/ If you ever asked yourself the number of devices on the internet at that very moment, a group of researchers is speculating that there were 16.7 billion connected devices by 2023 across the world. The number is rapidly increasing. With so many devices online, the issue of security is critical: how can we ensure these devices are protected from hackers? One very good solution is using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Let’s continue to how VPNs help secure the Internet of Things (IoT).
What is IoT?
The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to the network of physical objects — “things” — embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet. They will range from smart home products like thermostats and security cameras to industrial machines in factories.
The Growing Threats to IoT
As the growth of IoT is increasing, many more security threats are cropping up in that field. More than 700 security breaches were identified around IoT devices in 2023, which were exposing sensitive data. Most of the time, these types of breaches occur due to weak passwords and outdated software, which easily make devices a target for cyberattackers. According to Palo Alto Networks, 83% of medical imaging devices are running on older versions of an operating system, which poses a real danger to the security system.
How VPNs Can Help?
A VPN is a service that allows you to securely connect to another network over the internet. It encrypts your device’s data — the information you send and receive — so even hackers have a much harder time intercepting and accessing it. Here is how VPNs can help in making these IoT devices more secure:
- Data Encryption: The communication data transmitted between the IoT devices and servers should be encrypted by a VPN. In case a hacker hacks into this data, they are not able to read the data since it is not readable without the encryption key. This is critical in protecting sensitive information, such as personal data and financial transactions.
- Hiding IP Addresses: VPNs would help to hide the IP address of IoT devices, which makes it difficult for hackers to target them. At the same time, it adds another blanket of identity and location concealment with regard to the device.
- Access Control: VPNs can limit the IoT devices’ access to their users. It’s mostly useful in devices that control critical functions; say, smart locks or industrial control systems. Doing so will lock out the rogue devices and users from exploiting your IoT network.
Integrating VPN into IoT Networks
Doing this involves a number of steps:
- Choosing a Suitable VPN Service: Ensure the VPN service you settle for supports IoT devices with the highest secure encryption standards. Watch out for essential features like no-log policy and a kill switch.
- Configuring IoT Devices: Some consideration is around things that may not support VPN directly, which can be done by setting up a VPN at the router level. In such a way, automatically all devices getting connected to the network will make use of the VPN.
- Regular Updates and Monitoring: Make sure both the VPN software and IoT devices are updated with time to protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. This is because real-time monitoring of network activity can be useful for the ongoing detection and response to potential security threats.
Real-world Use Cases of VPNs in IoT
- Smart Homes: VPNs can protect various devices, including but not limited to thermostats, cameras, and smart locks, within a smart home from any sort of unauthorized access into personal data or home security settings.
- Health care IoT: These are devices that may include patient monitors, imaging systems, and other devices that convey sensitive medical data. This data transmission is going to be guarded against interception, ensuring patient confidentiality and meeting the requirements of regulations such as HIPAA.
- Industrial IoT: They include various sensors and controllers in manufacturing plants. VPNs secure the data transmission and can also be used to block industrial espionage. This is particularly given the trends where most industries are veering towards operations that are more automated and connected.
The Future of IoT Security with VPNs
Based on the growth curve, the need for strong security is only going to go up. For instance, the global IoT market is set to touch $1.4 trillion by 2024. This will be huge growth, and the devices must be secured. Here, VPNs will have a pivotal role in providing secure, encrypted connections for billions of devices throughout the world.
In conclusion, the need to secure the Internet of Things, as we advance towards an increasingly connected world, can never be overemphasized. The VPN, therefore, stands as one guaranteed and effective way of protecting IoT devices from cyber threats that could compromise the security of data under their protective watch. And the use of VPNs ensures better security in implementing IoT network architecture, whether it’s a smart home, healthcare institutions, or industrial factories.
