The described technology is generally directed towards generating shared authentication keys using network connection characteristics. According to an embodiment, a system can comprise a processor and a memory that can store executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations. The operations can comprise generating a first authenticator based on a first authentication key generated based on a first connection characteristic of the first device and a second connection characteristic of a second device. The operations can further comprise incorporating the first authenticator into first content for authentication by the second device employing a second authentication key, generated by the second device based on the first connection characteristic and the second connection characteristic. The operations can further comprise establishing, based on the first content, a connection with the second device.