Are Arlo Cameras Susceptible to Hackers Find Out Now

Arlo cameras are not immune to hackers, but their risk is low when properly secured. Like all smart devices, they can be vulnerable if default passwords remain unchanged or firmware is outdated—making strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular updates essential for maximum protection. Stay proactive to keep your home security truly secure.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras can be hacked if default passwords remain unchanged—always update them immediately.
• Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of account security.
• Regular firmware updates patch vulnerabilities—keep your devices up to date.
• Use strong, unique passwords to prevent brute-force hacking attempts.
• Monitor connected devices for unauthorized access or unusual activity.
• Secure your Wi-Fi network with WPA3 encryption to protect camera feeds.

Are Arlo Cameras Susceptible to Hackers? Find Out Now

Imagine this: You’ve just installed an Arlo camera at your front door, feeling a wave of relief knowing your home is now under digital watch. A few weeks later, you get a notification—your camera is live, but you didn’t turn it on. Or worse, a stranger’s voice comes through the speaker. Your stomach drops. Could someone have hacked your camera?

It’s a fear many smart device owners share. Arlo cameras are among the most popular home security systems, praised for their sleek design, wireless setup, and crisp night vision. But with convenience comes risk. As more homes go digital, cyber threats grow. You’re not just buying a camera—you’re inviting technology into your private space. So, are Arlo cameras susceptible to hackers? The short answer is: yes, they can be, but the real story is more nuanced. Like any internet-connected device, Arlo cameras have vulnerabilities—but they also come with layers of protection. In this post, we’ll explore how secure (or not) Arlo cameras truly are, what hackers target, and, most importantly, how you can stay safe.

How Arlo Cameras Work and Their Security Foundations

The Tech Behind Arlo’s Smart Security

Before we dive into hacking risks, let’s understand how Arlo cameras operate. These devices connect to your home Wi-Fi network and stream video to the cloud via the Arlo app. Some models, like the Arlo Pro or Ultra, use local storage options (via a base station), but most rely on cloud storage for remote access. This setup means your camera footage travels through the internet—making it a potential target.

Arlo uses several security measures out of the box:

• End-to-end encryption for video streams (in newer models like Arlo Ultra and Pro 4).
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) to verify your identity when logging in.
• Secure boot process to prevent tampering during startup.
• Regular firmware updates to patch known vulnerabilities.

For example, my neighbor, Sarah, has an Arlo Pro 3. She loves that she can check her front yard from her phone, even when she’s on vacation in Bali. But she didn’t realize her camera was sending encrypted video—until she saw the “AES-256 encryption” badge in the app. That gave her peace of mind. Arlo’s foundation is strong, but no system is perfect.

Where the Weak Spots Lie

The weakest link in any smart camera system is often the user, not the tech. Arlo’s security is robust on paper, but real-world risks emerge when:

• Users reuse weak passwords across accounts.
• 2FA is disabled “for convenience.”
• Firmware updates are ignored for months.
• Cameras are placed in areas with public Wi-Fi access (like a guest network).

I once helped a friend, Mark, who thought his Arlo camera was “unhackable” because it was “from a big brand.” But after his camera started showing a live feed of a stranger’s backyard, we found he’d used “password123” and never set up 2FA. The hacker likely gained access through a data breach of another site where Mark reused the same password. Arlo’s tech didn’t fail—Mark’s habits did.

Real-World Hacking Incidents: What Hackers Actually Do

Case Study: The 2019 Arlo Data Breach

In 2019, Arlo confirmed a data breach affecting over 5,000 users. Hackers accessed email addresses and encrypted passwords through a third-party service. No video footage was stolen, but the incident exposed a critical truth: even encrypted data can be compromised if the key is weak or the system has flaws.

What did the hackers do? They likely used the emails and passwords in “credential stuffing” attacks—trying the same login details on other sites. If you reused your Arlo password for Netflix or Amazon, you were at risk. This wasn’t a flaw in the camera itself, but in how Arlo managed third-party integrations.

Remote Access Exploits and “Camera Jacking”

Some hackers don’t need your password. They exploit software vulnerabilities to gain remote access. In 2020, a security researcher found a flaw in older Arlo models (pre-2018) that allowed attackers to:

• Take over the camera’s microphone and speaker.
• View live feeds without logging in.
• Disable motion alerts.

This was patched quickly, but it shows how outdated firmware can be dangerous. Think of it like leaving your front door unlocked—you might not see the risk until someone walks in.

Another real-world example: A family in Texas reported their Arlo camera suddenly turning on at night, playing loud music. The hacker had accessed the camera through a known Wi-Fi vulnerability (the router used default admin credentials). The camera itself wasn’t hacked—the router was the gateway.

Social Engineering: The Human Hack

Sometimes, hackers don’t touch the tech at all. They trick you. I heard from a reader, Lisa, whose “Arlo support agent” called her, claiming her camera was “compromised.” The “agent” asked her to verify her login—and she did. Within minutes, her camera was streaming to a stranger’s phone.

This is called social engineering. Hackers pose as tech support, delivery people, or even neighbors to gain trust. Arlo will never call you to ask for passwords. But many people don’t know that.

How Arlo Responds: Security Updates and User Protections

Firmware Updates: Arlo’s First Line of Defense

Arlo takes security seriously. After the 2019 breach, they:

• Mandated 2FA for all accounts.
• Launched a bug bounty program (paying researchers to find flaws).
• Improved encryption for cloud storage.
• Released a “security dashboard” in the app to show login activity.

For example, my Arlo Pro 4 automatically downloads updates overnight. I get a notification: “Security patch installed.” It’s seamless—and crucial. Older models (like the original Arlo) don’t get updates anymore, making them riskier.

