Why I put my smart TV behind a router-based VPN

The author limits the number of smart, internet-enabled devices at home, partly because appliances do not need social features and partly because each connected device makes it easier for hackers to access personal data. That exposure is a larger security risk than many realize.

A VPN encrypts streaming, web browsing and download traffic end-to-end, making it much harder for an attacker to see activity or personal information. It also masks the TV’s real IP address—helpful if ACR is enabled—and prevents an ISP from identifying exactly what you are streaming, which can sidestep provider throttling.

A VPN can also let you set a virtual location to access streaming catalogs from other countries. Installing a VPN on the router protects multiple devices with a few clicks and many services permit protection for up to 10 devices simultaneously, offering whole-home protection.

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