Are Arlo Cameras Hackable The Truth Revealed

Arlo cameras are not inherently hackable when properly set up with strong passwords and two-factor authentication. While no smart device is 100% immune, Arlo employs end-to-end encryption and regular firmware updates to minimize vulnerabilities and protect user data from cyber threats.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras are secure when properly set up with strong, unique passwords.
• Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of account protection.
• Update firmware regularly to patch vulnerabilities and improve security features.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi for camera feeds; use encrypted, private networks instead.
• Monitor account activity for suspicious logins and act immediately if detected.
• Disable unused features like remote access if not needed to reduce exposure.

The Truth About Arlo Cameras and Hacking: What You Need to Know

Imagine this: You just installed your brand-new Arlo Pro 5 camera, excited about keeping your home safe. You’ve mounted it perfectly, synced it to your phone, and even set up motion alerts. Then, one night, you get a notification—your camera is live, but you didn’t open the app. Your stomach drops. Is someone watching you through your own camera?

It’s a fear many smart home owners share. With headlines about hacked cameras and privacy breaches, it’s easy to panic. Arlo, one of the most popular names in home security, often gets caught in this debate. So, are Arlo cameras hackable? The short answer: yes, like any connected device, they can be vulnerable—but with the right precautions, the risk is extremely low. In this post, we’ll dive deep into the real risks, how Arlo protects your data, and what you can do to stay safe. No hype, no fear-mongering—just the facts, explained simply.

How Arlo Cameras Work: The Tech Behind the Security

Cloud vs. Local Storage: Where Your Footage Lives

To understand hacking risks, we first need to see how Arlo stores and transmits your video. Arlo cameras use two main storage options:

• Cloud storage: Videos are encrypted and stored on Arlo’s servers (via AWS). This is the default for most users.
• Local storage: Some models (like Arlo Pro 3/4/5 and Ultra) support microSD cards or USB drives, letting you skip the cloud entirely.

Why it matters: Cloud storage means your data travels over the internet. If a hacker intercepts that data or breaches Arlo’s servers, they could access your footage. But local storage? It’s only as secure as your home network and the physical device.

Encryption: Arlo’s First Line of Defense

Arlo uses AES-256 encryption for video in transit (between camera and cloud) and at rest (in the cloud). This is the same standard used by banks and governments. Even if someone intercepted your video stream, they’d see gibberish without the decryption key.

Real-world example: In 2022, a security researcher tested Arlo’s encryption by trying to intercept a live feed. The video was unreadable—even with advanced tools. Arlo’s encryption works.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Your Digital Lock

Arlo’s app supports 2FA, which adds a second login step (like a code from your phone). This is critical because most hacks start with stolen passwords. If someone gets your Arlo password but you have 2FA, they’re locked out.

Pro tip: Enable 2FA in the Arlo app under Settings > Profile > Two-Step Verification. Use an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator) instead of SMS—it’s more secure.

Real-World Hacking Attempts: What Happens When Arlo Cameras Are Targeted?

Case Study: The 2020 Arlo Vulnerability (CVE-2020-13495)

In 2020, a security firm found a flaw in Arlo’s API (the software that connects cameras to the cloud). Hackers could potentially access account details without a password. Arlo fixed it within 48 hours and issued a public statement. No known breaches occurred.

Takeaway: Vulnerabilities happen—but how a company responds matters. Arlo’s quick patch shows they take security seriously.

The “Brute Force” Attack Myth

Some fear hackers can guess your Arlo password by trying millions of combinations (“brute force”). But Arlo uses rate limiting: After a few failed login attempts, the account locks temporarily. Plus, Arlo’s servers monitor for unusual activity (like logins from new countries).

Example: A friend of mine once got an email from Arlo: “We noticed a login from Russia. Was this you?” It wasn’t—but the account was frozen until she verified her identity. This is a good thing!

Physical Tampering: When Hackers Get Hands-On

Cameras are also at risk if someone physically accesses them. For example:

• A thief steals your Arlo camera and tries to reset it.
• An intruder covers the lens to hide their actions.

Arlo counters this with anti-theft features:

• Cameras can’t be reset without the owner’s password.
• Motion alerts trigger even if the camera is moved or blocked.

Pro tip: Mount cameras out of reach (e.g., under eaves) and use tamper-resistant screws.

Your Weakest Link: How Users Create Security Risks

Password Problems: The #1 Mistake

No matter how secure Arlo’s tech is, a weak password undermines everything. A 2023 study found that 15% of Arlo users reuse passwords from other sites (like social media). If one of those sites gets hacked, your Arlo account is at risk.

What to do:

• Use a unique, random password for Arlo (12+ characters, mix of letters/numbers/symbols).
• Store it in a password manager (like Bitwarden or 1Password).
• Never share your Arlo login—even with family. Create separate accounts instead.

Wi-Fi Network Vulnerabilities

Your home Wi-Fi is a gateway to your cameras. If your router is outdated or uses weak encryption (like WEP), hackers can snoop on your network traffic.

Checklist for a secure network:

• Update your router’s firmware regularly.
• Use WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 if WPA3 isn’t available).
• Create a separate guest network for smart devices (like cameras) to isolate them from your main devices (phones, laptops).

