What Is A Network Security Key (NSK) & How Do I Find It?

Whether you call it a WPA key, Wi-Fi password, or wireless security passcode, a strong network security key (NSK) is your first protection against network threats. A unique NSK can help prevent network and data breaches that could cause severe damage to your devices and personal accounts.

An NSK’s most crucial security role is blocking unauthorized access to private networks, but that isn’t its only role in increasing network security. We’ll explain what a network security key is, how to find it, and why it’s critical for protecting your Wi-Fi network. Plus, we’ll show you how tools like CyberGhost VPN can add an extra layer of security.

What Is a Network Security Key?

A network security key (NSK) is just another term for your Wi-Fi password. It’s a string of characters that lets wireless networks authenticate devices trying to connect to prevent unauthorized access. Most routers come with the SSID (wireless network name) and NSK written in the router installation instructions or on a sticker on the top, side, bottom, or back of the router. 

Your SSID and NSK can be changed anytime; you can also change the type of NSK you use. Your network security key can be anything you want, but cybersecurity experts recommend a few best practices to create a strong password, including:

• • 12-16 characters long
  • Use upper and lowercase letters
  • Mix numbers, letters, and special characters (e.g. Lr28%$049Monkey)
  • Avoid using easy-to-guess words (e.g., your name, birth month, etc.)
  • No sequential numbers (e.g., 1235, 0101, etc.)
  • Easily searchable information (e.g., street name, social media name, etc.)

Establishing a strong network security key helps ensure your network is protected against outsiders and cyber attacks. It’s important to always change the admin password that comes with your router to prevent others from easily gaining access. Your NSK creates a secure connection between your device and the wireless router and is one of your first defenses against network attacks.

How To Find Your Network Security Key

Find Your Network Security Key on Windows 10 and 11 in 6 Steps

1. Type Control Panel into the search bar and open it.

2. Click Network & Internet

3. Locate Connections and select your network
4. Press the Wireless Properties button when the prompt appears.

5. Click Security and check the box next to Show Characters. 
6. You may receive a prompt window asking you to confirm, click Yes.

Find Your Network Security Key on Android in 3 Steps

1. Go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi

2. Press the Settings button to the right of your network connection. 
3. In the next window, press on the eye icon with the line through it next to the password field to reveal your network security key.

How to Find Your Network Security Key on a Mobile Hotspot

1. Go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi
2. Press the Settings button to the right of your network connection.
3. Choose Mobile Hotspot & Tethering instead of Wi-Fi. Turn on your mobile hotspot by toggling the switch, then tap Mobile Hotspot. You’ll see your mobile hotspot information, including your network security key, in the next window.

Find the Network Security Key on Apple Devices in 3 Easy Steps

The instructions for finding your network security key on Apple OS vary greatly depending on your operating system version. Here are the instructions for macOS 15 Sequoia and iOS 17.

macOS 

1. Open Finder and search for Keychain Access.
2. Locate and select your network name.
3. Click Show Password and enter your macOS password to show the NSK.

iOS

1. Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi.
2. Find your Wi-Fi network and press the Info button.
3. Tap Password to view your network security key.

Is a Strong Network Security Key Enough to Protect Your Wi-Fi Connection?

Strong passwords are just one element of online security. You need to take extra precautions to add more security to your network connection and help prevent data theft and network attacks. Here are a few of the easiest ways to increase your online security. 

Use a VPN 

Strong VPN encryption changes your data using complicated algorithms, making it unreadable to anyone who may intercept it without the correct encryption key. All they get is useless, jumbled nonsense, so your information remains private. This can help protect your devices against cyber attacks and snooping, even if they’re connected to an unsecure network. Adding a VPN to your router protects the entire network against outside interference. 

A VPN also reroutes your traffic through its secure servers, changing your IP address to help improve your privacy. VPNs don’t all provide the same level of protection, though. Free VPNs often collect, store, and even sell information about what you do online. That means advertisers, data miners, and other third parties could wind up with your browsing data and other sensitive information. If you don’t want your privacy sold for a profit, you need a no-logs VPN. 

CyberGhost VPN has an independently audited no-logs policy backed by RAM-only servers that can’t store data long-term. We never collect information about what you do online. Our VPN has apps for all major operating systems, and you can even easily set it up on your router. That means you can simultaneously protect all the devices on your home network with one license, leaving you with six more open spots to cover all your favorite mobile tech.

Consider Media Access Control (MAC) Address Filtering 

A MAC address is a unique identifier, much like an IP address, except it’s assigned to the network card in your device and can’t be changed. Every internet-connected device has a MAC address that helps networks and other devices identify it. MAC filtering involves choosing which MAC addresses do and don’t have access to a network. This lets you manage which devices can connect to your router.

You can create a whitelist of MAC addresses with access to the network. Any device not on the list will be blocked. That makes it easier to prevent outsiders from connecting to or infiltrating your network, even if your network security key is compromised. The only downside is that it takes effort and time to whitelist each device individually and you’ll have to do it every time someone wants to connect a new device to the network.

Every router will have a slightly different process, but here are the general steps to create a MAC whitelist: 

1. Open your browser, enter your router’s IP address, and sign into your router’s admin console.
2. The admin console should display all the connected devices and their MAC addresses somewhere, likely under a tab labeled “Devices” or similar. Note the MAC address for each device.
3. Under either the Wireless tab or the Advanced tab, look for the terms “Access Control,” “MAC Filter” or “Network Filter.”
4. Once you’ve found the correct menu, enable MAC filtering and tick the option that permits listed device to access the network.
5. In the filter list, start adding the MAC addresses of the devices you want to whitelist.
6. Click Save to apply the changes.

When someone wants to connect a new device to your network, you’ll have to find the device’s MAC address in its settings menu. The address’s location will be different depending on the device’s OS and manufacturer, but you should be able to find a guide for your device online.

How To Troubleshoot Network Security Key Issues

A network security key mismatch can happen when you least expect it. Fortunately, the most common issues can be solved without advanced technical knowledge. 

• • Wrong/mistyped password: Typing in the wrong wireless password is the most common reason for an NSK mismatch. Clear the field entirely and try again. Remember, the password is case-sensitive.
  • Device-router issues: You may encounter incompatibilities between your device and router. This happens most commonly between legacy devices and newer technology (e.g., A new phone and an old router or vice versa.). Many older devices only work with the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption standard. You can look through its connection settings to see if it allows Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption, which is the standard encryption method used today.
  • Router crash: If your devices are compatible and you know the password is correct but you still get an NSK mismatch, your router may have crashed. Powering down your router and turning it back on may resolve the issue.

A Network Security Key Isn’t Standalone Protection

A Wi-Fi network without a security key is an open door for cybercriminals. Any device connected to the network could be at risk. Creating a strong NSK is essential to controlling network access and preventing cyber attacks. Sadly, it isn’t enough.

Using MAC filtering or IDS may not be practical for home networks, but installing CyberGhost VPN is quick and easy. The VPN’s encryption also increases your device’s connection security on all networks – meaning you can use public Wi-Fi connections and hotspots without worrying about your privacy or security.

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