As the need for cleaner energy becomes increasingly recognized, the technology industry is rapidly expanding its supply to accommodate greener choices and practices.
As ExpressVPN’s Green Tech list suggests, there are alternative versions of the gadgets we use every day that can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and bring us one step closer to a more sustainable lifestyle.
However, every coin has two sides.
Switching to green technology is undoubtedly prudent and the industry is expected to grow even more rapidly in the years to come, but some aspects of this shift deserve more attention.
According to a Deloitte report, 53% of companies do not consider cybersecurity when developing green technology solutions. At the same time, many green tech companies use cutting-edge technologies that need further testing before being implemented at scale. These circumstances make green technologies perfect targets for cyberattacks.
Since most of the green technology devices that people commonly use are connected to the internet, it would be very reckless to ignore cybersecurity. Poor cybersecurity exposes users’ sensitive data and leaves them vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Security for the Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT devices are now an integral part of modern homes, with more than 29 billion devices expected to be connected by 2030, according to Statista projections. It leads to more information being sent and shared. As a result, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches may increase. While some of his IoT device makers are testing different data protection methods, Green IoT is still lagging behind, despite being the fourth runner-up in the innovation space.
How to live more sustainably and stay protected
Look for green technology with the right cybersecurity model
It may take time and patience, but before you acquire a new green technology device, thoroughly research the data protection methods the supplier uses and how user data is managed.
While the vast majority of companies today store user data just because they can, and we have little to no influence over what happens to sensitive information if you share it with someone online. Please familiarize yourself with applicable data protection laws and regulations.
Monitor your digital footprint
Being green also means understanding and effectively managing your digital footprint. Analyze who has access to sensitive data and keep information out of high-risk environments. Additionally, entrust your data only to sites and services you trust.
Manage data storage options
Once you understand what your data is being used for, try to minimize the amount of information you collect and share with others. Unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters and services, organize your digital space and reduce the risk of data breaches.
Encrypt your data
Some services are already harnessing the power of encryption, while others are less familiar with the benefits of this technology. A virtual private network (VPN) can encrypt the data in your traffic, making it unintelligible to third parties and better protecting sensitive information.
Conclusion
Green technology is advancing rapidly and can make our lives more sustainable, but there is a lot of room for improvement. It is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of green technology that must be resolved quickly. Until green tech manufacturers adopt a more holistic approach to data protection, users should take cybersecurity strategy into their own hands.