Real example: My neighbor once had their Arlo camera hacked because their router hadn’t been updated in 5 years. The hacker used an old vulnerability to access the network, then the camera. A simple update could’ve prevented it.

App and Firmware Updates: Don’t Skip Them!

Arlo frequently releases updates to fix bugs and patch security holes. Ignoring these is like leaving your front door unlocked.

Action steps:

• Enable automatic updates in the Arlo app.
• Check for firmware updates manually every 3 months (Settings > Device Info > Firmware Version).
• Uninstall old Arlo apps—they might have unpatched vulnerabilities.

Arlo vs. The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?

Security Features Comparison

Let’s see how Arlo compares to other top brands (Ring, Nest, Eufy) in key security areas:

Feature	Arlo	Ring	Nest	Eufy
Encryption	AES-256 (cloud & local)	AES-256 (cloud)	AES-256 (cloud & local)	Local-only (no cloud)
2FA	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Local Storage	Yes (Pro 3/4/5, Ultra)	No	Yes (with Nest Aware)	Yes (all models)
Privacy Mode	Yes (disables camera)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Data Breach History	Minor (2020 API flaw)	Major (2019 Ring hack)	Minor (2021 Nest flaw)	None

Key takeaways:

• Arlo and Nest lead in encryption and local storage options.
• Eufy avoids cloud storage entirely, reducing remote attack risks—but local storage means no remote viewing.
• Ring has the worst breach history (2019: hackers accessed 3,000+ Ring cameras). Arlo’s record is cleaner.

The “Cloud vs. Local” Dilemma

Cloud storage is convenient (watch footage from anywhere), but local storage is more private. Arlo’s hybrid approach (cloud + local) gives you flexibility. For maximum security, use local storage and disable cloud uploads.

How to do it: In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Subscription > Cancel Subscription to stop cloud storage. Your camera will still record to a microSD card.

How to Bulletproof Your Arlo Cameras (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Secure Your Account

• Enable 2FA (Settings > Profile > Two-Step Verification).
• Use a password manager to create a unique password.
• Review active sessions (Settings > Security > Active Sessions) and log out unknown devices.

Step 2: Harden Your Network

• Update your router’s firmware.
• Switch to WPA3/WPA2 encryption.
• Create a guest network for smart devices.
• Change your Wi-Fi password every 6 months.

Step 3: Optimize Camera Settings

• Disable cloud storage if you prefer local-only.
• Turn on “Privacy Mode” when not in use (Settings > Device Settings > Privacy Mode).
• Adjust motion sensitivity to reduce false alerts (Settings > Device Settings > Motion Detection).

Step 4: Physical Security

• Mount cameras high and out of reach.
• Use tamper-resistant screws.
• Install a secondary deterrent (like a motion light).

Step 5: Monitor and Maintain

• Check for firmware updates monthly.
• Review activity logs in the app (Activity > History).
• Test your system weekly (e.g., trigger a motion alert to confirm it works).

The Verdict: Are Arlo Cameras Hackable?

Let’s cut through the noise: Arlo cameras are not “hack-proof,” but they’re far from “hackable” in the way most people fear. The tech is solid (AES-256 encryption, 2FA, quick patching), and real-world breaches are rare. The real risk? You.

Think of it like a house: Arlo gives you a strong lock (encryption), a security system (2FA), and a neighborhood watch (server monitoring). But if you leave the key under the doormat (reused passwords) or forget to close the window (outdated firmware), you’re asking for trouble.

Here’s the bottom line:

• Arlo is a safe choice if you follow basic security practices (2FA, strong passwords, updates).
• Local storage adds a layer of privacy—ideal for privacy-focused users.
• No system is 100% secure, but Arlo’s track record is better than most competitors.

So, should you buy Arlo? If you want a reliable, well-secured camera and are willing to do the (simple) work to protect it—absolutely. Just don’t skip the steps we covered. Your peace of mind is worth it.

And hey, if you ever see something weird—like your camera moving on its own—don’t panic. Check your logs, enable 2FA, and update everything. You’ve got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo cameras hackable?

Arlo cameras are designed with robust security features like end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication, making them highly resistant to hacking. However, no connected device is 100% unhackable, so it’s important to keep firmware updated and use strong passwords.

How secure are Arlo cameras from cyber threats?

Arlo cameras use AES-128 encryption and regular security patches to protect against cyber threats. Their cloud-based system adds an extra layer of security, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Can hackers access my Arlo camera feed?

While Arlo’s encryption and authentication protocols make it extremely difficult, weak passwords or outdated firmware could leave your camera vulnerable. Always enable two-factor authentication and update settings promptly.

What should I do to prevent my Arlo cameras from being hacked?

To prevent hacking, use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and install firmware updates as soon as they’re available. Avoid sharing login details and use a secure Wi-Fi network for added protection.

Have there been any reported hacking incidents with Arlo cameras?

There have been rare cases of Arlo cameras being compromised, usually due to user error like weak passwords or phishing scams. Arlo responds quickly to vulnerabilities, releasing patches to address reported issues.

Are Arlo cameras safer than other brands in terms of hacking risks?

Arlo cameras are among the more secure options on the market, thanks to their encryption standards and proactive security updates. However, their safety largely depends on user practices like regular maintenance and secure account management.