I forgot my wireless network security key. What is a network security key? Wireless security

In this article, we will analyze what a wireless WiFi network security key is and why it is needed. This is a topical issue, as wireless networks are widely used all over the world. At the same time, there is a risk of falling under the sight of intruders or simply lovers of "Freebies".

But before moving directly to the main topic, it is necessary to understand how the technology itself works. This will help you better understand why you need a WiFi security key.

What is a wireless network and how does it work

The essence of WiFi technology is to save users from having to use cables. This is very convenient, especially given the widespread use of various portable equipment equipped with a wireless communication module.

In addition, users have an extremely easy and fast way to combine several devices into one group, which, in turn, allows you to exchange data, chat, play joint games, and so on without a cable connection.

To create such groups, WiFi access points are used, which, in the vast majority of cases, use wireless routers. The range of such a router is large enough and is able to cover the whole apartment. Moreover, the signal is enough for several apartments in a multi-storey building. Depending on the model of the router and the power of its antenna, one access point is quite capable of covering the area of ​​\u200b\u200btwo private houses in the neighborhood.

This means that in addition to trusted persons, intruders can connect to your network, or, as is often the case, simple lovers of the “free” Internet. This is where the Wi-Fi security key comes into play, preventing these people from using your local and global resources.

What is a Wi-Fi network security key: Video

What is a WiFi password

So, what is a WiFi security key? This is a unique code that you come up with yourself. This password blocks access to your network. In this case, it is not so much the key itself that is important, but the type of encryption. The fact is that all information that flows between the router and the PC is encrypted. And if you entered the wrong key, then your device simply will not be able to decode it.

This is done to improve security. It is worth noting that today there are three types of encryption for WiFi connections:

• WPA2.

Let's take a quick look at these types of encryption.

How to find out the password for your WiFi connection in the router settings: Video

Types of network encryption

So, the first two types (WPA and WPA2) require subscribers to enter a unique password. Without it, you simply won't be able to connect. After verifying the entered key, all data that is transmitted between network participants is encrypted.

This technology provides two types of security checks:

• WPAWPA2-private.
• WPAWPA2-Enterprise.

The difference between them is that in the first case, all group members are provided with one WiFi security key. In other words, all subscribers are given one passphrase, which opens access. In the second case, each user receives a unique Wi-Fi password, which only works for one computer. This method is more secure. It is used exclusively in enterprises requiring an increased level of security. The first option is the most common in private groups.

It is worth noting that modern routers support both technologies. But, WPA2 still provides higher security. Therefore, if possible, you should choose it. There are still earlier models of routers that encrypt data using WPA technology.

WEP is an older type of encryption for information in Wi-Fi groups. Many modern routers still support it, as there are outdated subscriber devices that can only work with this technology. But, it is worth noting that this type is not recommended to be installed, since it is easier to hack.

Finding out the Wi-Fi security key is necessary in order to connect to a wireless network that requires a password. It is also necessary to be able to secure the network signal from being intercepted by other users and freebie lovers living in the neighborhood, since the signal coverage radius usually extends to several apartments and floors. For these purposes, you will need at least one computer or laptop that is currently connected to the network.

What types of network encryption exist

• WEP - is considered not a particularly reliable type of encryption and is currently used relatively infrequently. Encryption of this type is not supported by many routers and is extremely vulnerable, that is, it is possible to crack the password without much difficulty.
• WPA and WPA2 are much more secure types of encryption. They are supported by most modern routers and are used for the security of both ordinary users and entire enterprises.

First way: the easiest

Method two: how to find out the password through the router settings

Method three: how to find out the password using the phone

1. If you want to know the Wi-Fi network security key, then you can also do this using your phone. For owners of smartphones based on Android, you must first obtain special ROOT - rights that allow you to make advanced changes to the device settings.
2. It goes without saying that the phone must have a wi-fi module to be able to connect to a wireless network.
3. Through any file manager, you need to enter the root folder "Data" - "Wifi".
4. This folder will contain the wpa_supplicant file with the extension ".conf". Open it with any text editor and in the "PSK" line you will see the security key, which, in fact, you needed to know.

Usually, before connecting to a Wi-Fi network based on the Rostelecom Internet, you need to find out and enter the security key. The security password that is set on routers prevents unauthorized persons from connecting to your network, so you can see it quite often. The security key is set exclusively by the owner of the equipment and cannot be changed without his knowledge (except in cases of a hacker attack).

