Can Arlo Cameras Be Tampered With Here Is What You Need to Know

Yes, Arlo cameras can be tampered with, but only under specific conditions—such as physical access or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Most remote hacking attempts are preventable with strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and updated firmware, making Arlo a secure choice when properly configured.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras can be tampered with if physically accessible—secure mounting is critical.
• Enable two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized account access remotely.
• Use strong, unique passwords to reduce hacking risks significantly.
• Regular firmware updates patch vulnerabilities and enhance camera security.
• Motion alerts and activity zones help detect tampering attempts quickly.
• Disable local storage if theft risk is high; rely on cloud backups.

Can Arlo Cameras Be Tampered With Here Is What You Need to Know

Imagine this: you’ve just installed your new Arlo camera system, carefully positioning each unit around your home to keep an eye on your family, pets, and property. You feel a sense of relief, knowing that you’ve taken a big step toward peace of mind. But a few weeks later, you get a notification: “Camera offline.” You rush outside, only to find your outdoor camera missing—or worse, pointing in the wrong direction. It’s a scenario that happens more often than you might think, and it raises a critical question: Can Arlo cameras be tampered with?

The short answer is yes, they can. But the good news is that Arlo has built-in several layers of protection to make tampering difficult—and in many cases, preventable. Whether you’re worried about a nosy neighbor, a prankster, or a more serious threat, understanding how and when tampering can happen is the first step in keeping your system secure. In this guide, I’ll walk you through real-world scenarios, technical vulnerabilities, and practical steps you can take to protect your Arlo cameras. Think of this as a friendly chat over coffee—just you, me, and a deep dive into how to keep your home surveillance as safe as possible.

How Arlo Cameras Work and Their Security Foundations

Before we dive into the risks, let’s take a moment to understand how Arlo cameras function and what makes them relatively secure out of the box. Arlo, a brand owned by Netgear, is known for its sleek, wireless, and easy-to-install smart cameras. They connect to your home Wi-Fi via a base station or directly (depending on the model), stream video to the cloud, and allow remote access through the Arlo app.

The Role of Encryption and Authentication

One of the biggest reasons Arlo cameras are less vulnerable to remote hacking than some competitors is their use of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) on certain models—especially the newer ones like the Arlo Pro 4, Pro 5S, and Ultra 2. This means that video data is encrypted on the camera itself and only decrypted on your authorized device. Even if someone intercepts the data mid-transmission, they can’t view it without the encryption key.

Additionally, Arlo uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) for app access. If you enable MFA, anyone trying to log into your Arlo account from a new device will need both your password and a code sent to your phone or email. This is a simple but powerful deterrent against unauthorized access.

Cloud Storage and Local Options

Most Arlo users rely on cloud storage for video retention, which adds a layer of physical security—your footage isn’t sitting on a local hard drive that someone could steal. However, if you’re concerned about cloud privacy, Arlo also supports local storage via microSD cards (on select models) and the Arlo SmartHub. While local storage reduces cloud dependency, it introduces a new risk: someone could physically remove the SD card if they gain access to the camera.

Pro tip: If you’re using local storage, consider placing your SmartHub in a locked cabinet or utility closet. It’s like locking your safe—easy to forget, but crucial for protection.

Firmware Updates and Automatic Patches

Arlo regularly pushes firmware updates to fix bugs and patch security holes. These updates are usually installed automatically, but you can manually check for them in the app under Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera] > Device Info > Firmware Version. Keeping your firmware up to date is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent exploits.

I once had a friend whose Arlo camera was briefly compromised because they hadn’t updated the firmware in over a year. The hacker used a known vulnerability that had already been patched. Lesson learned: set a reminder to check for updates every three months.

Physical Tampering: When Someone Gets Hands-On

Let’s be honest—no amount of digital encryption can stop a determined person from walking up to your camera and messing with it. Physical tampering is one of the most common ways Arlo cameras are compromised. It’s not always malicious; sometimes it’s a prank, a curious kid, or even a well-meaning neighbor adjusting the angle. But the result is the same: your surveillance is disrupted.

Camera Displacement and Angle Adjustment

Ever come home to find your camera pointing at the sky or your neighbor’s fence? That’s displacement. It’s frustrating, but not necessarily dangerous. Still, it can blind your system to critical events. For example, if your front door camera is turned away, it won’t record a delivery or a visitor.

To prevent this:

• Use the Arlo Secure Mount or a third-party tamper-proof mount. These mounts require a special tool (often included) to remove the camera, making it harder for casual tamperers to unscrew it.
• Install cameras at least 8–10 feet off the ground to deter casual reach.
• Use dome-style enclosures that limit the angle of view, making it harder to adjust the camera without removing it.

