It should come as no surprise that US households are seeing a steady rise in the number of devices connected to the internet. This trend is only expected to continue.
When numerous devices within a household share an internet connection, it’s often referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT).
Research from Parks Associates reveals that a typical US broadband household currently connects an average of 12 devices to the internet.
More recent findings from Parks Associates predict a significant surge in this number. They project that by 2025, the average US household will have up to 20 internet-connected devices operating simultaneously.
That’s a projected 60 percent increase in just five years, which is quite remarkable.
However, this growth in internet-connected devices brings with it a corresponding rise in security and technical challenges. These are particularly noticeable when using Wi-Fi.
A research director at Parks Associates offered these insights:
“We’re seeing a surge in the number of connected devices in homes simultaneously as people are placing more demands on their home networks. Factors like increased work-from-home arrangements and video streaming contribute to this. It’s crucial for consumers to understand the necessity of securing and optimizing their connectivity. They should also see the value in a comprehensive solution that addresses both safety and performance.”
Take a look at the chart below. It highlights various technical issues that people are encountering in their homes. (Source: Parks Associates)
Such a significant number of internet-connected devices also creates substantial vulnerabilities for households. They become more susceptible to cyberattacks like hacking, ISP snooping, and various other threats.
With the rise of remote work, it’s unlikely that hackers will be easing up on their activities any time soon.
That’s precisely why TROYPOINT consistently advocates for robust home network protection. Using a VPN is a highly recommended strategy.
Here’s a great advantage. Our preferred VPN provider, IPVanish, now offers support for Unlimited Devices under a single account.
No matter which VPN service you opt for, configuring it through a Router provides another layer of dependable network security.
If you’re looking for more in-depth information about VPNs, installation instructions, and the reasons behind their growing importance, I highly recommend exploring our TROYPOINT VPN Guide. It’s a valuable resource.
As more and more internet-connected devices enter our lives, the future of home networking will undoubtedly be fascinating to observe.
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on this massive surge in internet-connected devices? Do you see it as a positive or negative development for our households and lifestyles?
Take a moment to consider your own home. How many devices do you have connected to the internet right now?
We’d love to hear your perspective. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section down below.
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