Can Arlo Pro Cameras Be Hacked Find Out the Truth Now

Yes, Arlo Pro cameras can be hacked if security best practices are ignored—but the risk is minimal when properly configured. With strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular firmware updates, these cameras offer robust protection against most cyber threats, making them a reliable choice for home security.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo Pro cameras can be hacked if default passwords remain unchanged.
• Always update firmware to patch known security vulnerabilities quickly.
• Use two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of account protection.
• Secure your Wi-Fi network to prevent unauthorized camera access remotely.
• Disable remote access when not needed to reduce exposure risks significantly.
• Monitor login activity regularly to detect suspicious account behavior early.

Can Arlo Pro Cameras Be Hacked? Find Out the Truth Now

Imagine this: You’ve installed Arlo Pro cameras around your home, feeling secure knowing every corner is monitored. But one day, you get a strange notification. A camera you didn’t activate just started recording. Or worse—someone’s accessing your feed. Your heart skips. Is it possible? Can Arlo Pro cameras be hacked?

Smart security cameras like the Arlo Pro series promise peace of mind. But as more homes go digital, concerns about cybersecurity grow. You’re not alone if you’ve wondered, “Are my cameras really safe?” After all, these devices connect to the internet, store video in the cloud, and sync with your phone. Any weak link can become an entry point for hackers. In this post, we’ll dive deep into whether Arlo Pro cameras can be hacked, what real risks exist, and how to protect yourself. Think of this as a friendly, no-nonsense chat between neighbors who care about home security.

How Arlo Pro Cameras Work and Their Security Foundations

Before we talk about hacking, let’s understand how Arlo Pro cameras function. These wireless, Wi-Fi-enabled devices use cloud storage and mobile apps to deliver real-time video, motion alerts, and two-way audio. They’re popular for good reasons: easy setup, high-resolution video, and integration with smart home platforms like Alexa and Google Assistant.

Core Components and Data Flow

Arlo Pro cameras (like the Arlo Pro 3, Pro 4, and Ultra) connect to your home Wi-Fi network. They stream video to the Arlo cloud, where it’s encrypted and stored. You access footage via the Arlo app on your phone or tablet. The system relies on:

• End-to-end encryption (E2EE): Available for certain plans, this encrypts video from the camera to the cloud and your device.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Adds an extra login step using SMS, email, or authenticator apps.
• Secure boot and firmware updates: Ensures the camera only runs trusted software.
• Wi-Fi encryption (WPA2/WPA3): Protects the local network connection.

This sounds solid—but no system is 100% foolproof. Let’s look at the real-world risks.

Arlo’s Official Security Measures

Arlo has invested in cybersecurity. Their cameras use AES-128 or AES-256 encryption for data in transit and at rest. They conduct regular security audits and have a bug bounty program where ethical hackers report vulnerabilities for rewards. In 2022, Arlo patched a critical flaw in the Arlo SmartHub that could allow unauthorized access. They responded within days, showing a commitment to fixing issues fast.

But here’s the catch: even with strong tech, human error and third-party risks can create gaps. For example, a 2021 report by Bitdefender found that 30% of smart camera breaches stemmed from weak passwords or reused login credentials—not flaws in the camera itself.

Real Hacking Incidents Involving Arlo Pro Cameras

You might think, “Hacking sounds like a movie plot.” But real cases prove otherwise. Let’s look at documented incidents where Arlo cameras were compromised.

Case 1: The 2018 Arlo Account Breach (Indirect Hack)

In 2018, a hacker gained access to an Arlo user’s account by exploiting reused passwords from a previous data leak (like the LinkedIn or Yahoo breaches). The attacker didn’t hack the camera directly. Instead, they logged into the Arlo app using the victim’s compromised email and password. Once inside, they:

• Changed the camera settings
• Disabled motion detection
• Viewed live feeds from inside the home

The victim only noticed when their camera stopped sending alerts. This wasn’t a flaw in Arlo’s encryption—it was a failure in user password hygiene. Arlo responded by encouraging 2FA and launching a password strength checker.

Case 2: The 2020 Firmware Exploit (Zero-Day Vulnerability)

A cybersecurity researcher discovered a zero-day vulnerability in Arlo Pro 2 cameras. The flaw allowed attackers on the same Wi-Fi network to intercept unencrypted firmware update requests. By spoofing the update server, they could install malicious code—essentially taking control of the camera.