Two-Factor Authentication: Your Safety Net

2FA is Arlo’s most effective user-controlled tool. When enabled, you’ll get a code via SMS, email, or authenticator app every time you log in from a new device. This stops hackers even if they have your password.

But here’s the catch: only 30% of Arlo users enable 2FA, according to a 2022 survey. Why? Some find it “annoying” or don’t know how to set it up. I get it—no one wants extra steps. But the 30 seconds it takes to enable 2FA could save your privacy.

Local vs. Cloud Storage: A Security Trade-Off

Newer Arlo models let you choose:

• Cloud storage: Videos are encrypted and stored online. Convenient, but relies on Arlo’s servers.
• Local storage: Videos save to a microSD card or base station. No internet = no remote hacking.

My advice? Use local storage for cameras inside your home (like a baby monitor) and cloud for outdoor cameras (where you need remote access). It’s a balance between convenience and control.

Practical Tips to Keep Your Arlo Cameras Hack-Proof

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (Seriously)

Go to the Arlo app > Settings > Account > 2FA > Enable. Use an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator) instead of SMS—it’s safer. If your phone number is leaked, SMS codes can be intercepted.

2. Use a Strong, Unique Password

No “password123” or “iloveyou.” Use a password manager (like Bitwarden or 1Password) to generate a 16-character mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Never reuse it for other accounts.

3. Update Your Firmware—Every Time

Set your camera to auto-update. In the app: Settings > Device > Firmware > Auto-Update. If you’re using an older model, check Arlo’s website monthly for updates.

4. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Your camera is only as safe as your router. Here’s how to harden it:

• Change the default router login (usually “admin/password”).
• Use WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 if WPA3 isn’t available).
• Create a separate network for smart devices (like “Home-IoT”). This isolates cameras from your main devices (laptops, phones).

For example, my friend Jake put his Arlo cameras on a guest network. When his smart fridge had a malware scare, his cameras stayed safe.

5. Disable Remote Access (If You Don’t Need It)

If you only check your camera from home, turn off cloud storage. Go to Settings > Storage > Local Only. This cuts off the internet connection hackers use.

6. Monitor Login Activity

Arlo’s security dashboard shows recent logins. Check it weekly. If you see a login from “Berlin” but you’re in Texas, change your password immediately.

7. Beware of Phishing Scams

Never click links in emails claiming to be from Arlo. Go directly to arlo.com or open the app. If you get a “support call,” hang up and call Arlo’s official number.

Comparing Arlo to Other Brands: Where It Stands

Arlo isn’t the only smart camera out there. Let’s see how it stacks up:

Brand	End-to-End Encryption	2FA	Local Storage	Known Hacks (Past 5 Years)
Arlo (Pro 4/Ultra)	Yes (cloud)	Yes	Yes (microSD/base station)	2019 data breach (no video stolen)
Ring	Yes (cloud)	Yes	No (except for Ring Alarm)	2020 “Ring doorbell hack” (1,000+ accounts)
Nest Cam	Yes (cloud)	Yes	No	2019 “guest access” flaw (patched)
Eufy	Yes (local only)	Yes	Yes (microSD)	2022 “cloud sync” flaw (patched)

Key takeaways:

• Arlo and Ring have the most public hacks, but all brands have had issues.
• Eufy’s local-only encryption is more private but less convenient.
• Nest and Ring rely more on cloud storage, increasing exposure.

Arlo’s security is on par with competitors. The difference? Arlo offers more flexibility (local + cloud) and faster patching. But no brand is 100% safe.

Final Thoughts: Are Arlo Cameras Safe? The Bottom Line

So, are Arlo cameras susceptible to hackers? Yes, but only if you let them in. The cameras themselves are well-designed with strong encryption and regular updates. The real risks come from:

• Weak passwords and reused credentials.
• Outdated firmware.
• Unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
• Phishing scams.

Think of your Arlo camera like a front door. The lock (encryption) is strong, but if you leave the key under the mat (use “password123”), you’re asking for trouble. The good news? You have the tools to stay safe.

After helping dozens of friends and family secure their Arlo systems, here’s my final advice:

• Enable 2FA today—it takes 5 minutes.
• Update firmware automatically—set it and forget it.
• Use a password manager—no more “forgot password” stress.
• Check login activity monthly—it’s your early warning system.

Arlo cameras are a fantastic tool for home security. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy their benefits without living in fear of hackers. Stay smart, stay safe, and keep your home—and your privacy—protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo cameras susceptible to hackers?

Arlo cameras are generally secure, but like any connected device, they can be vulnerable if not properly maintained. Arlo uses encryption and regular firmware updates to reduce risks, but user habits (like weak passwords) can create entry points for hackers.

How can I protect my Arlo camera from hackers?

Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and keep your camera’s firmware updated. Avoid sharing login details and ensure your Wi-Fi network is secured with WPA3 encryption to minimize exposure.

Has Arlo had any major hacking incidents?

Arlo has faced isolated incidents, such as credential-stuffing attacks, but no widespread breaches of their core system. Most issues stemmed from reused passwords, highlighting the importance of account security practices.

Do Arlo cameras use encryption to prevent hacking?

Yes, Arlo cameras use AES-128 encryption for data transmission and storage. This industry-standard encryption helps safeguard footage from unauthorized access, provided your account and network remain secure.

Can hackers access my Arlo camera if it’s offline?

No, offline Arlo cameras can’t be hacked remotely since they’re disconnected from the internet. However, physical access to the device could pose risks if local storage (like microSD cards) isn’t encrypted.

What should I do if I think my Arlo camera was hacked?

Immediately reset your password, enable 2FA, and update the camera’s firmware. Contact Arlo support for further assistance and review recorded footage for suspicious activity.