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What Is a Network Security Key? Examples of How To Use Them

What Is a Network Security Key? Examples of How To Use Them

The rate at which the internet and technology have evolved definitely deserves praise. But as convenient as this progress has made our lives, it has also opened doors to some serious cyber threats. This is where the importance of a network security key comes into the picture. What is a network security key? It’s something that can protect you from a lot of trouble!

Yes, we cannot deny that the internet and technology have made information and services more accessible to us than ever. We have practically everything we need at our disposal. But this does not mean that we can keep a blind eye towards the cyber threats that have ensued due to it either.

Every now and then, we hear tales about people having their credit card numbers stolen, leading to massive losses. Corporate data breaches are not uncommon, either. Fortunately, there are tools that can keep you protected from such problems. So what is a network security key? It’s a digital measure meant to protect internet users when they are online.

What Is A Network Security Key: Everything You Should Know

It’s surprising how very few people know what a network security key is and its role in keeping your digital journey safe. It’s time to learn more about the concept and how you can use it to have a safe time on the internet.

So what’s a network security key? It’s basically a code or a password you need to access a local area network. Remember the code you need to access your personal Wi-Fi network? Yes, that’s an example of a network security key too.

The purpose of network security keys is to ensure that users get to establish a secure connection that no one unauthorized will be able to access. For instance, if diners want to access the internet in a restaurant, they have to request a security key to the restaurant’s local network. And once they put in the password, they can enable their devices to remember the code each time they log in to that network.

Similarly, you may have noticed that Wi-Fi networks in airports require you to pay a fee. Before you can access the network, you also have to enter personal information. Fortunately, you can be confident that the information will not be misused. The network protects it via security protocols.

Of course, despite all these measures, breaches do happen digitally. However, network security keys minimize the risk and increase your chances of being protected from criminal incidents.

Benefits of Network Security Keys to Consider and related examples

There’s no denying that network security keys make the internet a safer place. The most significant benefit of these codes is that they keep your information safe. They keep you protected from various online threats. Want to know how? Here are a few examples.

Preventing Piggybacking

It’s not common for people to check who has logged onto their network. They don’t realize that their data or network might be at risk due to piggybacking. Piggybacking is when users connect to a poorly protected wireless network like their neighbor’s. The person accessing the network can then compromise your user’s information and even attack the network landing you in trouble. With network security, you can prevent such unwarranted access to your network.

And then there’s Wardriving. This is what you can call a more targeted version of piggybacking. In this case, hackers actively look for poorly protected Wi-Fi networks that they can access. As a result, the information of all individuals connected to the network is compromised.

Evil Twin Attack

Yes, it’s exactly as it sounds. People can set up their internet network similar to a popular one like that of a coffee shop. So when customers access the network, they feel they are using the coffee shop’s network connection. But the reality is different, and their data is compromised.

Shoulder Surfing

Most people don’t really think that shoulder surfing is a major risk. While it might not be as dangerous, it’s still something to be wary of. When you are putting your information into a computer or mobile device unknown to you, your individual might be observing you from the side. This can get him access to all sorts of information, including your home address and even your social security number.

Unauthorized Computer Access

It’s common for hackers to look for unprotected networks so that they can access sensitive data through them. This includes credit card numbers and even personal files. It usually takes people a while to realize that an unauthorized person is connected to their network. Hence, they remain oblivious to fraudulent activities for a long time. Keeping your network protected with a security key can prevent this.

The Various Types Of Network Security Keys And The Protection They Offer

There are so many types of security keys introduced to keep you protected online. There’s WEP which ensures that everyone having access to the key on a particular network can access each other’s information.

You must have heard of WPA keys that are an upgrade over WEP. These keys can conceal the user’s information from others accessing the same network. And they also have authentication codes in place to make the network more secure.

Then there are the two-factor and biometric keys designed to provide security to users when they are accessing a particular network. With these keys, users also need an external or two-factor authentication.

The purpose of all these network security keys is pretty simple. They keep your networks safe from hackers and also protect users’ identities and information. Network security keys are invaluable in ensuring that software and hardware are not compromised.

These keys are considered the first line of defense against potential cyber-attacks, and rightly so. If you want to ensure that your safety is not compromised as you access the internet, it’s best to learn more about network security keys and how they work.

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