We are all surrounded by different types of technological gadgets. Recently, we have observed the use of different gadgets such as “Google Home, Amazon’s echo-dot, and Apple’s Siri.”
These gadgets are able to control different devices used in our homes which is good but can be a bit risky at the same time. For example, these devices can be hacked, which can help the hacker gain access to other devices.
Though people use virtual private networks such as Surfshark VPN to ensure their privacy while connected to the Web, the question is, are VPNs useful for smart home gadgets too?
Let’s take a look and see if you can add an additional layer of security to your smart home gadgets or not.
Are VPNs Helpful for Smart Home Appliances and Other Devices?
According to many tech experts, VPNs can be a useful tool in protecting your privacy when using the Internet, especially if you use public Wi-Fi networks.
It encrypts all your data. This means that only the person you are communicating with will be able to read your data. This is important because it protects your identity from being stolen.
Conversely, if someone is hacking into your computer, he/she will not be able to steal your identity and use it elsewhere. VPNs can help keep your network secure by allowing you to log into a VPN server and create a secure connection.
But can you use the virtual private network with Google Home, Amazon’s echo-dot, and Apple’s Siri?
Yes, you can. All you need to do is create a virtual private network on your home router and connect all your home devices, including smart home appliances to this private network. This will ensure that no one outside your network will be able to access your smart home devices or their data.
How to create a VPN on your home router:
The process is quite simple. First, go to your wireless settings on the home router. Then, click on the “Security” tab. Here, you will see three different modes available for you to choose from.
Choose the strongest mode, which is “WPA2 Personal”. This is the most secure setting that you can have on your home router. Moreover, it will prevent others from being able to hack into your wireless network.
Now, it’s time to connect your smart home devices to this private network. To do this, you just need to download and install the appropriate app for your smart home appliance on your smartphone or tablet.
You can then connect your smart home device to your home router by clicking on the “VPN” button. After that, it will ask you for your login credentials. Once it is connected, your device will be securely connected to the private network of your home router.
You can also use the same process if you are using an iPhone.
What Happens When Your Smart Home Device is Connected to VPN?
After connecting your smart home device to the private network created by your home router, it will automatically start a VPN tunnel.
This means that all your data that is being sent between your home router and your smart home device will be encrypted.
This way, no one including hackers and other people outside your network will be able to access your data.
Can I Use My Own IP Address Instead of a Public IP Address?
Yes, you can. When you are creating your virtual private network on your home router, you have an option called “Use your own IP address.” By choosing this option, you will be able to use your computer’s real IP address instead of using a public IP address.
This way, no one will be able to access your Internet connection except for the person or device you are communicating with. You should only choose this option if you are certain that no one is going to be monitoring your Internet activity.
Last Minute Thoughts
One of the main questions that may come to your mind–can use VPNs to secure your smart home devices too? Well, the answer is yes. You can configure a VPN service easily and connect your smart home device to it.
This will help you not only secure your connection, but it will also help escape geo-restrictions (if the device has any). Moreover, it is always helpful to create a virtual private network on your home router and use it with your smart home devices.
Also, make sure to enable the firewall on your router as well so that no one will be able to hack into your router and access your data. If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know in the comment section below.
