Smart homes, smart cities, security systems that recognize criminals and automatically call the police, gadgets that independently monitor the condition of patients, or the operation of machines in a factory – all of this no longer seems like pictures from a science fiction movie. Thanks to IoT technology, we can automate many household and work processes here and now.
Our homes are filled with smart gadgets that control the conditions around us, are responsible for security, and help us with online shopping. However, IoT devices process a lot of information about us. Let’s find out how to control these devices securely from your Android smartphone with a free VPN so that your data stays safe.
How to Set Up a VPN on Your Android
A VPN is a technology for protecting data on mobile devices. Secure connections are essential while utilizing public Wi-Fi, cellular networks, or other public-access Internet connections since sensitive data is being stored and accessed on phones more and more. Free VPN for Android protects sensitive information from prying eyes by encrypting all data transferred between your device and the VPN server. Having a VPN on your mobile device is crucial for maintaining your security and privacy in today’s connected world.
Setting up a VPN on Android is an easy and clear procedure. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Download and install a VPN app from the Play Market.
- Launch the VPN app and sign up for an account.
- Choose a server and press the Connect button.
Once connected, be sure that your internet traffic is encrypted and your IP address is hidden.
Smart Home Devices Market
The global smart home market value will be $100.42 billion at the end of 2023 and continuing growth is expected. Statistics show that 63.43 million homes in the US actively use smart home devices in 2023.
While 75% of users are concerned about the security of their data, they do not consider refusing to use smart gadgets, as their benefits are undeniable.
The main security concerns are:
- unauthorized data collection, even when devices are in standby mode;
- risk of loss of personal data;
- risk of losing your online identity due to the ability to reproduce your voice and behavior;
- the possibility of losing control over smart gadgets and having them manipulated by criminals;
- the risk of losing the collected information and using it in other types of cybercrime.
The main concerns are related to the question of who will take control of users’ data through smart devices and how this data will be used. Such concerns are not surprising, as data processing and transmission algorithms are often not transparent, and cybercrime is growing every year.
How to control smart devices securely from your Android Smartphone
All smart devices can be controlled from your phone. Most of the risks of data loss are concentrated when you log in to the control app. If your internet connection is insecure or your device is infected with viruses, your login credentials can be stolen and your account can be compromised. To stay safe, you need to follow the principles of basic cyber hygiene:
- Minimize the number of devices.
Before you buy and activate a new smart gadget, think about whether you actually need its functionality. The easiest way to protect your data is to minimize the number of gadgets and applications that collect and process it.
- Use reliable login credentials.
Never keep the login and password set by default on your gadget, always customize them. Also, activate two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection to your login.
- Update the software on time.
This applies to both your Android OS and applications for monitoring and controlling other smart gadgets. It is important to update them regularly to have the most secure version.
- Use the free VPN for Android.
The VPN will provide you with secure access to the Internet. It will hide your IP address and encrypt all data. This will allow you to securely control smart gadgets even on the go, via public Wi-Fi networks.
To safely control your smart gadgets from your Android phone, it’s important to follow basic rules. Usually, simple steps like using a strong password, keeping your software up to date, and using a VPN are more than half the way to secure your data. Since most users neglect these simple rules, it’s easier for hackers to gain access to their data than to try to bypass even your basic protection.