How to find out the security key of the Wi-Fi network of Rostelecom

If you are thinking about how to find out the security key from Wi-Fi Rostelecom, first you should understand the types of networks. There are internal networks, for example, home or work, where the Internet enters the router, and is then distributed to devices using Wi-Fi technology. There is also another type of Internet connection, namely, those installed by Rostelecom itself. If the first option involves the choice of the key by the owner himself, then using the second one, you will need to obtain a password for access from the operator. Wi-Fi points are now becoming especially popular in suburban areas where a wired network connection is not provided.

Let's take a closer look at the first option - a personal wireless router. To install a security key, you will need to enter the device settings menu. On most entry-level, intermediate and even professional models, you can change settings using an intuitive web interface.

Here, depending on the manufacturer and firmware, the menu may differ, but there will always be main items, among which you will need to find the wireless network settings. In this tab, you can either change or set, or simply find out the already installed security key.

If you want to find out the network key in a simpler way and have a Windows device that is already successfully connected to the Internet from Rostelecom via Wi-Fi, then you can do this directly in the operating system:

• go to the network control center;
• go to the tab for changing adapter parameters;
• select the desired Wi-Fi adapter and double-click on it with the left mouse button;
• here we follow the path of the tabs "wireless network properties - security";
• check the item display entered characters and see the set password.

Attention! When choosing an adapter, do not confuse the settings opened by right-clicking and double-left. In the "Properties" tab, which can be accessed with the left button, you will not be able to find the item responsible for the access point password.

Unfortunately, it will not be possible to find out the security key of the Wi-Fi network of Rostelecom on mobile phones with Android and IOS using regular means.

Where and how to enter the network key to the Rostelecom router

If you have a question about how and where exactly you need to enter the network key to the Rostelecom router, then you should read the more detailed connection instructions. In the beginning, you will need to find out the manufacturer and model of the router. The most common for home and office Internet now are entry-level and mid-level routers. In the Russian market, the most popular routers are represented by companies:, TP-Link, Asus, Tenda, as well as some other brands hidden behind the Rostelecom logo.

The second step is to determine the IP address of the router. The most common combinations are 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.1.1. In order to find out which IP is used in the router by default, you need to find a printed instruction for the equipment or download a PDF document from the official website of the device manufacturer.

After that, we go to the browser on a computer connected to the network by wired or wireless method, and enter the IP in the address bar. By pressing the enter key, we will get to the main page of the router settings. For example, take the TL-WR1043ND router. In the TP-Link interface, you need to select the "Wireless Mode" tab located in the left sidebar. Here you can configure all the parameters of the Wi-Fi hotspot. If you are only interested in the security key, select the "Wireless Security" subcategory. With WPA2-PSK or another version selected, except when security is disabled, the searched combination will be indicated in the field labeled "PSK Password". When changing parameters, do not forget to save them with the appropriate button.

You can find out and enter your own Internet-based network security key from Rostelecom in the parameters of your own router. For users who for some reason do not have access to the web interface of the equipment (public device in an Internet cafe, etc.), there is an option to check the password using their operating system. But this method can only be used if you already have a device connected to the network.

When connecting to a Wi-Fi wireless network, users are often faced with the need to enter some kind of network security key. In this article, we will tell you what a Wi-Fi wireless network security key is, as well as how to find out this key using the settings of the router, computer or laptop on which it is saved.

In order to understand what a security key is, we need to say a few words about the different types of Wi-Fi networks. A Wi-Fi network can be open or secure. An open network is not secure in any way, and you do not need to enter any data to connect to such a network. Anyone can connect to an open network, the main thing is to be within the network. This is very convenient for providing Internet access in public places. A secure network, on the contrary, is closed to casual users. Secure networks are commonly used to build office, work, and home wireless networks. In order to connect to such a network, you need to know a secret set of characters, which is called the Wi-Fi security key or password.

In general, a Wi-Fi security key is a password that you need to know in order to connect to a network. When you connect to a secure network, the device you are using will definitely ask you to enter a security key or password. After entering this information, the correctness of the entered password is checked, and if the password is correct, then the connection is made. If the password is incorrect, then the connection is broken.

