Traditionally, your router has been the internet entry-point to your home. These units come with many settings for privacy, security, and connectivity. But, it's not easy to use, setup, or maintain. Routers haven't kept up with the modern, intuitive designs found in other gadgets.
Consequently, you might be putting your data and your home at risk. Hedgehog, described as a digital guardian, plugs into your router and protects your network from a range of security, privacy, and safety concerns.
What Is Hedgehog?
If utilized to its full extent, your router acts as a buffer between your home network and the wider internet. Even then, most lack security features, network monitoring, and parental controls. Hedgehog attaches directly to your router and takes care of the often-complex task of protecting your home.
Notably, there are no subscription fees for this service, either. The device is equipped with 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, and support for 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. It recieves power via a USB-C port and supports Bluetooth wireless connections.
Primarily, Hedgehog can detect and block suspicious activity and devices on your network. The unit continually scans for unknown connections and stops them. This feature is based upon a wide range of data, including information on over 14 billion Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices.
How Does Hedgehog Work?
It's possible to whitelist, block, and monitor any connected device. You can easily visualize your network with Hedgehog's map feature. Likewise, you can also perform speed tests, monitor for outages, and compare against regional performance.
You can set up a Guest Wi-Fi network alongside these functions, keeping your primary network separate and secure. Visitors don't need a password either, as Hedgehog is NFC-enabled. A quick tap of the unit enables simple passwordless connections.
Importantly, the unit comes equipped with intrusion detection and prevention, powered by Zobi Home Intelligence. This AI-based cloud analysis is anonymized, so your data isn't identifiable.
Hedgehog Availability
Like many products showcased at CES 2021, Hedgehog is not commercially available just yet. The British-designed unit is expected to ship in early 2021. If you want to guarantee a device, you can pre-order Hedgehog on the company's website. You have a choice of accent colors: Midnight Blue or Orange Belly.
You can also pre-order a Hoglet, a mains-powered Wi-Fi extender with a handful of security-focused features. The Hoglet is available as a single unit or in discounted multipacks. Unlike Hedgehog, the Hoglet is only available in orange.
