A network security key is a password that protects your wireless network and prevents unauthorized access to it. It is also known as a Wi-Fi password and is required to connect a device to a secured wireless network. The key provides a secure connection between the requesting client and the serving network or wireless device, such as a router. A network security key is created when your wireless router is first set up and is a string of characters that can be a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Different terms can be used to refer to the network security key, such as password, network or Wi-Fi key, network password, wireless password, WEP or WPA key. These terms refer to the same thing, which is the code you need to connect a device to a secured wireless network.

There are different types of network security keys, such as WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 security protocols. These protocols are designed to protect Wi-Fi networks from hackers, but there are differences in the encryption standard that each type of network security key uses.

To find your network security key, you can check the sticker on your router or modem, which usually has the network security key printed on it. You can also find it on your device if it is already connected to the network. For example, on Windows, you can find the network security key by going to the Network and Sharing Center, clicking on the Wi-Fi network you are connected to, and then clicking on the Wireless Properties button. The network security key will be displayed under the Security tab.

In summary, a network security key is a password that protects your wireless network and prevents unauthorized access to it. It is required to connect a device to a secured wireless network and can be found on the sticker of your router or modem or on your device if it is already connected to the network.