When you hear the word network security key, you might think it refers to a key that has to be used to unlock the router. However, it is actually a password or a code. This can be used to secure a wireless network. This is used to identify access to the router. Or to put it more simply: without the network key, you cannot connect to the Internet via WLAN. This is because only those with the correct network security key are allowed to access a wireless network. This is important to ensure that no strangers gain access within range of your Wi-Fi connection. Authenticating access using the network key ensures that unauthorized persons cannot use your Internet connection. This is because unauthorized users could spy on users' personal data via Internet access. This is how network security works with a network security key:

• Select a router that can be reached wirelessly with a computer or smartphone via a WLAN connection
• Enter the network security key (located behind or under the router)
• Click on Connect and get access to the Internet
• by selecting "connect automatically", the key does not have to be entered again the next time it is accessed
• The network key can also be read when the Internet is connected

The network security definition is: Network security is the bundle of strategies, processes and technologies to protect a network from unauthorized access and thus protect it from damage. Typical threats include hackers, malware and viruses. If unauthorized persons gain access to the network, they can infiltrate, manipulate or destroy networks. This is why network security has the following priority (according to the network security definition):

• Control access
• Prevent infiltration of the network
• Preventing the spread of threats

Digitalization is changing the world and the way we live and work. Customers and employees are demanding more digital services from companies. Anyone who provides these and opens up digitally to the outside world must protect their network. For example, home offices and collaboration tools pose risks to networks. This protection is important and also serves the company's reputation.

It is very important to take proactive network security measures to protect a company's network against cyber attacks via WLAN. In many companies, the following network security measures are usually taken:

• Access controls with identity management
• VPN technologies (IPSec, L2TP and SSL/TLS)
• E-mail encryption
• WLAN security (attacks on WLANs)
• Perimeter security through hardware or software-based firewall for monitoring incoming and outgoing network data traffic via WLAN

However, it also helps to train staff, raise employee awareness, mobile device management, monitoring, use of technology, analysis and identification of weak points. The use of network security software provides the company with support for the necessary network security measures. If Tor browsers are used for anonymous surfing, Tor network security must also be taken into account.

Network security encompasses all technologies, processes and guidelines that protect networks from cyber attacks, unauthorized access or data loss. The attack surface of networks - these include internal networks and other resources accessible via the network - is growing rapidly and requires a multi-layered approach for protection. This requires a good knowledge of network security basics. Vulnerabilities include users, but also devices, data paths and applications. There is a wealth of tools on the market from network security companies to ensure network security via network security management. Network security basics include the following:

• Know cyber threats to networks
• Frequently used defense measures
• Risk assessment
• Basics of cryptography
• Access control
• Planning comprehensive data protection in networks
• Check network security by controlling and monitoring the network

With a network security training course, you can familiarize yourself with the network security basics in the context of network security. With this knowledge, you can protect the data in your company's networks from unauthorized access.

Network security is immensely important today, even at home - for people who are not very tech-savvy. Most Internet users know little about network security at home. Often, knowledge about home network security is limited to consciously looking out for the green lock to communicate only with trustworthy websites. However, the green lock only means that there is encryption between your computer and the website and not trusted website content. Hackers, for example, combine freely available certificates for SSL encryption with the /.well-known/ directory to embed phishing in websites. Also, every Ethernet port and every WLAN signal offers thousands of entry points. So if a hole can be closed, there are numerous other ways to access the network resources of the home network. If you want to know whether your router and the firewall program running on it are shielding the home network well against potential attackers, you should test network security and start a network check. General tips for network security at home are:

• Reduce complexity for home network security - the simpler, the more secure - remove what is not necessary
• Know how to update a device with security updates
• Know how to configure a device with available security settings
• Number of data that a device actually shares with an online service
• Some home routers allow a Wi-Fi network to be split into two networks that can be managed separately. This allows IoT home devices to be placed on one guest network and work computers on another network to increase the security of important data.
• Activate client isolation to shield devices in the network from each other
• Beware of phishing emails for network security at home
• Know who to contact in the event of a security problem, e.g. technical support
• Comprehensive approach to home network security - inside and outside, because security is not an appliance that is installed once and successfully implemented, but an ongoing process.
• Learning from companies
• Test the network - only those who know the weak points can rectify them
• Possibly use free programs for network management

The correct configuration for network security at home is particularly important for WLAN security:

• Create individual administrator access for home network security
• Select WPA2 as the encryption method for sufficient WLAN security
• Create a secure WLAN password
• specify a non-identifiable network name
• Switch on automatic firmware update for WLAN security

For network security at home, the wireless access point should be configured carefully, additional security components such as IEEE 802.1X, a firewall or an intrusion detection system should be installed, work and guest networks should be operated separately and the up-to-dateness and performance of the network components should be checked regularly. This creates a very good basis for home network security.

There is no generally applicable network security concept. A network security concept is based on the analysis of possible damage and attack scenarios. The level of protection is then defined on this basis. Almost all security concepts in network technology pursue different, sometimes even conflicting objectives. This is why the composition of the techniques, procedures and mechanisms used is always different. The application in the network security concept is based on one of the following protection objectives:

• Secure data against loss (data security)
• Secure data against theft (data protection)
• Secure data against manipulation (data integrity)
• unauthorized acquisition of information (loss of confidentiality)
• Unauthorized modification of information (loss of integrity)
• Unauthorized impairment of functionality (loss of availability)

A network security concept usually combines several protection goals for which there are various technical procedures and standards. The combination of several procedures is also necessary for serious network security. The higher the security requirements, the more complex the network security concept must be to circumvent. Intruders are always using new techniques for their network attacks, so the tools and methods of defense must also evolve. Network security hacks help to make networks more secure with the latest protection technologies. Thanks to network security hacks, network intruders can be detected and tracked. Network security hacks provide information on necessary encryption techniques for data protection and useful traps for future intruders. Only those who are familiar with modern attack techniques can protect themselves with the right network security concept.