Can Someone Hack Arlo Cameras Find Out How to Stay Safe

Yes, Arlo cameras can be hacked if security measures are neglected, but you can drastically reduce the risk with strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular firmware updates. Hackers often exploit weak login credentials or unpatched software, so staying proactive with security settings and avoiding public Wi-Fi for camera access is essential to keep your home safe.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras can be hacked if default passwords remain unchanged—always update credentials.
• Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
• Regular firmware updates patch vulnerabilities—check for updates monthly.
• Use strong, unique passwords to prevent brute-force attacks on your account.
• Secure your Wi-Fi network with WPA3 encryption to block unauthorized access.
• Disable remote access when not needed to reduce exposure to threats.

Can Someone Hack Arlo Cameras? Find Out How to Stay Safe

Imagine this: you’re relaxing on a weekend getaway, sipping coffee while checking your Arlo security cameras on your phone. Everything looks peaceful—your front porch is clear, the backyard gate is closed, and the kids are safe inside. But what if, just a few miles away, someone else is watching your home through the same camera? It sounds like a scene from a thriller, but it’s a real concern for smart home owners. As our homes get smarter, so do the risks. Arlo cameras, while popular and reliable, aren’t immune to cyber threats. The question isn’t just *if* they can be hacked, but *how*—and more importantly, *how to prevent it*.

You’re not alone if this idea gives you a chill. In recent years, stories have popped up about smart cameras being accessed by unauthorized users. Some involved baby monitors, others backyard security systems. The truth is, any internet-connected device can be a target. Arlo cameras, with their sleek design and cloud-based features, offer convenience—but that convenience comes with digital vulnerabilities. The good news? Most hacks aren’t due to Arlo’s flaws alone. They’re often the result of user habits, weak passwords, or outdated software. In this post, we’ll explore whether Arlo cameras can be hacked, how it happens, and—most importantly—what you can do to stay one step ahead of cyber threats. Think of this as your friendly neighborhood guide to keeping your smart home safe, one encrypted password at a time.

How Arlo Cameras Work and Their Security Foundation

Understanding the Arlo Ecosystem

Before we dive into hacking risks, let’s get a clear picture of how Arlo cameras operate. Arlo, owned by Netgear, offers a range of wireless, Wi-Fi-enabled cameras—like the Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential series. These cameras connect to your home Wi-Fi network and transmit footage to the cloud or a local base station (depending on the model). You access live feeds and recordings through the Arlo app, available on smartphones, tablets, and even smart displays like Alexa or Google Nest.

The system is designed for ease of use. You plug in the base station (if required), connect the camera to your Wi-Fi, and log in with your Arlo account. From there, you can set up motion alerts, schedule recordings, and even integrate with smart home platforms like Apple HomeKit or IFTTT. The app is intuitive, and the cameras are known for good video quality and battery life.

Built-in Security Features

Arlo doesn’t skimp on security. They use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for video streams, meaning your footage is encrypted from the camera to the app. This is a big deal—without E2EE, someone could intercept your video feed as it travels across the internet. Arlo also uses TLS (Transport Layer Security) to secure data in transit and requires two-factor authentication (2FA) to access your account.

Additionally, Arlo offers local storage options (via the base station’s microSD card or USB drive), which means not all your video is stored online. That reduces the risk of cloud-based breaches. The company also regularly pushes firmware updates to patch known vulnerabilities. For example, in 2020, Arlo fixed a critical flaw that allowed attackers to bypass authentication on older models—proof they take security seriously.

But here’s the catch: even the best security can be undermined by human error. A strong foundation helps, but it’s not a magic shield. Think of it like a locked house—no matter how good the lock, if you leave the key under the mat, you’re still at risk.

Can Arlo Cameras Be Hacked? Real-World Cases and Risks

Documented Hacking Incidents

Yes, Arlo cameras *can* be hacked—though not as frequently as some other smart devices. In 2019, security researcher Ken Munro from Pen Test Partners discovered a vulnerability in Arlo’s API (Application Programming Interface). He found that by exploiting a flaw in how Arlo handled user authentication tokens, an attacker could potentially access live camera feeds and recordings—even without knowing the user’s password. The issue affected older models and was patched within weeks, but it highlighted a real risk: if the API is compromised, so is your privacy.

Another incident involved a family in Texas who reported a hacker speaking through their Arlo camera’s speaker, taunting their children. The family had used a weak password and hadn’t enabled 2FA. The hacker accessed the account, turned on the camera, and used the two-way audio feature. This wasn’t a flaw in Arlo’s design—it was a case of poor user security habits.

