Thinking About Setting up a Separate Network for IoT Devices? Here's How to Do It

Even if you are not fully aware of that, you must have been exposed to the Internet of Things in one way or the other. You probably have multiple smart home devices by now, and all of them are connected to the Internet via the same router. However, the IoT is also proving to be one of the access points for hackers who want to steal sensitive information, and so, it is necessary to secure our IoT networks by taking the most important security measures. Although we have discussed the basic aspects of IoT device security before, we would like to elaborate on the topic further.

How can I improve my smart home device security?

Needless to say, there are many ways to ensure that your IoT device network is secured against potential hacking attempts. Everyone knows by now that they have to password-protect their devices, and those passwords have to be strong and unique. There are also tools that can help you with that. However, we’re not going to talk about passwords today. Today, we would like to tell you more about your IoT device network and how that can influence your overall smart home device security.

All of your IoT devices must be connected to the Internet via your main router, right? And it is also very likely that your main devices like desktops, laptops, and smartphones are using the same network. Now, the problem here is that when all devices are connected to the same network, for a good hacker, it is possible to jump from one device to another if they manage to crack one of your gadgets and enter the network. Therefore, if someone breaches your network through your smart fridge or smart doorbell, they might even access your smartphone or your laptop when it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network. We definitely wouldn’t want that to happen, now would we?

That is why cybersecurity experts recommend setting two separate networks. One for your IoT devices and the other for your smartphones, laptops, and so on. It is a lot harder to hop across networks than across different devices. So, even if someone hacks into your smartwatch, they wouldn’t be able to access your smartphone when both devices are connected to different networks.

There are several ways to set up different Wi-Fi networks at home. This is also called the home network segmentation, and you can be sure that this practice is strongly advocated by professional technicians. Of course, segmenting your home network might be too challenging if you don’t know how to set up a Wi-Fi network or how to configure your router. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to address an independent technician or your Internet service provider for assistance.

In the meantime, we will go through several home network segmentation options below. You can choose the option that seems to be the most convenient for you, and then discuss it with your technician.

How to segment a home network

Let’s go through three basic options when it comes to setting different networks at home. Applying any of the three options will help you enhance your smart home device security, and you will be able to connect your primary devices and your IoT devices to separate networks.

1) Two different networks

This is probably the most secure option that is quite easy to understand and implement, too. However, the downside is that it can be quite costly. What do we mean by “two different networks?” It means that you can have two different Internet connection lines at home, either from the same provider or from two different providers. This way, you would have two completely separate lines, and your primary and IoT device connection would not overlap in any way.

Also, setting two different connections is the easiest option on the consumer’s side: You don’t really have to know much about the technical aspects of your network or how to configure it. The ISP technician sets up a router, and you’re done.

2) Two networks on one router

If your router is relatively new, you are definitely able to set up a guest network. You basically create another Service Set Identifier (SSID), which is another name for a Wi-Fi network, but the network is on the same router, and you do not need to get another Internet service provider.

To do that, you need to have the administrative username and password so that you could access your router’s settings and modify them. Of course, if you have no idea how to do it on your own, you should address your ISP, and they would send a technician who would configure the new network for you. Also, it is possible to prevent the settings menu access via the guest network, which would also make it harder for hackers to hop networks.

3) Two routers

It is also possible to have two separate networks via two different routers, even if they are both connected to the same Internet line. However, please bear in mind that both routers have to be configured properly. If the configuration is done poorly, then having two different routers would not serve its goal. Again, configuring two routers might be a bit too much for an inexperienced user. Thus, do not hesitate to ask for assistance from a professional.

Finally, don’t forget the basic security measures that you definitely have to employ on your IoT devices, too. For instance, if your device comes with a default password, you MUST change it. Sure, we said that we wouldn’t be talking about passwords today, but that’s just something we feel compelled to remind you. Likewise, you need to create strong passwords for your segmented home networks. In other words, your routers have to be protected with unique passwords that will make it hard for anyone to hack them. And again, don't forget you can use password managing tools to help you with that.

Also, most of the IoT devices are managed via mobile apps that you have installed on your phone. Whenever you install an app, you have to go through the list of permissions that the app requires. If you fail to do that, you might authorize the app to do a lot more than you’d want. In other words, be careful and attentive about the apps you use and the devices you manage.

By Foley
February 21, 2020
February 21, 2020
Loading...

Cyclonis Backup Details & Terms

The Free Basic Cyclonis Backup plan gives you 2 GB of cloud storage space with full functionality! No credit card required. Need more storage space? Purchase a larger Cyclonis Backup plan today! To learn more about our policies and pricing, see Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Discount Terms and Purchase Page. If you wish to uninstall the app, please visit the Uninstallation Instructions page.

Cyclonis Password Manager Details & Terms

FREE Trial: 30-Day One-Time Offer! No credit card required for Free Trial. Full functionality for the length of the Free Trial. (Full functionality after Free Trial requires subscription purchase.) To learn more about our policies and pricing, see EULA, Privacy Policy, Discount Terms and Purchase Page. If you wish to uninstall the app, please visit the Uninstallation Instructions page.