There is still no way to enforce minimum cybersecurity standards for IoT devices in the US. One of the best and most convenient ways to guard against IoT data leaks is to use a VPN device for home.
IoT devices are anything that can connect to the internet. It includes gaming consoles, baby monitors, health and fitness trackers, home security systems, and an ever-expanding assortment of smart appliances. These devices monitor our most intimate habits and broadcast the data on the internet. There are currently around 5.4 billion Internet of Things (IoT) connections in North America and close to 18 billion globally. And yet, consumers cannot ensure their IoT data is safe.
Despite the multitude of IoT-related security incidents over the last few years, the UK is the only country to have adopted legislation protecting the public from security flaws by lax or ruthless IoT manufacturers. The US has merely adopted a voluntary minimum guideline standard for IoT security.
The Dangers of IoT Devices
IoT devices can be easy to hack, which allows attackers to take over or poison home networks. Most of the older devices have built-in security flaws but have never received updates, putting the devices at risk. However, because there’s no law against shoddy IoT security, even new gadgets are at risk. Careless manufacturers still blithely ship their gadgets with a lack of security features.
The other big problem is that the devices are designed to send data—sometimes highly personal data—to manufacturers and other parties. The data is unencrypted during transit, making it easy to intercept and use against people. The server flaws exposed users’ IP addresses, email addresses, and plaintext passwords, among other sensitive details.
The best way to protect insecure IoT devices from hacking, snooping, and interference is to encrypt their connection to the internet.
What Is a VPN Router, and Why Do You Need One
A VPN is software that creates a secure, encrypted connection (tunnel) between your devices and the internet, thereby protecting your browsing activity. However, you can’t install VPN software directly on some IoT devices because they lack a user interface and the capacity to support VPN software.
That’s where a VPN-protected router comes in. When you use a VPN on your router, all devices on your home network receive VPN protection, even those that don’t have the capacity to run VPN software.
A VPN router looks like a regular router but comes with built-in VPN software. Alternatively, you can convert a standard router (if it is VPN compatible) into a VPN router by installing VPN software.
10 Compelling Benefits of a VPN Router:
The simple act of securing your router with VPN software can transform the basic security of your home network. Additionally, it gives you an edge in home entertainment and remote working.
A VPN Router Hides Your Devices
A VPN server on your router will hide your gadgets’ connections and make them unrecognizable on the internet. It hides each device’s IP address, so potential hackers or even your ISP (internet service provider) are not able to track your activities.
Always-on Security Layer
There’s no need to check whether you’ve secured your WiFi-enabled fitness tracker or any other smart device. As soon as your tracker gets into range of your VPN router, it will connect securely to the VPN router, protecting your data upload. A VPN router secures all transmissions, even while you’re sleeping.
Secure Company Data for Remote Working
Snoopers may lurk on your home network, but they won’t get any use of it. A VPN will secure the data in transit between you and the company.
Enhanced Online Security
A VPN protects your personal information during online shopping and banking. It encrypts your logins and passwords against hackers’ interception.
Enhanced Online Privacy
A VPN hides your IP location from websites. Advanced VPNs can also block those ubiquitous trackers while browsing the web to help maintain some anonymity online.
Double-up on IP Protection
Sometimes, you need some extra privacy. You can switch the VPN app on a device (laptop or phone) to one server location, then connect to the internet via your VPN router with a different server location. Such multi-hops might slow your connection, but it offers even better IP protection on special occasions.
Prevents ISP Throttling
Internet service providers often throttle gaming and file-sharing activities. However, if you use a VPN, they won’t be able to classify your activities to apply that ban hammer!
Bypass Geo-Restrictions
You can change your router’s IP location when watching streaming content from other parts of the world. That makes it easy to manage the location of your smart TV, Fire stick, or other streaming aids because there’s no need to change each one’s location separately.
Connect New Devices Without Fuss
There’s no need for a special setup for new IoT devices. You can secure multiple devices simultaneously. There’s no need to install VPN software on each device separately.
Make the Most of Your VPN Subscription
VPN subscription plans limit the number of connection slots. On some subscription plans, you may need to choose which devices get preference. However, smart gadgets use only a little bandwidth as they don’t transmit and receive heavily, all at the same time. Therefore, you can safely connect all your smart gadgets to the VPN router. The VPN router becomes the single contact point between all those IoT gadgets and the internet. This will help you stay within your allotted number of connection slots because all of those gadgets will only count as one VPN connection. And, if you’re hosting friends and want to give them access to your WiFi without exceeding the number of VPN slots, you can provide them with the router password. That will aggregate their devices into just one VPN connection slot. Just remember to change your WiFi password afterwards! A word of caution, though: don’t connect too many active devices in this way, as it could degrade the overall speed of your home network.
How to Choose a VPN Router
Not all routers are automatically VPN compatible. Some are simply too old, and some use incompatible or proprietary technology. For example, you can’t install VPN software on a Starlink router unless you pay for a static IP upgrade.
Nowadays, most new routers are VPN compatible, but make sure you check before you buy. The best solution is to buy a router with pre-installed VPN software from a reputable VPN provider.
How to Install a VPN on Your Router
You’ll need a VPN subscription and a VPN-compatible router. Before buying a VPN subscription, make sure you choose a VPN service that works on routers. It’s not a complex procedure, but your VPN provider must give detailed instructions to cover a range of router brands. They should also have a 24-hour helpdesk in case you need personal assistance.
- Open your router’s configuration panel by entering the IP address in your browser’s URL bar. You can find the IP address on a Windows computer by typing “Command prompt” in the search bar and clicking “Open.” In the new window, type “ipconfig,” then press “Enter.”
- The last line to appear is the “Default gateway” with a set of numbers. That’s the IP address.
- Enter the IP address in your browser. It will take you to a login page to sign in with your router’s username and password.
- Go to Advanced Settings. Look for the “VPN client” tab. If there is no “VPN client” tab, your router is not compatible with a VPN.
- Check the box in the VPN client tab to change the setting to “Enable” VPN service.
- Next, follow your VPN provider’s instructions to set up the VPN software on your router.
Better Security With a VPN Device for Home WiFi Networks
The lack of enforcement of minimum cybersecurity standards for IoT devices in the US poses a big threat to people’s privacy and security. It’s up to each of us to protect our data. A VPN-protected router can improve your home network security enormously in just a few minutes. Apart from ensuring the privacy of the data from your IoT devices, you’ll also improve your home network security. Plus, you’ll gain ore anonymity online and the (bonus!) ability to bypass geo-restrictions.
