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Is a VPN really necessary to secure all your devices

Any good Virtual Private Network (VPN) lets you use the product on multiple devices. If you've asked yourself “Do I need a VPN on more than just my home computer,” the answer depends on how much your online security means to you. Many people only use their computers and other devices for interpersonal communications and entertainment. For someone like that, a security breach might not be devastating. However, anyone can have their banking and payment information hacked at any time, and in the worst-case scenario, that could mean disaster for your personal finances. But if you're like most people even a minor data breach could be a major problem. If you're a business owner or are responsible for an estate, a data breach could place much of what you hold dear at risk.

Why You Should Secure All of Your Devices with a VPN

No matter what your security needs, whether they are relatively negligible or if they are critical to your life, business, or family – the one thing many people never consider is the fact that if just one device in your network is compromised by a hacker or malware, then all of your devices are at risk.

Most of today's Internet-capable devices are readily capable of communicating with each other. For example, many people have had the experience of a wireless tablet computer unexpectedly exerting remote control over other household devices like an Xbox gaming system. In this case, the communication between devices is not even intended by the user. But any connection can give attackers or malware a bridge from one device to another.

That means, even if your home desktop computer is protected with a VPN, an attacker could access another device in your home network and locate your protected device once the network has been penetrated.

Let's consider this further. Suppose some hostile entity has been monitoring your activity while you are on a VPN protected smartphone or computer. Maybe they can see everything you are doing, but they cannot discover your true location or identity unless you voluntarily leak that information online.

Now, suppose a device not protected by a VPN enters your local network. Now, your digital stalker can get around your VPN by simply listening to the unprotected device as it communicates with your protected device. The attacker now knows where the unprotected device is and that it has mated with your protected device. Therefore, the location of your VPN protected device has now been discovered.

This is why the most reputable VPN vendors out there make it inexpensive or free to use their products on several devices in the same network. They know that their customers could be attacked and suffer destructive data breaches, even if they use their VPN unless all devices that communicate with the protected device on that network are also protected.

Secure Any Device in 6 Easy Steps

Cyber attackers, like real-world attackers, always seek out the most vulnerable targets. In today's rapidly changing cybersecurity world, the most vulnerable targets are those who have yet to leverage the services of a high-quality VPN.

For optimal security, Tripwire.com recommends completing the following cybersecurity checklist.