If you’ve been using the same network security key for a while, but you recently replaced your computer or phone, you may experience a network security key mismatch. This can be frustrating, but don’t worry – we’ll show you how to fix it.
Network Security Key Mismatch
Network Security Key is the first layer of protection from unauthorized access to your computer. The standard network security key is very easy to crack. For example, if the network security key is “password”, and the password is “password” and the domain name is “thespicyone” and they use the default settings, a simple dictionary attack will crack the password in under a day.
What if you plan on using the same network security key across all devices? Then it’s recommended that you change your network security key every 30 days. If you don’t want someone to access your computer or device, change your network security key every 30 days.
That way, a hacker will not be able to gain access to your computer or device. Because they would not have access to the network security key used previously. You can find the network security key in the Local Security Policy of your computer.
Network Security Key Error
Do you have a network security key mismatch? Do you think it might be a good idea to change your network security key? Changing your network security key is easy.
You need to run the following command under the CMD.exe. Just copy and paste it into the command window and hit Enter. You need to use this command on all computers you have in your domain/workgroup. If you have trouble changing the password, check out my previous blog post “Cannot change my network security key”.
To change your network security key, open up a CMD window. You can do this by typing CMD in the start menu search box and then hitting Enter. You will then be prompted to type your old network security key and then your new network security key twice.
This is just to make sure you have typed it correctly. Just type in what you see on the screen in the command window and hit Enter after each one. It will look something like this when you are done typing them out:
Then, you will get a message telling you that if someone has access to your computer or device, they will need to unlock it again on restart. You can choose to unlock it manually or automatically on restart. You can also set it for an indefinite period or a specific period like 30 days, 60 days, etc. I like to set it for 30 days so I don’t forget about changing my network security key again! It will look something like this when you are done setting it:
Then, to make sure your network security key is updated, you will need to restart your computer. After it restarts, you should be all set!
Network Security Recap
Hackers are always on the search for easy ways to hack your computer. Since everyone knows that the network security key is easy to hack. Moreover, hackers will try to find your network security key and use it to gain access to your computer.
So, the best move to cyber protection is the 30-day rule. Since if the network security key is changed once every 30 days, a hacker will not be able to use it to gain access to your computer.