Arlo released a patch within two weeks. But here’s the scary part: users who didn’t update their firmware remained at risk. This highlights a key lesson: outdated software is a hacker’s best friend.

Case 3: The “Siri Hack” (Smart Home Integration Risk)

In 2021, a family in Texas found their Arlo camera feed appearing on their Apple TV via Siri. The issue? Their Arlo account was linked to Apple’s HomeKit, but they used the same password across multiple services. When a third-party app (unrelated to Arlo) suffered a breach, the hacker used the credentials to access their Arlo account through HomeKit. The camera wasn’t hacked—the ecosystem was.

These cases show that while Arlo’s core tech is secure, the weakest link is often the user. Hackers exploit weak passwords, unpatched firmware, and interconnected smart home devices.

Common Ways Arlo Pro Cameras Can Be Compromised

Now, let’s break down the actual methods hackers use. Knowing these helps you defend against them.

1. Weak or Reused Passwords

This is the #1 cause of smart camera hacks. If you use “123456” or reuse your Netflix password for Arlo, you’re at risk. Hackers use automated tools to test billions of password combinations (called credential stuffing). A 2023 study found that 65% of smart camera breaches involved reused passwords.

Tip: Use a unique, strong password for your Arlo account. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can help. Never reuse passwords across sites.

2. Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks

Your Arlo camera connects to Wi-Fi. If your network uses weak encryption (like WEP) or has no password, hackers can:

• Join your network and spy on camera traffic
• Launch man-in-the-middle attacks to intercept video

Example: A neighbor with a Wi-Fi sniffer tool could see your camera’s IP address and target it directly.

Tip: Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption for your Wi-Fi. Change the default router admin password. Consider setting up a separate guest network for smart devices.

3. Outdated Firmware

Firmware updates patch security flaws. But many users ignore update notifications. In 2022, a hacker exploited an unpatched Arlo Pro 3 camera to stream live video to a public website. The flaw had been fixed in an update—but the user never installed it.

Tip: Enable automatic firmware updates in the Arlo app. Check for updates monthly.

4. Phishing Attacks

Hackers send fake emails or texts pretending to be Arlo. The message might say, “Your camera is offline. Click here to fix it.” The link leads to a fake login page. If you enter your credentials, the hacker steals them.

Example: A phishing email with “Arlo Support” in the sender address and a link to “arlo-login.com” (not the real Arlo site).

Tip: Never click links in unsolicited messages. Always log in to Arlo directly via the official app or website.

5. Cloud Account Takeovers

If your Arlo cloud account is compromised, hackers can access all your cameras, recordings, and settings. This often happens via:

• Weak 2FA (e.g., SMS codes that can be intercepted)
• Stolen session cookies (from public Wi-Fi)

Tip: Use authenticator apps (like Google Authenticator or Authy) for 2FA—not SMS. Avoid logging into Arlo on public devices.

How to Protect Your Arlo Pro Cameras from Hacking

Now for the good news: you can drastically reduce your risk. Here’s a step-by-step guide to locking down your system.

Step 1: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA is your first line of defense. Even if a hacker gets your password, they can’t log in without the second factor.

How to set it up:

• Open the Arlo app
• Go to Settings > Profile > Two-Factor Authentication
• Choose “Authenticator App” (recommended) or “SMS”
• Follow the prompts to link your app (e.g., Google Authenticator)

Pro tip: Store backup codes in a secure place (like a password manager). If you lose your phone, you’ll need them to recover access.

Step 2: Use a Strong, Unique Password

Your Arlo password should be:

• At least 12 characters long
• A mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
• Not used anywhere else

Example: Arlo$ecure!2024#Cam (but don’t use this exact one!)

Use a password manager to generate and store it. Never write it on a sticky note.

Step 3: Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Your home network is the gateway to your cameras. Follow these steps:

• Change the default router password
• Use WPA2/WPA3 encryption
• Hide your network name (SSID)
• Set up a separate network for smart devices (e.g., “Home-IoT”)

Why a separate network? If a hacker gets into your smart devices, they can’t access your main devices (like your laptop or phone).

