If you’re a freelancer in the U.S., your home office probably includes more than just a laptop. Smart speakers, Wi-Fi cameras, smart lights, routers, printers, and even IoT-powered thermostats are now part of the modern workspace. But here’s the problem: freelancing in the age of IoT also means your smart devices can become silent entry points for hackers. Cybercriminals increasingly use insecure IoT gadgets to spy, steal data, or access your work files—putting your clients and business at risk.

That’s why “Freelancing in the Age of IoT: Securing Smart Devices in Your Work Setup” is more important than ever. In this guide, you’ll learn how IoT devices impact your cybersecurity and the exact steps freelancers in the U.S. should follow to protect their digital workspace.

What Makes IoT Devices a Risk for Freelancers?

When you’re freelancing in the age of IoT, your home office becomes a small ecosystem of connected devices. Each IoT device creates a new entry point for cyberattacks. Many smart gadgets:

• Use weak default passwords
• Lack regular security updates
• Connect to your main Wi-Fi network
• Collect private data without transparency

According to cybersecurity reports from CISA (Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency), poorly secured IoT devices are one of the fastest-growing attack surfaces for small businesses and independent workers. (Source: https://www.cisa.gov/secure-iot-devices)

For freelancers who work with sensitive client files, login credentials, financial data, and cloud platforms—this threat becomes even more serious.

How IoT Attacks Actually Happen

To understand freelance security in the age of IoT, here are the most common attack scenarios:

1. Your Smart Speaker Becomes a Microphone for Hackers

Devices like Alexa or Google Home can be exploited if connected to an insecure network. Hackers can manipulate them to listen to conversations—especially risky if you discuss client details on calls.

2. IoT Cameras Get Hijacked

Cheap Wi-Fi cams often lack encryption. Attackers can:

• View your workspace
• Capture passwords or screens
• Spy on client meetings

3. Smart Lights and Thermostats Lead Hackers Into Your Network

Even simple smart bulbs or thermostats can be used to access your home Wi-Fi, then pivot into your laptop or cloud accounts.

4. Compromised Routers Control All Your Devices

Most freelancers rely on a single home router. If it’s outdated or unsecured, it becomes an open door to everything you own.

Freelancing in the Age of IoT: Securing Smart Devices in Your Work Setup

Now let’s dive into the key strategies every U.S. freelancer should use to secure IoT devices and protect their work environment.

1. Start With a Strong Foundation: Your Router

Your router is the “front door” of your digital home.

Key steps for securing your router:

• Change the default admin password
• Use WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 if WPA3 unavailable)
• Turn off WPS (easy-setup button)
• Update the router firmware regularly
• Disable remote management
• Create a separate IoT network (Guest Wi-Fi)

Modern routers like TP-Link Deco, Netgear Nighthawk, or Google Nest Wi-Fi offer built-in security options.

More router security tips:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/secure-your-wireless-network

2. Create a Separate IoT Network

One of the most effective ways to secure IoT devices is to keep them on their own Wi-Fi network.

Why?

If your smart thermostat gets hacked, the attacker won’t reach your laptop, cloud files, payment accounts, or freelance work platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

This small step dramatically reduces your cybersecurity risks.

3. Secure Each Smart Device Individually

Every IoT device you use needs individual protection:

✔ Change default passwords immediately

Never use default admin passwords like “admin123.”

✔ Turn on 2FA (if supported)

Many brand-name IoT devices now include two-factor authentication.

✔ Keep all firmware updated

The longer your device goes without updates, the easier it is to hack.

✔ Disable features you don’t use

If you’re not using remote access or voice activation—turn them off.

4. Use a VPN on Your Main Work Device

Securing IoT devices is important, but your laptop—the core of your freelance work—needs extra protection.

Using a VPN encrypts your traffic, making it difficult for attackers to intercept data even if your IoT network is compromised.

U.S.-friendly VPNs include:

• Surfshark – https://surfshark.com
• NordVPN – https://nordvpn.com

Both support unlimited devices and protect freelancers working from home or public places.

5. Enable Device-Level Firewalls

Most IoT devices include a built-in firewall, but it’s often disabled by default.

Check your device settings for:

• “Firewall”
• “Security mode”
• “Device protection”
• “Local access control”

Turn these on whenever available.

6. Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Everything

Weak passwords are the #1 reason IoT devices get hacked.

Use a password manager such as:

• 1Password – https://1password.com
• Bitwarden – https://bitwarden.com

You can generate unique passwords for every IoT device and account.

7. Monitor Who Connects to Your Network

When freelancing in the age of IoT, it’s essential to check your connected devices weekly.

Your router dashboard will show:

• Unknown devices
• Suspicious IP addresses
• Unauthorized logins

If you see something unusual, immediately change your Wi-Fi password and remove unknown devices.

8. Avoid Cheap or Unknown IoT Brands

Cheap devices often mean weak security. Stick to reputable U.S.-supported brands like:

• Google
• Amazon
• TP-Link
• Philips
• Ecobee

These companies regularly patch vulnerabilities and provide reliable security updates.

Conclusion: Freelancing in the Age of IoT Requires Smart Security Habits

As smart devices continue to shape how freelancers work, the risks grow alongside the benefits. Freelancing in the age of IoT means your smart speakers, cameras, routers, and other connected devices must be secured just like your laptop. By separating networks, using strong passwords, updating firmware, enabling firewalls, and choosing reputable brands, you can protect both your business and your clients.

IoT security isn’t just a tech issue—it’s now a part of being a responsible, professional freelancer in the U.S. Take the right steps today, and your work setup will stay safe, productive, and future-ready.

You may also like this recent blog: Supply Chain Attacks: Why A Freelancer’s Third-Party Vendor Might Be the Weak Link (2025)