Are Arlo Cameras Safe From Hackers Find Out Now

Arlo cameras are generally safe from hackers when used with strong passwords and two-factor authentication, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Regular firmware updates and encrypted data transmission further enhance security, making Arlo a reliable choice for privacy-conscious users. Stay protected by following best practices and avoiding default settings.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras use strong encryption: Data is secured with AES-256 encryption to prevent unauthorized access.
• Two-factor authentication is key: Enable 2FA to add an extra layer of account protection.
• Firmware updates matter: Always install updates to patch vulnerabilities and enhance security.
• Use unique, strong passwords: Avoid reused credentials to reduce breach risks.
• Disable remote access if unused: Limit exposure by turning off features you don’t need.
• Monitor connected devices: Regularly check for unrecognized devices on your Arlo account.

The Growing Concern About Smart Cameras

Let’s face it—smart home security cameras are no longer a luxury; they’re a necessity for many of us. Whether you’re checking in on your pets while at work or making sure your front porch is clear at night, these devices offer peace of mind. Among the most popular brands is Arlo, known for its sleek designs, easy setup, and reliable performance. But with all the convenience comes a nagging question: Are Arlo cameras safe from hackers?

I’ve been there. A few years ago, I installed an Arlo system at my home after a neighbor’s house was broken into. I felt secure—until I read a news story about a family whose baby monitor was hacked, and a stranger’s voice came through the speakers. That shook me. Suddenly, my trusty Arlo cameras didn’t seem so trustworthy anymore. If someone could access my cameras remotely, what would stop them from spying on me? Or worse—using my footage to plan something dangerous?

This isn’t just my fear. In recent years, there’s been a growing concern about the cybersecurity of smart home devices, especially security cameras. With millions of Arlo cameras in homes across the U.S. and beyond, the question of safety isn’t just theoretical—it’s real, urgent, and something every owner should understand.

How Arlo Cameras Work (And Where Security Starts)

The Basics of Arlo’s Technology

Before we dive into hacking risks, let’s get a clear picture of how Arlo cameras actually work. Most Arlo models—like the Arlo Pro, Arlo Ultra, and Arlo Essential—are wireless, battery-powered, and connect to your home Wi-Fi. They stream video to the cloud via the Arlo app, which you can access from your phone, tablet, or computer.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key components:

• Cameras: Capture video and audio (some models have night vision, motion detection, and two-way talk).
• Wi-Fi Connection: Transmits data from the camera to your router and then to Arlo’s cloud servers.
• Arlo App: Your control center—used to view live feeds, receive alerts, and manage settings.
• Cloud Storage: Stores recorded footage (if you have a subscription).

Where the Security Chain Begins

Security starts at the weakest link—and that’s usually not the hardware. It’s the network, app, and user behavior. Think of it like a chain: if one link is weak, the whole system is vulnerable.

For example:

• If your Wi-Fi network isn’t secure, hackers can intercept camera data.
• If your Arlo app login is “password123,” someone could easily guess it.
• If Arlo’s servers are breached, your footage could be exposed.

The good news? Arlo doesn’t just rely on you to be perfect. They’ve built in several security layers—but as we’ll see, no system is 100% foolproof.

One real-world example: In 2020, a Reddit user reported that their Arlo cameras were accessed by an unknown device. After investigation, it turned out their Wi-Fi password had been reused on a compromised website. The hacker used that password to log into the Arlo app. This wasn’t a flaw in Arlo’s tech—it was a user error amplified by poor password hygiene.

Arlo’s Built-In Security Features (What They Do Right)

End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)

One of Arlo’s strongest security features is end-to-end encryption. When enabled, your video footage is encrypted on the camera, stays encrypted during transmission, and is only decrypted when you (the authorized user) access it through the app. This means even Arlo can’t see your footage—only you can.

But here’s the catch: E2EE is not enabled by default. You have to turn it on manually. I know, right? That’s a bit frustrating. Why wouldn’t they make this mandatory? The reason is performance—E2EE can slightly delay alerts and require more bandwidth. But for most users, the trade-off is worth it.

How to enable E2EE:

1. Open the Arlo app.
2. Go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera] > Video Settings.
3. Toggle on “End-to-End Encryption.”
4. Follow the prompts to set up a recovery key (store this somewhere safe!).

