This will display all the network connections with your device.
- Now input netsh wlan show profile ApprovedModems key=clear,
- In the end, replace the “ApprovedModems” with the name of your open network.
Now you know how to find a network security key on a Windows device.
How to find a network security key on an Android phone?
All Android mobile devices come with the HotSpot feature. Using this feature, users can share their internet connection data with others.
If you want to share Hotspot with your co-workers, or friends, but do not know the password, follow the below steps:
- Unlock your phone, and navigate to Settings.
- From the Wireless Device & Network section, navigate to Tethering and Portable Hotspot.
- To enable Mobile Hotspot, click on it.
- Scroll down until you see the option “Passcode”.
The above-mentioned method is the simplest method on how to find network security key Android devices.
How to find a network security key on an iPhone?
The same HotSpot feature is available on iPhones.
Follow the steps below to find network security key on an iPhone:
- The first step is to Unlock your iPhone and navigate to iCloud > Keychain. Here you will see all the network settings.
- From Settings turn on Personal Hotspot.
- Connect your Mac computer to your iPhone’s hotspot.
- Press CMD and Space on your mac to initiate the Searchlight feature.
- Look for “Keychain Access” on your Mac, and hit Enter.
- Search for the hotspot using the Network’s SSID.
- When you see the default SSID you are looking for, click on it.
- From the next window, check the “Show Password” box.
Now you know how to find a network security key on your iPhone.
How to find a network security key without internet?
When it comes to finding the security key on your new router, follow the steps below:
If you bought a new wireless router, the password to the network will most likely be printed on the bottom of the router box. You will find other wireless properties listed there too.
If you have lost the box, you can check the settings page of the device.
Depending on the type of router model, you might see a standard password, a WPA key/ WPA2 key, or a wireless key.
If you can’t find the security key under the box, you might need to check through the access points.
D-link router configuration settings are similar to the one listed above.
How to find a network security key on Huawei?
Huawei is a popular smartphone brand. The brand experienced its peak back in 2020 second quarter. Back then they held 20% of the global smartphone market.
All Huawei smartphones use Android as their OS. No matter which Huawei model you are using, follow the below steps to find the Network Security Key.
- Unlock your phone, and navigate to Settings.
- From the Wireless & Network section, navigate to Tethering and Portable Hotspot.
- To enable Mobile Hotspot, click on it.
- Scroll down until you see the option “Passcode”.
Now you know how to find a network security key on your Huawei device.
How to find a network security key on the Router?
Almost all routers come with a network security key.
If someone changes the network security key, if you forget the key, or if you changed to a new device you will not be able to connect your device to the network.
On almost all network routers, the security key is labeled on the hardware.
Where to find the network security key on Modem?
A modulator-demodulator is a device widely used to surf the internet.
Modems were at their peak a decade ago, when they were the only method for connecting to a home wireless network.
You can find the Wireless Network Name (SSID) and Wireless Security Key/Password at the bottom of the box.
How to resolve network security key mismatch errors?
On many occasions even if you connect to the right network, and enter the correct passcode, you will not be able to establish a connection. This is a very common issue on Windows 7.
Why does this happen? Well, there are a handful of reasons.
Here are a few solutions for resolving network security key mismatch errors on your smartphone-
- Check your antivirus.
- Uninstall Antivirus if necessary.
- Alter the security type on your Wireless network.
- Reinstall, or update drivers.
- Alter the security type of your Router.
- Renew the IP Address.
There are many different ways to resolve network security key mismatch errors. There are different possible solutions. But the above-mentioned one gives you quick results. It gives you access to all the wireless settings.
Conclusion
This article listed down how to find network security keys on different devices, starting from Windows, Mac, to Android, and iPhone.
There are many benefits of having a strong Wi-Fi Security Key. The first advantage is, it protects your Wi-Fi network against possible intruders.
When a pedestrian is walking by your house, his phone will identify your Wi-Fi Network, but unless they know the password, they cannot connect to it. Unless you are using any of the common types of network security keys such as – 123456789, or abcdefghij.
Many forms of hacking can be carried out by simply connecting to a Wi-Fi home Network/Guest Wireless Network. This is why you should always pick a strong Network Key to fend off unauthorized access/unwanted access to your Wi-Fi network.
Also, all Wi-Fi routers come with a default wi-fi password/default web key. To stay protected, it is advised that you change it to a new stronger password.