Theft of Cameras or SD Cards

In some neighborhoods, Arlo cameras—especially the more expensive models—are targets for theft. A stolen camera means lost footage, potential resale on the black market, and a breach of your personal data if it contains stored clips.

To reduce the risk:

• Engrave your camera with your name or a unique ID. It won’t stop theft, but it makes resale harder and increases the chance of recovery.
• Use GPS tracking tags like Apple AirTags (hidden in the housing) or Tile. These won’t prevent theft, but they can help locate the camera if it’s taken.
• Opt for cameras with built-in tamper detection. The Arlo Pro 5S, for example, sends an alert if the camera is moved or powered off unexpectedly.

Covering or Obstructing the Lens

Sometimes, tampering is subtle. A piece of tape, a leaf, or even a spray of paint can obscure the lens. This is common in areas with high foot traffic or prank-prone environments.

My neighbor once had their Arlo camera covered with a plastic bag by a local kid. The camera still recorded audio, but the video was useless. To prevent this:

• Use weather-resistant, vandal-proof housings with anti-glare, scratch-resistant lenses.
• Install motion-activated lights near your cameras. Bright light often deters pranksters.
• Regularly check camera feeds for visual obstructions—especially after windy days or holidays.

Digital and Network-Based Vulnerabilities

While physical tampering is visible and often easy to spot, digital threats are sneaky. These are the kinds of attacks that happen behind the scenes—often without you even knowing your system has been compromised.

Wi-Fi Network Exploitation

Arlo cameras rely on your home Wi-Fi network. If your network is insecure, attackers can intercept camera data or even take control of the devices. This is especially risky if:

• You’re using a weak Wi-Fi password.
• Your router is outdated or unpatched.
• You have guest networks that aren’t isolated.

For example, a hacker could use a tool like Wireshark to monitor Wi-Fi traffic and identify your Arlo camera’s IP address. From there, they might attempt to brute-force the password or exploit known vulnerabilities in older firmware.

To protect your network:

• Use a strong, unique Wi-Fi password (at least 12 characters, with numbers, symbols, and mixed case).
• Enable WPA3 encryption on your router (or WPA2 if WPA3 isn’t available).
• Set up a separate guest network for visitors and IoT devices like cameras.
• Consider using a VPN-enabled router for an extra layer of encryption.

Account Hacking and Phishing

Even with strong encryption, your Arlo account is a potential target. Hackers often use phishing emails, fake login pages, or password-guessing tools to gain access.

I once got an email that looked exactly like an Arlo notification: “Your camera detected motion. Click here to view.” The link went to a fake Arlo login page. If I hadn’t noticed the misspelled domain (ar1o-login.com instead of arlo.com), I could’ve lost my account.

To avoid this:

• Never click links in unsolicited emails. Always log in directly through the Arlo app or official website.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)—this is non-negotiable.
• Use a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords.
• Regularly review login activity in the Arlo app under Settings > Security > Login History.

Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks

A MITM attack occurs when a hacker intercepts communication between your camera and the Arlo cloud. While E2EE helps prevent this, older Arlo models without full E2EE are more vulnerable.

For example, the original Arlo and Arlo Pro models use TLS encryption (secure), but not end-to-end encryption. This means the data is encrypted in transit, but Arlo holds the decryption key. In theory, a compromised Arlo server could expose your footage—though this is extremely rare.

Bottom line: If you’re using an older model, upgrade to a newer one with E2EE. It’s worth the investment for peace of mind.

Arlo’s Built-In Anti-Tampering Features

Arlo isn’t blind to these risks. Over the years, they’ve added several features designed to detect and deter tampering—both physical and digital.

Tamper Detection Alerts

Many newer Arlo cameras (like the Pro 4, Pro 5S, and Ultra 2) include built-in tamper detection. If the camera is moved, powered off, or loses Wi-Fi connection, the system sends a push notification to your phone.

For example, my Arlo Pro 5S once alerted me that it had been “powered off.” I checked the feed and found that someone had unplugged the power adapter (it was a solar model, but still had a backup plug). I rushed outside and found a squirrel had chewed through the cable. The alert saved me from days of blind surveillance.

Motion-Activated Alerts with Custom Zones

Arlo allows you to set custom motion detection zones. You can exclude areas like busy sidewalks or trees, but also use it to monitor for tampering. For example:

• Set a zone around the camera itself. If motion is detected in that zone (like someone reaching for it), you’ll get an alert.
• Use AI-powered person detection to reduce false alarms from animals or shadows.

