Will a VPN Keep Smart Home Tech Protected?

Discussion
1

If I put a VPN on my router, will it make it harder for hackers to access my smart home tech? It seems this is a common vulnerability.

2

Not really. Many IoT devices aren’t secured by default. Consider using a firewall (like pfsense) and setting up a VPN for management.

3

Kyrie said:
Not really. Many IoT devices aren’t secured by default. Consider using a firewall (like pfsense) and setting up a VPN for management.

So you’re saying my current VPN setup won’t help at all?

4

@Brigham
Not for the specific threat you described, no.

5

Cam said:
@Brigham
Not for the specific threat you described, no.

Got it. At least it’s useful for other devices.

6

It’s easy for hackers because many people don’t change default passwords on their IoT devices.

7

Yun said:
It’s easy for hackers because many people don’t change default passwords on their IoT devices.

Are you referring to the device account passwords or the WiFi passwords? I can’t change the WiFi signal password.

8

No, a VPN does not protect against common attack vectors such as UPnP issues or unsecure cloud connections.

9

VPNs won’t help that much. IoT devices can be exploited and can lead to spreading malware across your network. It’s essential to isolate them.

10

Bright said:
VPNs won’t help that much. IoT devices can be exploited and can lead to spreading malware across your network. It’s essential to isolate them.

For more info on vulnerabilities, check EternalBlue.

11

Use long and random passwords for your IoT devices instead.

12

Frey said:
Use long and random passwords for your IoT devices instead.

I’ve already done that.

13

A VPN could be helpful since it hides your real IP, making it harder for hackers to trace you.

14

Ziv said:
A VPN could be helpful since it hides your real IP, making it harder for hackers to trace you.

That’s misinformation. Services can still be discovered easily through sites like shodan.io.