It should be noted that there is some confusion in terms here. On some devices (for example, on mobile gadgets with the Android or iOS operating system), this security key is called a password. That is, the user is asked to enter a password, and he immediately understands what is required of him to connect to the network.

At the same time, on laptops and computers with the Windows operating system, a more correct name is used, namely “security key”. The use of the term "security key" often confuses inexperienced users because they do not understand what is required of them.

How to find out the wireless network security key

The Wi-Fi security key is installed on the device that creates this wireless network. It can be a wireless router or a Wi-Fi access point. Therefore, the most reliable way to find out the Wi-Fi security key is to go to the settings of the router or access point and see.

In order for you to first connect to the network of this router. This can be done via cable or Wi-Fi (when connected via Wi-Fi, access to the settings may be blocked). Next, you need to open any browser and enter the IP address of the router in the address bar (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

After that, you will be prompted to enter a username (login) and password. The standard login and password are often indicated on the underside of the router, and this information is also in the instructions for the router.

After entering your username and password, you will be taken to the web interface of the router. Here you need to find the section with Wi-Fi settings. Usually this section is called Wi-Fi, Wireless network, WLAN or Wireless network. In the Wi-Fi settings section, you can find the security key needed to connect.

If you have a computer on which the security key is saved, then you can do it without going into the router settings. To do this, open the "Network and Sharing Center". In Windows 7, to do this, right-click on the network connection icon or go to the "Control Panel" and open the "Network and Internet - Network and Sharing Center" section

In Windows 10, the easiest way to do this is to use the Run menu. Press the key combination Windows-R and run the command "control.exe /name Microsoft.NetworkandSharingCenter".

In the "Network and Sharing Center" window, click on the "Manage wireless networks" link.

Here you need to find the desired Wi-Fi network, right-click on it and go to "Properties".

As a result, a window with the properties of the selected Wi-Fi network will appear. To view the saved security key, go to the "Security" tab and enable the "Show entered characters" option. After that, the data you need will appear in the "Network Security Key" text box.

If you do not have access to the router and do not have a saved password on your computer, then you need to contact the system administrator or Internet provider that maintains your Wi-Fi wireless network for help.

Personal data and files on a wireless network can sometimes be accessed by unauthorized people intercepting the network signal. This can lead to identity theft and other malicious activities. A network security key or passphrase can help protect your wireless network from such unauthorized access.

Follow the Network Setup Wizard to set up a security key.

Note.

• We do not recommend using WEP to secure your wireless network. More secure is Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA or WPA2). If you try to use WPA and WPA2 and they don't work, we recommend that you replace your network adapter with an adapter that supports WPA or WPA2. All network devices, computers, routers, and access points must also support WPA or WPA2.

Encryption methods for wireless networks

There are three types of wireless encryption available today: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA and WPA2), Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), and 802.1x. The first two methods are detailed in the following sections. The 802.1x protocol is typically used in corporate networks and is not covered here.

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA and WPA2)

WPA and WPA2 require the user to provide a security key to connect. After the key is verified, all data transmitted between the computer or device and the access point is encrypted.

There are two types of WPA authentication: WPA and WPA2. Use WPA2 whenever possible, as it provides the most security. Almost all new wireless network adapters support WPA and WPA2, but some older models do not. In WPA Private and WPA2 Private, all users are assigned the same passphrase. This mode is recommended for home networks. WPA-Enterprise and WPA2-Enterprise are designed to be used with an 802.1x authentication server that provides different keys to all users. This mode is mainly used in work networks.

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) protocol

WEP is an older method of securing a network. It is still available to support legacy devices, but its use is deprecated. When WEP is enabled, the network security key is configured. This key encrypts information that a computer transmits over a network to other computers. However, WEP protection is relatively easy to crack.

There are two types of WEP security methods: open system authentication and pre-shared key authentication. Neither provides a high level of security, but the shared key authentication method is less secure. For most computers and wireless access points, the shared key authentication key is the same as the static WEP encryption key that is used to secure the network. An attacker who intercepts messages for successful public key authentication can use analysis tools to determine the public key authentication key and then the static WEP encryption key. Once a static WEP encryption key is determined, an attacker can gain full access to the network. For this reason, this version of Windows does not automatically support network configuration through WEP pre-shared key authentication.

If, despite these warnings, authentication using shared WEP keys is required, follow these steps.