Why It’s Important to Secure Your Router With a VPN

Today, we’re talking about your router, or that little box you connect your devices to for internet access. It's an essential component in every digitally-connected household, but we sometimes take it for granted.

For many people, routers are forgotten appliances that are relegated to a corner, a closet, or the basement to be checked on occasionally when their connections become unbearably slow. However, consider all of the essential devices you own that are configured to your router: your computer, tablet, phone, and perhaps even a smart television or refrigerator.

If not properly secured, your router and the devices connected to it are left vulnerable to anyone who might want to intercept or hack your internet history or personal data. This is why it’s important to take appropriate measures to secure your router with a VPN.

A VPN, which stands for Virtual Private Network, is a connection method used to add security and privacy to private and public networks, like WiFi Hotspots and within your home. VPNs are most often used by corporations to protect sensitive data. However, using a personal VPN is increasingly becoming more popular.

When you connect your devices to a router secured by a VPN, your devices’ IP addresses are hidden from websites and services that you visit, and you're able to browse anonymously. In addition, web traffic is encrypted, so your online activity isn’t visible to anyone but yourself.

Here are a few additional benefits of securing your router with a VPN:

Simple Installment

Installing a VPN on all of your digital devices can be quite time consuming. For example, if you have four devices and you want to secure all of them, you’ll need to install the VPN on each of them separately. Instead, you can simply install the VPN to your router, and then connect your devices to the router. Any devices you connect to your router in the future will then also be automatically secured.

Consistent security

When you install a VPN on your router, your devices are consistently secured. On the other hand, if you have a VPN on your computer and leave it on for quite some time, it can go into sleep mode, which may disconnect your VPN without your knowledge. Additionally, if your phone goes into low battery mode, the VPN may disconnect to save power. A VPN installed on a router is always on, therefore your devices are always secured.

Prevents WiFi Poaching

Another advantage of having a VPN on the router is that it adds another layer of protection against WiFi poaching, which is when an uninvited guest decides to connect to and use your wireless network. Although the initial steps to preventing WiFi poaching include creating a strong password, adding a guest network, and running a current model router with the most recent firmware update, should an individual still gain access to your network, their activity won’t lead back to your IP address.

A VPN set up on your router is the best way to ensure that your devices and internet activity are consistently secure. Be sure to find the best VPN-enabled router for your needs in order to protect your personal online security.