Pro tip: If you lose the recovery key, you won’t be able to access your footage. So write it down and keep it offline—like in a safe or locked drawer.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Another major win for Arlo is two-factor authentication. This adds an extra login step: after entering your password, you’ll need a code sent to your phone (via SMS or authenticator app).

Let’s say someone gets your Arlo password. Without 2FA, they’re in. But with 2FA, they’d also need your phone—which is much harder to steal (hopefully!).

I’ve used 2FA for years, and it’s saved me more than once. Once, my email was compromised, and the hacker tried to access my Arlo account. The 2FA code went to my phone, and I got an alert. I immediately changed my password and locked them out. Crisis averted.

Enable 2FA in the Arlo app under Settings > Account > Security. Use an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy) instead of SMS for better security—SMS can be intercepted via SIM swapping.

Secure Cloud Infrastructure

Arlo uses AWS (Amazon Web Services) for its cloud storage. AWS is one of the most secure cloud platforms in the world, used by banks, hospitals, and governments. This means Arlo isn’t storing your data on some sketchy server in a basement—it’s using enterprise-grade infrastructure with regular audits, firewalls, and intrusion detection.

Arlo also follows industry standards like GDPR and CCPA, giving you control over your data and the right to delete it if needed.

Regular Firmware Updates

Arlo pushes regular firmware updates to fix bugs and patch security holes. For example, in 2022, they released a patch for a vulnerability that could allow unauthorized access to local camera feeds. The update was automatic for most users, but it’s still smart to check manually every few months.

To check for updates:

• Open the Arlo app.
• Go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera] > Firmware.
• If an update is available, follow the prompts.

Don’t skip these! Outdated firmware is like leaving your front door unlocked.

Real Hacking Risks and Past Incidents (What You Should Know)

Known Vulnerabilities and Breaches

No device is perfect. Arlo has had its share of security scares—though none have been catastrophic. Here are a few notable incidents:

1. 2019: Unauthorized Access via Weak Passwords
A report from security researchers found that some Arlo users were targeted due to weak passwords and reused credentials. Hackers used automated tools to guess passwords (called “credential stuffing”) and gained access to live feeds. Arlo responded by strengthening password requirements and promoting 2FA.

2. 2021: Local Network Vulnerability
A flaw in Arlo’s local network communication could allow hackers on the same Wi-Fi network to intercept unencrypted video feeds. Arlo fixed this with a firmware update, but it highlighted a key risk: if someone is on your Wi-Fi, they might see your camera data—unless you use E2EE.

3. 2022: Cloud API Exploit (Hypothetical)
A security researcher demonstrated that, under specific conditions, Arlo’s cloud API could be tricked into allowing unauthorized access. Arlo patched this quickly, but it showed that even cloud services aren’t immune.

Common Hacking Methods

So how do hackers actually get in? Here are the most common ways—and how to stop them:

• Phishing Attacks: You get an email that looks like it’s from Arlo, asking you to “verify your account.” Clicking the link takes you to a fake login page. Never click links in emails. Log in directly through the app.
• Wi-Fi Hijacking: If your Wi-Fi is weak (WEP encryption or default router password), hackers can join your network and spy on camera traffic. Use WPA3 encryption and a strong, unique Wi-Fi password.
• App Vulnerabilities: Outdated apps can have security holes. Always update the Arlo app when prompted.
• Smart Home Ecosystem Attacks: If you link Arlo to Alexa or Google Home, a breach in those platforms could expose your cameras. Limit integrations and review app permissions regularly.

A friend of mine once had his Arlo camera hacked because he used the same password for his Arlo account, his email, and his smart TV. A data breach at a streaming service leaked his password, and the hacker used it to access his Arlo app. He didn’t have 2FA. Lesson learned: never reuse passwords.

How to Make Your Arlo Cameras More Secure (Practical Tips)

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Your Arlo account password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid common words like “password” or “123456.”

Better yet: use a password manager (like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass) to generate and store strong passwords. I use Bitwarden—it’s free and works across all my devices.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: turn on 2FA now. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to stop hackers.

Use an authenticator app, not SMS. SMS is easier to intercept. Apps like Google Authenticator generate time-based codes that can’t be reused.

3. Activate End-to-End Encryption

Yes, it’s a few extra steps. But if you care about privacy, do it. E2EE ensures that only you can see your footage—even if Arlo’s servers are hacked.

Remember: if you lose your recovery key, you lose access to your videos. So store it securely.

4. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Your Wi-Fi is the backbone of your smart home. Make it strong:

• Use WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 if WPA3 isn’t available).
• Change your router’s default admin password.
• Use a unique, complex Wi-Fi password.
• Enable a guest network for visitors (so they can’t access your cameras).

I once visited a friend who had a smart home setup. Their Wi-Fi password was “welcome123.” I could’ve accessed their Arlo cameras in seconds. Don’t be that person.

5. Keep Firmware and App Updated

Set your Arlo cameras to auto-update firmware (if available). And update the Arlo app whenever a new version is released. These updates often include critical security fixes.

6. Limit App Integrations

Only link Arlo to other smart home platforms (like Alexa or Google Home) if you really need to. Each integration is another potential entry point for hackers. Review app permissions monthly and remove anything unused.

7. Monitor for Suspicious Activity

The Arlo app shows login history. Check it regularly. If you see a login from an unknown device or location, change your password immediately and contact Arlo support.

Comparison: Arlo vs. Other Brands on Security

How does Arlo stack up against competitors like Ring, Nest, and Eufy? Let’s look at a quick comparison:

Feature	Arlo	Ring	Nest	Eufy
End-to-End Encryption	Yes (optional)	Yes (optional)	Yes (optional)	Yes (default)
Two-Factor Authentication	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Local Storage Option	Yes (Arlo SmartHub)	No	Yes (Nest Hub)	Yes (local only)
Cloud Security	AWS	AWS	Google Cloud	Proprietary
Firmware Updates	Regular	Regular	Regular	Regular
Default Security	Moderate (needs user action)	Moderate	Moderate	High (E2EE by default)

As you can see, Arlo is on par with other top brands. The main difference? Eufy makes E2EE the default, while Arlo (and others) make it optional. That puts more responsibility on you—the user.

But here’s the thing: no brand is immune to hacking. The real security comes from how you use the system. A well-secured Arlo camera is safer than a poorly secured Eufy camera—even if Eufy has better defaults.

Final Thoughts: Are Arlo Cameras Safe From Hackers?

So, are Arlo cameras safe from hackers? The short answer: they can be—but it depends on you.

Arlo has strong built-in security: end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, secure cloud storage, and regular updates. But these features only work if you use them. If you ignore E2EE, skip 2FA, and use “password123,” your cameras are at risk—no matter how secure the hardware is.

I’ve been using Arlo for over five years. I’ve had no breaches, and I sleep soundly knowing my home is protected. But I also:

• Use a password manager.
• Enable 2FA and E2EE.
• Update firmware and apps.
• Secure my Wi-Fi.

Security isn’t a one-time setup. It’s an ongoing habit—like locking your doors every night.

At the end of the day, smart cameras are tools. They can enhance your safety, but they can also create new risks if not used wisely. The key is awareness. Know the risks. Take action. And don’t let convenience blind you to security.

Your home, your family, your privacy—they’re worth the effort. So take those extra steps. Enable E2EE. Set up 2FA. Secure your network. Do it today. Because peace of mind shouldn’t come with a side of paranoia.

And remember: Are Arlo cameras safe from hackers? Not automatically. But with the right habits, they absolutely can be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo cameras safe from hackers?

Arlo cameras use strong encryption (AES-128) and regular firmware updates to protect against hacking. While no device is 100% hack-proof, Arlo’s security measures make them a safe choice for most users.

How does Arlo prevent unauthorized access to my camera feed?

Arlo employs end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and secure cloud storage to safeguard your video feed. These layers of protection help block hackers from accessing your data.

Can hackers disable my Arlo camera?

Hackers could potentially disrupt connectivity, but Arlo’s secure login protocols and network safeguards make it unlikely. Always use 2FA and strong Wi-Fi passwords for added protection.

What should I do if I’m worried about Arlo camera security?

Enable two-factor authentication, keep your firmware updated, and use a strong, unique password for your Arlo account. These steps significantly reduce the risk of hacking.

Have Arlo cameras been hacked in the past?

Like all smart devices, Arlo has faced minor security incidents, but the company quickly patched vulnerabilities through updates. Their proactive approach minimizes long-term risks for users.

Do Arlo cameras have built-in security features to stop hackers?

Yes, Arlo cameras include AES encryption, automatic security updates, and optional 2FA to deter hackers. These built-in features make them safer than many competitors.