What is a Network Security Key?

Technology has advanced to a remarkable place, even in just the last five to ten years. Network-connected streaming devices let you watch your favorite shows anywhere, and smart refrigerators read recipes to you and let you check their contents from anywhere.

Chances are you have some network-connected devices in your home right now, from voice-activated digital assistants to smart thermostats. And all of them are connected to your home Wi-Fi network in order to allow easy access and connectivity. 

But with each of these great advancements to wireless networks for home or business, wireless security becomes even more important. If you’re like most people, your mobile phone and laptop are connected to the same home network as your thermostat and smart TV, which means that hackers might be able to access sensitive information just by gaining basic access to your home network. 

This is even more of a concern for small-business owners, because every device connected to your network—including home and work phones, laptops, tablets, and more—represent a possible point for a wireless security breach. 

This is where network security keys come in. Here we’ll take a deeper look at network security keys, describe how they act as a first line of cybersecurity for wireless networks in your home or business, and talk about the types of network security keys that are available for business purposes.

What is a network security key?

A network security key is the Wi-Fi password, code, or key that you enter to connect to a network or wireless hotspot. For your home network, people have the network security key and network name noted on the back of the router most of the time (and should consider changing or updating it).

It’s a fairly common security protocol, and you have certainly had to enter some type of password to gain Wi-Fi protected access for your laptop at the airport or a coffee shop. 

There are a variety of reasons why network security keys are important. For your home network, it might be as simple as not wanting the neighbors to steal your Wi-Fi. And for your business, protecting your network and devices from potential intruders and unauthorized access begins with having a strong network security key. 

Types of network security keys

There are four kinds of network security keys that are the most common and the most utilized:

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• WEP, or Wired Equivalent Privacy: The very first security protocol, WEP, is an outdated method nowadays and has been replaced by WPA. 
• WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access): Offering improved security over the original WEP option, a WPA key creates a new encryption for each unit of data that is sent through a network. Given that it was the first major security upgrade, it is no longer the most secure choice. 
• WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2): An improvement on WPA, WPA2 utilizes an Advanced Encryption System (AES) to provide stronger encryption and protect against more sophisticated attacks. 
• WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3): The latest iteration of network security protocol, WPA3 is the strongest currently available network security. WPA3 replaces password access with a QR code or NFC tag that allows connecting to or joining a network. 

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How do network security keys work?

A network security key works by preventing unauthorized network connections from people or devices that don’t enter the correct passphrase or code. Think of the front door to your home or office—the lock prevents uninvited people from entering. With your wireless network, no person or device can connect without the proper authentication, so it keeps bad actors at bay and only lets known and trusted users through. 

What should small businesses know about network security keys?

Just as locks on the doors or file cabinets used to be the standard equipment to protect small businesses, network security keys are just as important nowadays.

Almost every week there is another headline about businesses suffering from data breaches and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks that compromise customers and companies. And preventing these issues is critical to keep your business intact, your customers protected, and your data secure. 

From stolen data to stolen personal information, from lost revenues to lost customers, any cyberattack has the potential to do irreparable damage to your company’s reputation, brand, and future. 

Different types of network security key strengths and weaknesses 

You hear it every time you sign up for a new account on a site, but it is also true for your business network—the more complex your password, the more secure it will be. Creating a solid network security key with letters, numbers, and special characters is a great start. So is changing your network security key regularly, and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to it. 

When it comes to security, many companies recommend physical network security keys in the form of a small device that can be kept on a keychain or lanyard. The physical key, somewhat like a small USB drive, is issued to each authorized user and plugged directly into their device to allow network access. While convenient, there is always the fear of losing or misplacing a separate device, thereby causing security concerns. 

Another option is multi-factor authentication, which offers a further level of protection by requiring users to verify their identity and their authorization for accessing the network. This can be done by requiring users to receive a text message, push notification, or email on another device where they verify their identity. This is one of the most common options for individuals and can also be a very viable option for small businesses. 

Further options that are even more secure include biometric security, such as fingerprint scans, facial scans, or voice recognition. These are extremely secure choices, but may be cost prohibitive for some small businesses to implement. 

Network security key mistakes to avoid

As with your personal passwords, choosing a network security key for your business network or devices is pretty straightforward. Some things you want to avoid include: 

• Don’t use a birthday or other common information.
• Don’t use your business name or address in any combination.
• Avoid words or phrases that would be easy for hackers to figure out (“best_car_deals” for example).
• Don’t keep the same password that your router came with.
• Don’t use a generic number code (1234, 78910, etc.).
• Don’t print the network security key and post it all over your building.
• Don’t use the same password for your private network, business network, and your public network(s).