The IT Nerd

Statista reports that the number of connected IoT (Internet of Things) devices is forecasted to hit 75.44 billion by 2025. The figure paints a clear picture of the growing presence of IoT devices in every household.

However, convenience isn’t the only thing that these connected devices bring to a user’s life. In fact, IoT has made users’ devices more exposed to security breaches. SonicWall informs in its 2019’s Cyber Threats Report that IoT attacks have grown over 70 billion between 2017 and 2018.

IoT & Cyber Threats

There’s certainly no shortage of IoT related attacks in today’s cybersecurity landscape. Every year a new variant of malware is reported to be involved in the attacks.

The proliferation of IoT devices has also given cybercriminals multiple entry points unlike before. Whether it is healthcare technology, a smart car, smart appliance, or a baby monitor, not a single device is safe against cyberattacks like Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS).

Amongst the many past cyber incidents, Dyn DDoS was the biggest attack ever recorded in internet history. The DDoS attack used the Mirai botnet, and it took down a significant portion of the Internet, paralyzing even top web services like Twitter, CNN and more.

Similarly, in 2017, Homeland security, as well as FDA, issued notification against 465,000 pacemakers that were found to have serious security vulnerabilities.

Action Plan

Cyber threats have increased by 67% in the last few years, and if things go as they are, attacks will inflate even more in the future. However, there are certain security measures which users can take to protect the integrity of their data.

• First and foremost, users should keep the firmware of their IoT devices updated. Device manufacturers release security fixes now and then. These fixes patch the existing vulnerabilities in the device.

• Secondary and tertiary networks should be created on the router, dedicated to the IoT devices.

• Users should employ end-to-end encryption with a VPN like PureVPN to secure all the internet traffic transmitted through the IoT network.

• UPnP feature should be disabled since it gives easy access to any device to the network.

• A firewall must be installed to disallow any malicious traffic from entering into the IoT network.

The Internet plays an important role in everyone’s life. Not only is it an endless source of information on a wide variety of topics, but also offers plenty of opportunities for entertainment – from movies and TV shows to games, books, social media, and whatnot.

However, users often find barriers in accessing everything the Internet has to offer with geo-restrictions and censorship becoming so commonplace. This is one of the main reasons why millions turn to VPN services, so that they can enjoy the open Internet.

How Does a VPN Help?

A Virtual Private Network protects users’ online freedom by putting them in full control of their virtual location, courtesy of an anonymous IP address. In this way, they can get past digital roadblocks to access the websites, services, and content of their choice.

Furthermore, it employs top-of-the-line encryption on all Internet traffic and communications – this not only conceals a users’ online identity, but also keeps personal data safe from ISPs, governments, and other entities that pose a threat to their online privacy, security, and freedom.

Gift 30 Days of Internet Freedom with PureVPN

PureVPN, one of the most reliable names in the VPN industry, has recently launched its Buy One Gift One(B1G1) deal which will allow premium users of the service to send their loved ones a monthly account for free.

This gives them the opportunity to avoid sharing something as personal as a VPN account and help friends, family, colleagues, or acquaintances experience true Internet freedom by inviting them to avail the gift.

Doing so is simple, and requires PureVPN users to log into their Member’s Area:

1. Once there, they need to look for the “Send Invite Now” button.
2. Fill out the necessary information, which includes the invitee’s name and email address.
3. And, finally, send the invitation.

For more information about PureVPN’s Buy One Gift One (B1G1) deal, check out this guide.