Morsa Images/Getty Images A network security key is basically your Wi-Fi password — it's the encryption key that protects your internet. There are three different kinds of network security keys: WEP, WPA, and WPA2, each more secure than the last. The type of security key you choose, along with how strong your password is, determines how safe your network is from hackers. If you're new to setting up or troubleshooting your Wi-Fi connection, you might be wondering what a network security key is. Luckily, it's not as confusing as it sounds — your network security key is essentially just your Wi-Fi password.