Internet technologies are developing rapidly, and not even all people are keeping up with them, especially when it comes to innovations and innovations that can make life easier, easier and more accessible. For example, without knowing it, everyone can be hacked through a personal computer or smartphone. But with the help of a quality and reliable VPN service for the Internet of Things you can protect yourself from unnecessary risks.
Sometimes the concern about smart technology is too high, so we don’t realize that the threat to private data is not in robots and systems per se, but in the fact that they are just machines. They are managed remotely and do not recognize who is giving commands, which is why the risk of hacking may arise.
If you use special systematic protection of the Internet of Things, which serves as a link between all smart devices, then you can solve many cyber security problems.
What is the Internet of Things
The Internet of Things is a virtual network of all devices that are responsible for sending and receiving data and do not require human intervention or control.
This involves a huge number of different devices that function and interact with each other, and many details and nuances need to be thought through to ensure that they work. It is recommended to install protection at the software, hardware and connection levels, so that each time a new device is connected, the entire network will be safe.
Inside the IoT network, all technical devices communicate with each other and send signals to the server, thus forming a two-way information flow. This data is transmitted at the software level, i.e. it does not always influence or depend on the firmware, so the process can be influenced from the outside.
The greatest risk for the Internet of Things is insufficient human control, and this creates additional risks.
The main task of the IoT system is to simplify human life, making it faster and more functional with the help of innovative devices that can work without direct human commands.
But it is this advantage that causes the risk of hacking and the threat that someone will gain control of the technique and spy on you.
The Security of the Internet of Things
For every person, the Internet of Things begins with a home device network. The number of techniques and the need for interaction of all elements with each other is constantly increasing, and all connections are formed within the local network, but it is possible that you may need external access. In some cases, it is necessary to get information from a web resource, many people want to remotely manage the system smart home from their workplace, such as the office, or just at a distance. In this case, remote communication becomes the main target for hackers and cyber-crackers.
Not only is a smart home and the Internet of Things subject to unauthorized hacking by hackers. For a long time now, attackers have acted in a way that allows them to infiltrate all types of private networks, intercept traffic and use the data to their advantage.
If the home network works without protection, then if a new device or software is connected and the network is subsequently accessed, there is a risk that the traffic could be intercepted by cybercriminals. Embedded chips make it easy to identify and attack networks.
There are examples of attacks and threats from hackers about the Internet of Things from real life, when nothing foretold disaster, but turned into a disaster.
For example, in 2014, a team from the University of Michigan proved the vulnerability of an automated urban traffic light network. The local authorities were able to hack into the network and show that if this had happened in reality, the attackers would have been able to control 100 traffic lights and turn them on at will.
Another example is the unpleasant situation in the winter of 2014, when the refrigerator sent 750,000 spam messages through the network, in which there were 100,000 devices.
Spamming is not a physical threat, but it proves that IoT increases vulnerability and provokes situations where there is a complete loss of security and confidentiality. In addition, hackers can not only hack into access, but also launch a virus or steal private data, such as payment cards.
The main danger of smart technology is that all devices are connected to each other and devices that are used by people to do business and perform daily tasks. Each new device already carries a potential risk because it contains information about the owner and can become an access point for fraudsters.
VPN and IoT Security
If your network is securely encrypted, this ensures its security and protection against intrusion. Some devices already have a built-in security feature, but this is not a massive trend yet.
But by setting up a personal network, all devices and routers can improve security. The best way to do this is to use the VPN service.
VPN is a virtual private network that uses multiple protocols, including top-level encryption, to ensure a continuous secure connection along the entire data path. With this service you can mask all iot devices, or rather all IP addresses through which they operate, the location of the user. VPN is a way to protect yourself and create privacy and protection from hacker attacks.
A virtual network can create a separate network on the Internet so that all devices can communicate securely and reliably. For IoT technologies, this is critical because they have low processing power.
Typically, smart devices do not require much power, as they are designed to perform small tasks. That is, for each device, it is better to use shared encryption over the network over the VPN to create a secure tunnel to transfer information to the destination.
There are many advantages to using a virtual private network, and encryption and concealment of IP address and location is key among all of them.
In order to stay safe at all times when using the Internet of Things, it is recommended to follow these tips:
- always enable screen lock or password protection for all devices that are connected to the Internet;
- do not use the same password on different devices. It is also important to come up with a complex combination of password or security code;
- turn off BlueTooth if you do not use it;
- learn the privacy policy of each device;
Do not agree blindly to the processing of personal data by websites or devices when using social networking sites;
- limit the functionality of GPS data;
- update programs and applications;
- use encryption if this feature is built-in by default.
Conclusion
The Internet of Things is an active part of modern life, in order to benefit the individual. However, there are risks that require attention and measures to prevent them. It is always important to remember the dangers of hackers and cybercriminals, so it is necessary to use security and encryption services.