Network Security Key Tips. What is a network security key?
A network security key (NSK) is a new type of encryption algorithm developed by Microsoft. NSK is to provide better protection against cyber attacks.
NSK is more secure than the current Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) cryptographic algorithm.
Microsoft uses the NSK algorithm for BitLocker, its disk encryption software, and for SMB 3.1.1 protocol.
NSK can effectively protect your data from the threat of cyber-attacks.
How is it different from AES?
AES is the most common encryption algorithm and it’s useful in many applications, including Windows 10 and Office 365. AES was first out in the early ’90s by two Belgian cryptographers.
NSK was updated in 2016 by Microsoft, after that, the NSK version of BitLocker and SMB protocol are both encrypted with SHA-256. Unlike AES, SHA-256 is not a federal standard but rather a U.S. National Security Agency-approved encryption algorithm which has been standardized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Security level comparison between AES and NSK:
The security level of NSK is far higher than that of AES.
For transmissions through public networks or on devices without a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), you can use Dual Authentication to further enhance security protection for BitLocker and your data.
Network Security Key Tips
Dual authentication requires you to use a PIN or USB drive along with your password when you start up your computer to start using BitLocker drive encryption software or access your files on an SMB share.
In addition, the network security key provides better protection than Dual Authentication when it comes to accessing files remotely through Microsoft OneDrive for Business or SharePoint Server document libraries because you never have to send an authentication code over an unsecured network connection.
Use a network security key to access your OneDrive for Business files.
Network security keys should be for accessing OneDrive for Business data. If you use OneDrive for Business to store and access your files, you should use network security keys instead of passwords to protect your data from cyber-attacks.
What is a network security key?
A network security key is a hardware device that generates an authentication code. Use it each time you plug into a computer. Unlike passwords and PINs, the authentication codes that generate the device are different every time and you can only use it once.
The initial authentication code passes to the OneDrive for Business client. Also, which creates a new, one-time use code that is valid for only minutes. And requires client-side encryption before it can be ready for anyone other than the owner of the account.
To ensure that you can still access your files when you’re not in front of your computer, you can also set up multiple devices to generate codes at the same time, such as a smartphone and an authenticator app on your tablet or laptop.
How do I use network security keys with my OneDrive for Business account?
Set up your network security key: Plug your device into a USB port and launch the Microsoft Authenticator app on it. Open a browser window and navigate.
Conclusion
A network security key is a new type of encryption algorithm that Microsoft created to protect your data against cyber-attacks. You can use your network security key to access OneDrive for Business files. Network security keys are hardware devices which generate an authentication code every time they’re plugged into a computer.