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Did you know there aremore smart devices on Earth than people?
Connectivity is already a pain-point for many users who are working remotely.
Demand for connected 4G/5G laptops and other devices will rise as business justification increases.
As with any data collection, this comes with ample opportunity for cyber criminals to exploit with malicious intent.
Unfortunately, despite the risks of smart devices, their security is not something on users minds.
“We deserve to feel safe with the products we buy in the single market.
“It will put the responsibility where it belongs, with those that place the products on the market.
Why are smart devices a cyber security risk?
Through this method, threat actors could gain unauthorized access to Tapo user account details.
This information could then be used to extract the targeted individual’s Wi-Fi SSID and password.
All of these risks, and thats just via relatively simple light bulbs!
In fully automated smart homes there are often countless opportunities for hackers to infiltrate.
In the initial week of testing, Which?
On top of this there was 2,435 specific attempts to maliciously log into Which?
’s smart devices by using a weakdefault username and passwordsuch as admin and admin.
estimates 97 percent of all attacks on smart devices are aimed at incorporating them into the Mirai botnet.
This extensive botnet systematically scans for vulnerable devices, employing brute-force attacks to identify those secured with weak passwords.
Upon discovering such devices, Mirai installs a trojan on them, effectively adding them to its botnet.
These issues have since been fixed.
Therefore reducing avenues for malicious actors to exploit and protecting your personal date must be consistent and effective.
Older routers often mean outdated security protocols, providing an easier access point for potential malicious actors.
Next, patch your firmware.
Firmware is the low-level software that powers your router and other Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets.
This level of control allows users to tailor their unit configurations to meet specific security and functionality requirements.
Consider the trustworthiness of the servers and sources providing the updates to minimize any associated risks.
If youre not comfortable setting automatic updates, set yourself a regular reminder to update manually.
Keep your most private, sensitive data on a separate system from your other IoT devices.”
To mitigate the risk of cyber threats, consider placing your appliances on separate networks.
It also showcases swift server speeds, customizable options, and an expanding array of functionalities.
Here are key factors to consider when choosing your VPN to meet your needs.
Features:Evaluate the additional features offered by VPN providers to determine which ones justify the cost for you.
Examples include NordVPN’s built-in ad blocking or Express VPN’s 24/7 customer support.
Simultaneous connections:Check the limit on the number of devices a VPN service allows you to protect simultaneously.
Ensure that the chosen VPN provider accommodates the total number of devices you intend to secure.
Apps:Consider how you plan to access your VPN, keeping in mind the compatibility with your devices.
Be cautious not to compromise on quality, and explore ourlist of the best cheap VPN services.
We sign up as anonymously as possible and verify server claims by connecting to different test locations.
A good virtual private connection should be able to unblock multiple streaming services seamlessly.
We carry out constant real-world testing to double-check our analysis is always accurate and relevant.
Furthermore we don’t just trust what we see on the surface of a VPN provider’s website.
Read our full testing methodology on ourVPN testing methodologypage.
Using a VPN FAQs
Are VPNs safe?
Yes, VPNs are generally considered safe and are widely utilized as essential tools for bolstering cyber security.
They encrypt your internet connection, adding an extra layer of security and privacy to your online activities.
Is it legal to use a VPN?
The legality of using a VPN depends on the country in which you are using it.
In many countries, such as the UK and US, VPNs are legal and commonly used.
However, in some countries like China and Russia, there are restrictions on VPN usage.
Are VPNs easy to use?
Yes, modern VPNs are designed to be highly user-friendly.
For instance, ExpressVPN offers an intuitive one-click connect function for seamless connections.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services.
Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
