Invizbox

This year both Norton and Asus have released new, privacy-focussed routers. In an age where attacks on data are on the rise, upgrading router hardware is pretty much a no-brainer.

Underlying these big-name launches has been spike in the number of startups developing similar products. One of these, Invizbox, has revealed two new devices.


The Ireland-based startup, which will be speaking at WIRED Security later this month, claims its two new routers will secure all internet traffic. The InvizBox 2 and InvizBox 2 Pro work by being plugged into an existing router via an Ethernet cable. From here, wireless devices connect to the box over Wi-Fi.

Both devices are well-designed (well, for a router) and the InvizBox 2 has a quad-core ARM processor, dual band Wi-Fi, 256MB of RAM and the ability to handle gigabit internet. The higher-end product has a faster processor and more RAM. "While most of us have nothing to hide, InvizBox 2 encrypts all your internet traffic, protecting it from prying eyes," the company says in a statement. Invizbox is running a crowdfunding campaign for both the new devices.

Invizbox

The company explains the routers are intended to stop people from installing a VPN on every device connecting to their network. Instead, both routers send all traffic on the network through a VPN connection. "We embed your VPN credentials for convenience and it auto selects the fastest VPN for you," the firm adds. There is also a Tor mode for people who want an extra layer of privacy.


The devices are supported by iOS and Android apps, parental controls, and the ability to see who is on a network. Both are also capable of analysing outgoing traffic to determine whether there are any compromised internet of things devices on a network.

The company isn't the only startup aiming to develop new privacy-focussed routers. Anonabox, which had the same hardware as Invizbox's first product, was removed from Kickstarter after it was found to be misrepresenting itself. Similar to the new Invizbox, the ArmorVPN box sits between a modem and router and secures internet traffic.

Both of the new Invizbox products work with its addition Go device. Revealed back in 2015, the wireless device is a VPN and Tor router that can tether to public Wi-Fi connections and also charge a phone.