what is a network security key

Definition - What does Network Security Key mean?

A network security key usually refers to the password or alphanumeric key that end users enter to
access a local area network. In common use, the network security key differs from other network keys
used to determine network addresses, etc. A security key is a resource for a specific security protocol
that helps secure the local network.

The common security protocols include Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
and WPA2. These different protocols each offer their own methods for keeping networks safe. WEP was
the first security protocol developed for wireless networking. It is easy to configure, but also has certain
vulnerabilities. An alternative is WPA, which commonly uses a pre-shared key (PSK) and, for many IT
professionals, offers better encryption service. WPA2 emerged from WPA as a more modern choice.

Typically, the network security key is entered at key points in setting up a network and in accessing the
network from a device. Network security keys can be stored for easy use, so the end user does not have
to remember the key every single time that he or she logs on. However, the use of network security keys
can be frustrating and vexing for many end users, for example, when there are problems with the
calibration or setup of the protocol, when they forget their keys or when they do not know what the key
is because someone else had set up the network. Companies are now experimenting with other forms of
security than security keys, including biometrics, where the system uses a person’s unique physical
characteristics for access, instead of requiring him/her to remember a key or password.

What Is Network Security and why do you need it?

Network Security refers to any activities designed to protect your network. Specifically, these
activities include protecting the usability, reliability, integrity, and safety of your network and data.
Effective network security targets a variety of threats and stops them from entering or spreading on
your network. At Key Telephone and Security we provide you and your business with the latest
technology in network security, both hardware and software. What are the threats to YOUR network?
Many network security threats today are spread over the Internet.

The most common include:

 Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses

 Spyware and adware
 Zero-day attacks, also called zero-hour attacks
 Hacker attacks
 Denial of service attacks
  Data interception and theft
 Identity theft

How can KTS help YOUR Network Security Work?

At Key Telephone and Security we understand that no single solution protects YOU from a
variety of threats. You need multiple layers of security. If one fails, others still stand. We can provide
YOU with comprehensive network security through a combination of both hardware and software. The
software must be constantly updated and managed to protect you from emerging threats. Our certified
and trained network security specialists will design a system that consists of many components. Ideally,
all components work together, which minimizes maintenance and improves security.

Network security components often include:

 Anti-virus and anti-spyware

 Firewall, to block unauthorized access to your network
 Intrusion prevention systems (IPS), to identify fast-spreading threats, such as zero-day or zero-
hour attacks
 Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), to provide secure remote access

What are the Benefits of Network Security to YOU and YOUR business?

With network security system from Key Telephone and Security in place, your company will experience
many business benefits. Your company is protected against business disruption, which helps keep
employees productive. Network security helps your company meet mandatory regulatory compliance.
Because network security helps protect your customers’ data, it reduces the risk of legal action from
data theft. Ultimately, network security helps protect a business’s reputation, which is one of its most
important assets.

How to Find Your Network Security Key

The network security key is the password or pass phrase that you use to authenticate with your home
network. In order to establish a secure connection with your wireless router, you have to provide the
key to prove that you are authorized to do so. The key is established on a setting in the wireless router,
and each device connecting to it will be required to match it.

You can view the security key from the settings on computers already connected to WiFi:

Windows 7

 Click the Start button

 Click Control Panel
 Under “Network and Internet” click “View network status and tasks”
  On the left hand menu, click “Manage Wireless Networks”, then locate your wireless network on
the new menu
 Right-click on your wireless network and select Properties
 Click on the Security tab
 Check the box that says “Show characters”, if it is not already checked
 The Network security key box will display your key. You can use this same key to connect other
devices to your network.

Macs

 On the top of the screen, select “Go”

 Now select “Utilities”
 Double click on “Keychain Access” and then select your network from the list provided.
 Check the box that says “Show password” (You may have to enter your Mac’s Administrator
password and then click “Allow” to do this.)
 Your network security key will display your key. You can use this same key to connect other
devices to your network.

Find the Security Key in the Router

If you’re not currently connected, you’ll have to find the security key on your router. In your router, your
security key will be located within the wireless security settings. For example, if you have WPA2
encryption on your network, the key will most likely be nested within there. All routers are different