IoT deployments depend on the continuous exchange of data. However, businesses often prioritize rapid market release and basic connectivity over cybersecurity. As a result, hackers frequently infiltrate IoT devices. In 2026, IoT malware attacks have surged 124% year-on-year.
Every single connected device can give a hacker a potential entry point to compromise an entire network. Hackers might steal sensitive data or disrupt operations. Common approaches to IoT cybersecurity include encryption, network segmentation, monitoring, and device authentication methods. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can provide a useful extra layer of protection to an IoT environment.
What Does a VPN Do for an IoT Device?
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between a connected device and the IoT network endpoint. As sensitive data passes between smart devices and the cloud, the VPN safeguards it from hackers. If a hacker infiltrated the network, the data they uncover would be scrambled and, therefore, useless to them.
VPNs are particularly useful for remote teams who have to use unsecured networks, such as public Wi-Fi, to complete tasks. They’re also useful for protecting remote infrastructure where conventional network controls are difficult to implement. For example, connected equipment in factories, warehouses, retail locations, and vehicles can benefit from VPN encryption.
When Is a VPN Worth Using for IoT?
VPNs can satisfy specific IoT architectural requirements, such as:
Protecting Communications Over Untrusted Networks
IoT deployments depend on connectivity outside of an organization’s physical control. Data frequently moves between devices, gateways, cloud services, and data centers. A VPN creates a secure channel, which reduces the risk of interception and man-in-the-middle attacks occurring.
Securing Remote Administration
VPNs allow users to access devices securely from anywhere in the world. Administrative interfaces and industrial IoT systems can be securely managed behind a VPN.
Creating Isolated Networks
A VPN can create network segments, which separate specific devices from a business’s primary corporate network. Isolating devices reduces the attack surface because hackers cannot access the main network by infiltrating an isolated device.
Compliance
A VPN is not normally a regulatory requirement. However, many industries have strict compliance and regulatory requirements when it comes to data privacy and protection. VPNs can help businesses protect their data and, as a result, meet regulatory requirements.
Drawbacks of Using a VPN for IoT
VPNs come with significant security, scalability, and performance hurdles.
Price
A VPN requires a paid subscription. Free versions are available, but these tend to be weak in terms of security and performance. Subscriptions are most commonly available on a monthly and annual basis. Lifetime VPN deals are also available, but many experts consider them unsustainable. Generally, manufacturers do not update lifetime VPNs regularly enough to patch security vulnerabilities. Monthly and annual subscriptions tend to provide more regular updates and, therefore, offer better security for businesses.
Latency
VPNs add latency to IoT systems due to processing overhead, physical distance, and traffic detours. Data needs to travel to a remote VPN server, which is often in a different city or country. Physical travel time increases latency, while data encryption and decryption cause further delays. Modern hardware handles encryption quickly, but it can still add a fraction of processing time. If too many users are attempting to access the same VPN server, bottlenecks and congestion can also occur.
Control
VPNs are external tools that businesses don’t have direct control over. Sometimes, traffic can become particularly heavy and cause latency. Servers can also go down due to hardware failures, software bugs, and maintenance. For businesses, these issues can have a direct operational impact. If a VPN becomes slow or unavailable, remote monitoring and management will be disrupted.
What a VPN Does Not Solve
A VPN on its own is not enough to secure an entire IoT ecosystem. It protects the connection between two devices, but it does not protect the devices themselves.
For example, if a device has weak credentials, compromised firmware, or a software vulnerability, a VPN cannot protect it. Unpatched firmware is responsible for 60% of IoT security breaches. While the VPN can encrypt IoT communications, its weaknesses can still be exploited by bad actors.
Poor permissions management can also lessen the benefits of a VPN. When a new device is connected to the IoT, it receives a certain degree of access permissions. Some devices are even granted full network access once authenticated. The new device can communicate with the internet, external cloud servers, and all other devices on the network. If attackers compromise the new device, they could use it as a foothold to move across the network. The hackers could then potentially access other devices and steal sensitive data.
VPNs should be viewed as one component of a broader IoT security architecture. Other controls can include:
- Secure device onboarding
- Device identification and authentication
- Network access control
- Firmware and software updates
- Vulnerability management
- Monitoring and anomaly protection
- Secure remote administration
- Incident response and lifecycle management
A VPN Can Strengthen the Security of an IoT Ecosystem
As IoT ecosystems expand, businesses must secure the connections between devices — not just the devices themselves. A VPN strengthens the cybersecurity of an IoT ecosystem by encrypting traffic and controlling access to distributed environments. However, a VPN cannot compensate for insecure devices, outdated software, or excessive user permissions. A VPN should form part of a wider cybersecurity network alongside secure device onboarding and network access control.
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