A security zone key is used to secure data traffic/control messages in a multi-hop wireless relay network. In one embodiment, the security zone key is generated by a base station and passed to relay stations and optionally mobile stations that are to be associated with the security zone. A given base station may implement multiple security zones on the wireless network. The members in each zone share a unique group security association. One or more connections may be assigned to a particular security zone. Data traffic/control messages directed to relay stations in a security zone are processed using the security zone key to enable all relay nodes within the security zone to verify the authenticity of the management message and optionally decode the messages. From a management perspective, since a common security zone key is in use by all relay stations in the security zone, the management messages may be broadcast/multicast to the relay nodes in the security zone and the key distribution and management protocols have much less complexity.