Step 4: Keep Firmware Updated

Arlo releases updates to fix bugs and security flaws. To check:

• Open the Arlo app
• Go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera]
• Tap “Firmware Version”
• If an update is available, install it immediately

Enable automatic updates in the app settings.

Step 5: Limit Camera Permissions

Only share access with people you trust. In the Arlo app:

• Go to Settings > Users & Roles
• Remove old or unused user accounts
• Set permissions to “Viewer” instead of “Admin” for family members

Step 6: Use End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)

E2EE encrypts video from the camera to your device—not just to the cloud. This means even Arlo can’t access your footage.

Note: E2EE is only available with Arlo Secure plans (subscription required). Without it, video is encrypted but stored in the cloud.

To enable E2EE:

• Subscribe to Arlo Secure
• Go to Settings > E2EE
• Follow the setup steps

Comparing Arlo Pro Security to Other Brands (Data Table)

How does Arlo stack up against competitors? Here’s a quick comparison of key security features:

Feature	Arlo Pro	Ring Spotlight Cam	Google Nest Cam	Eufy Security
End-to-End Encryption	Yes (with Arlo Secure plan)	No	Yes (with Nest Aware)	Yes (local storage only)
Two-Factor Authentication	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Local Storage Option	Yes (microSD card)	No	No	Yes (no cloud required)
Firmware Auto-Updates	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Bug Bounty Program	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Known Major Breaches (2018-2023)	2 (indirect)	3 (direct)	1 (indirect)	0

Takeaway: Arlo is on par with top brands, but Eufy stands out for local storage and no cloud dependency. Ring has more reported breaches, while Nest offers strong E2EE. No brand is perfect—but Arlo’s proactive approach to security is a plus.

The Bottom Line: Are Arlo Pro Cameras Safe?

So, can Arlo Pro cameras be hacked? The short answer: Yes, but it’s rare—and almost always due to user error, not Arlo’s technology. The cameras themselves are well-built, with strong encryption, regular updates, and a responsive security team.

But here’s the truth no one wants to admit: You are the biggest risk. Using weak passwords, ignoring updates, or connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi is like leaving your front door unlocked. Hackers don’t need to “hack” the camera—they just need to walk in.

Think of it this way: Arlo gives you a high-tech lock. But if you use a key made of paper, it won’t matter how strong the lock is. The solution? Be the vigilant homeowner. Enable 2FA. Update firmware. Secure your network. Use E2EE. And for goodness’ sake—use a unique password!

At the end of the day, Arlo Pro cameras are a solid choice for home security. They’re not “hack-proof,” but with the right habits, they’re as close as you can get. Your safety isn’t just about the tech—it’s about the choices you make every day.

So take 10 minutes today to review your Arlo settings. Enable 2FA. Check for updates. And sleep easier knowing you’ve done everything you can to keep your home safe—inside and out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo Pro cameras be hacked by cybercriminals?

While no security system is 100% unhackable, Arlo Pro cameras use strong encryption (like AES-128) and secure cloud storage to minimize hacking risks. Arlo continuously releases firmware updates to patch vulnerabilities, making successful breaches extremely rare.

What are the most common ways Arlo Pro cameras get hacked?

Hacking typically occurs due to weak user passwords, unsecured Wi-Fi networks, or outdated firmware—not flaws in Arlo’s hardware/software. Always use two-factor authentication and update your cameras regularly to reduce exposure.

How do I know if my Arlo Pro camera has been hacked?

Signs include unusual activity (e.g., camera panning on its own), unexpected notifications, or strangers accessing your Arlo account. If you notice these, change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication.

Are Arlo Pro cameras safer than other security cameras?

Arlo Pro cameras rank among the most secure due to end-to-end encryption, local storage options, and strict data privacy policies. However, safety also depends on user practices like strong passwords and network security.

Can someone hack my Arlo Pro camera’s live feed?

Live feeds are encrypted and protected by Arlo’s secure servers, making remote hacking nearly impossible. However, a compromised account (e.g., stolen credentials) could grant access—always use unique, complex passwords.

Does Arlo offer protection if my camera is hacked?

Arlo provides customer support for hacked accounts, including account recovery and troubleshooting. Their terms of service also outline steps to report incidents, though they don’t cover damages from breaches caused by user negligence.