Two-Way Audio and Sirens

Some Arlo models have built-in sirens and two-way audio. If you get a tampering alert, you can:

• Play a pre-recorded message: “This property is under surveillance.”
• Sound a 100+ dB siren to scare off intruders.
• Speak directly through the camera: “Hey, I can see you!”

My friend used the siren when they saw a shadow near their back camera. The figure ran off—and they later found footprints in the snow. The siren didn’t stop the tampering, but it prevented further intrusion.

Arlo Secure Subscription Benefits

If you subscribe to Arlo Secure (their premium plan), you get additional anti-tampering features:

• Cloud storage for 30 days—so even if the camera is stolen, you still have footage.
• 30-day activity zones to review past motion events.
• Professional monitoring (on certain plans)—Arlo alerts local authorities if a break-in is detected.

Practical Tips to Prevent Tampering (A Homeowner’s Checklist)

Now that we’ve covered the risks and features, let’s talk action. Here’s a simple, step-by-step checklist to keep your Arlo cameras tamper-proof.

Physical Security Tips

• Mount cameras high (8–10 ft) using tamper-proof mounts.
• Use vandal-resistant housings with anti-scratch lenses.
• Hide cables behind walls, soffits, or conduit.
• Engrave cameras and hide GPS trackers.
• Install motion lights near cameras to deter nighttime tampering.

Network and Account Security

• Enable MFA on your Arlo account.
• Update firmware every 3 months.
• Use a strong Wi-Fi password and WPA3 encryption.
• Isolate IoT devices on a separate network.
• Review login history monthly.

Behavioral and Monitoring Habits

• Check camera feeds daily for obstructions or angle changes.
• Set custom motion zones to monitor for tampering.
• Test the siren and two-way audio monthly.
• Subscribe to Arlo Secure for cloud backup and alerts.
• Educate family members about not touching or adjusting cameras.

Data Table: Arlo Camera Models and Tamper Protection Features

Model	Tamper Detection	End-to-End Encryption	Local Storage	Siren/Two-Way Audio
Arlo Pro 4	Yes	Yes	Yes (via SmartHub)	Yes
Arlo Pro 5S	Yes	Yes	Yes (via SmartHub)	Yes
Arlo Ultra 2	Yes	Yes	Yes (via SmartHub)	Yes
Arlo Essential (Indoor/Outdoor)	No	No	Yes (microSD)	Yes
Arlo Go (LTE)	Yes	No	Yes (microSD)	Yes
Original Arlo (2015)	No	No	Yes (base station)	No

Final Thoughts: Balancing Security and Practicality

So, can Arlo cameras be tampered with? Absolutely. But the key word is preventable. With the right mix of physical security, digital hygiene, and smart monitoring habits, you can make your Arlo system extremely difficult to compromise.

Think of it like locking your front door. You wouldn’t leave it wide open, but you also don’t need a fortress. A good deadbolt, a motion light, and an occasional check go a long way. The same applies to Arlo cameras.

Remember, no system is 100% foolproof. But by staying informed, proactive, and using Arlo’s built-in tools, you’re not just protecting your cameras—you’re protecting your peace of mind. After all, the best security isn’t just about stopping threats. It’s about feeling safe in your own home, knowing you’ve done everything you can.

So go ahead—check your mounts, update your firmware, and enable that siren. Your future self will thank you the next time a shadow moves near your camera… and you’re ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras be tampered with by intruders?

Yes, like any security camera, Arlo devices can be physically tampered with if an intruder gains access to them. However, their wireless design and mounting options make them harder to disable than wired systems.

How can someone disable an Arlo camera?

Intruders may block the camera’s view, cover the lens, or remove the battery in wireless models. Some may also attempt to jam Wi-Fi signals, though Arlo’s encrypted connectivity reduces this risk.

Do Arlo cameras have anti-tamper features?

Arlo cameras lack built-in alarms but offer motion-activated alerts and cloud storage to flag tampering attempts. Their durable, weather-resistant housings also deter casual interference.

Can hackers tamper with Arlo cameras remotely?

Arlo uses end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication to prevent hacking. While no system is 100% secure, strong passwords and updated firmware minimize remote tampering risks.

What happens if my Arlo camera is moved or stolen?

Arlo’s app will show a disconnection alert if the camera loses power or signal. Recorded footage remains safe in the cloud, and you can remotely disable the device to protect privacy.

How can I prevent Arlo camera tampering?

Mount cameras out of reach, use security screws, and enable activity zones to ignore false alerts. Pair with Arlo Smart for AI-powered tampering detection and real-time notifications.