If you have always dreamt of a Smart home or indeed have invested in one recently you may or may not be aware of the risks of hacking. Homeowners all over the world deploying smart technology at home are learning the importance of securing Smart homes. Read on to learn our top tips.

Protecting property networks: Role of VPNs in securing Smart homes and IoT devices

An Internet of Things (IoT) Virtual Private Network (VPN) brings enterprise-level network security to a famously insecure networking approach (let’s remember: the S in IoT stands for security) with reliable authentication and end-to-end encryption.

An IoT and Smart home VPN provides a private communications network “overlaid” on a public network like the Internet, safe from prying eyes.

A VPN’s flows of data use the same infrastructure – and often the same communications protocols – but the bits travel through opaque “tunnels”, largely impenetrable (and sometimes invisible) to anyone with bad intentions. While a VPN may affect internet speed you correct this with a good subscriptions service.

Are IoT devices secure?

Certain IoT devices do have built-in security features. This is particularly applicable to larger items like home alarms and CCTV systems. However, it’s important to note that these systems are seldom perfect.

How to protect your smart home from hackers

Nowadays, hackers are incredibly skilled, and very few systems can withstand a progressive attack. Additionally, many smaller IoT devices don’t prioritize security, making them vulnerable to even inexperienced hackers.

One of the main reasons for this is the cost. In the early days, IoT-enabled devices were quite expensive, which resulted in low sales. Manufacturers realized that in order to make IoT devices commercially successful, they needed to be priced at a level similar to what people were used to paying for such items.

Unfortunately, this led to a compromise in terms of security features, as they were often sacrificed to maintain lower prices. Another factor is size. Many IoT-enabled devices are designed to be extremely small, and adding security measures would make them noticeably larger. consequently, security is no longer considered a top priority by many.

The Role of VPNs in Securing Smart Homes and IoT

Every smart homeowner should think about protecting property networks. The most reliable and easy-to-implement way to securing Smart homes and to improve your security overall is to install a VPN for the router.

Securing smart homes IoT

All IoT devices that will be connected to this router will use VPN, that is, they will be protected.

Internet ratings often recommend VeePN for routers, it seems to work really well. You can VPN download free to test and check the speed of the servers closest to you by yourself. VeePN provides good speed in our region. And now let’s talk in more detail about the role of VPN in securing IoT devices.

#1 Security risks of not securing Smart homes

It may seem unlikely, but hackers can target even your coffee machine. In fact, with our growing reliance on interconnected devices like house alarms and cars, hackers have more opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities.

There are already numerous cases of car thefts through hacking onboard computer systems, and even homes equipped with the latest security systems have been compromised. You can just install the VPN free Chrome extension, but this will only protect the browser.

To protect all your devices, you need a VPN for your router, as most devices don’t have the ability to add a standalone app. This is a great step towards securing your home from hacking.

#2 Company surveillance protection

When we purchase IoT devices and transform our homes into Smart homes, we are placing a significant amount of trust in the manufacturers. However, it’s important to ask ourselves why we should do this.

User data has become a valuable asset for big businesses, and many IoT manufacturers view their devices as a convenient way to collect such information. They may sell this data to third parties or utilize it within their own operations to market their products and services to us.

When we buy their products, it’s likely that we have already given our consent to this usage in the terms and conditions. This puts our efforts into securing Smart homes into a special light.

#3 Securing Smart homes protects us from surveillance

Besides potentially collecting data on various aspects of our lives, certain IoT devices pose clear privacy risks. For instance, if you have CCTV cameras installed inside or outside your home, hackers can gain access to them and monitor your activities.

There have been multiple instances of compromised baby monitors, allowing hackers to observe and even interact with children in their bedrooms. It is widely known that accessing webcams integrated into smartphones, tablets, and laptops has become relatively effortless in recent times.

Smart devices are very present in many homes

There is a recent surge in the popularity of personal assistant devices like Amazon’s Echo, Apple’s HomePod, and Google’s Home. We install these devices throughout our homes, relying on them to only activate when we switch them on.

However, mounting evidence indicates that they might not adhere to this expectation. In reality, we could be unknowingly enabling big tech companies, governments, and hackers to observe us even during our most vulnerable moments, like when we’re asleep. That’s why securing Smart homes with care is so important.

#4 Privacy risks when securing Smart homes

Not only are there risks of online bank details being lost to hackers, but there are also specific privacy concerns associated with IoT devices. These devices encompass every aspect of our lives, allowing the collection of data that can provide a highly detailed and accurate representation of our daily routines.

It is entirely possible to determine when individuals are at home or away, what activities they engage in while at home, and even their whereabouts outside. Our homes are meant to be sanctuaries where we can unwind and enjoy private moments. Therefore, ensuring the security of IoT devices is crucial.

Final thoughts on securing smart homes best practice

The potential risks associated with IoT devices are real and should be taken seriously. Installing a VPN is an effective way of securing smart homes and the data stored within them from malicious actors.

A good quality VPN offers robust encryption, reliable speed, and efficient streaming capabilities that help keep your data safe at all times. Furthermore, a reputable VPN provider will also provide additional features that will improve your smart home and IoT experience.

FURTHER READING FOR HOMEOWNERS & PETOWNERS

At Housesitmatch.com we like to offer useful and practical articles on topics for our readers. In this selection we offer you a number of suitable pieces from our own blog on renovating and decorating a home.

Setting up a smart home – Here’s how

New home features you didn’t know you would want

Ideas to help you establish a new home quickly

Housesitters keep pets safe at home and save money

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