Common Attack Vectors

So, how do hackers actually get in? It’s rarely about breaking into Arlo’s servers. Instead, they target the weakest link: *you*. Here are the most common ways:

• Weak or reused passwords: Using “123456” or “password” is like leaving your front door unlocked. Hackers use automated tools to try thousands of common passwords.
• Phishing scams: You get an email that looks like it’s from Arlo, asking you to “verify your account.” You click the link, enter your login details, and the hacker now has access.
• Unsecured Wi-Fi networks: Public Wi-Fi or a weak home network can let hackers intercept your data. If you’re logging into the Arlo app on public Wi-Fi, your credentials could be exposed.
• Outdated firmware: Older software versions may have known bugs. If you don’t update, you’re leaving the door open for attackers.
• Third-party integrations: Connecting Arlo to IFTTT or other platforms can create new entry points if those services are compromised.

One real-life example: a Reddit user shared that their Arlo camera was accessed by someone in a foreign country. The hacker turned on the camera at night, played loud music, and even triggered false motion alerts. The root cause? The user had used the same password for their Arlo account and their Netflix subscription—and Netflix had suffered a data breach years earlier. The hacker simply reused the leaked password.

How to Tell If Your Arlo Camera Has Been Compromised

Red Flags to Watch For

You might not realize your camera has been hacked until it’s too late. But there are signs. Stay alert for these red flags:

• Unusual app activity: Log into your Arlo app and check the “Activity Log.” Look for login attempts from unfamiliar locations or devices. If you see entries like “Logged in from Russia” while you’re in Ohio, that’s a problem.
• Camera behavior changes: If your camera suddenly pans, zooms, or turns on/off without your input, it’s a major warning sign. The same goes for the two-way audio activating on its own.
• Strange recordings: Review your cloud or local recordings. If you find footage from times when you know the camera was off, or if the video is corrupted, it could mean someone else is accessing it.
• Unfamiliar devices in the app: Go to “My Devices” and check if any unknown devices (like “Android_123”) are linked to your account.
• Increased data usage: Hacked cameras may stream video to remote servers, causing a spike in your internet data usage. Check your router’s admin panel for unusual traffic.

A friend of mine, Sarah, noticed her Arlo camera kept sending motion alerts at 3 a.m. When she checked the footage, there was nothing there. After digging, she found a login from a device labeled “iPhone 14 Pro”—which she didn’t own. She immediately changed her password and enabled 2FA. Crisis averted.

Immediate Steps to Take If You’re Hacked

If you suspect a breach, act fast:

1. Log out all devices: In the Arlo app, go to “Account Settings” > “Security” > “Log Out of All Devices.” This kicks out any unauthorized users.
2. Change your password: Use a strong, unique password (we’ll cover how below).
3. Enable 2FA: Add an extra layer of security.
4. Review and revoke third-party access: Check which apps or services have access to your Arlo account and remove any you don’t recognize.
5. Update firmware: Make sure all cameras and the base station are on the latest software.
6. Contact Arlo support: Report the incident. They may help investigate and secure your account.

Don’t panic—but do act quickly. The faster you respond, the less damage a hacker can do.

Proven Tips to Keep Your Arlo Cameras Safe

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

This is the single most important step. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid personal info like birthdays or pet names. Instead, use a passphrase like “PurpleTiger$JumpsHigh2024!”—it’s long, random, and easy to remember.

Even better: use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password. These tools generate and store complex passwords, so you don’t have to remember them all. Never reuse passwords across accounts. If one service gets breached, your others stay safe.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA is like a double lock on your front door. Even if someone steals your password, they’d need your phone (or a code from an authenticator app) to log in. In the Arlo app, go to “Account” > “Security” > “Two-Factor Authentication” and follow the steps. Use an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy) instead of SMS—SMS can be hijacked through SIM-swapping scams.

Keep Firmware Updated

Arlo releases firmware updates to fix bugs and improve security. Check for updates regularly:

• Open the Arlo app.
• Go to “Settings” > “My Devices” > select your camera.
• Tap “Device Info” > “Firmware Version.”
• If an update is available, install it immediately.

You can also enable automatic updates in the app settings to stay protected without thinking about it.

Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Your camera is only as safe as your network. Here’s how to lock it down:

• Use WPA3 encryption on your router (or WPA2 if WPA3 isn’t available).
• Change the default router password and SSID (network name).
• Set up a guest network for visitors—this keeps your main network (and cameras) isolated.
• Use a firewall to block suspicious traffic.
• Consider a VPN (Virtual Private Network) if you access your Arlo app remotely.

Limit Third-Party Integrations

Connecting Arlo to IFTTT or Alexa is convenient, but it adds risk. Only enable integrations you actually use. Regularly review which apps have access to your Arlo account and revoke any you don’t need. For example, if you once connected Arlo to a weather app for fun but never used it, disconnect it.

Use Local Storage When Possible

Storing recordings on a microSD card (in the base station) or a USB drive reduces reliance on the cloud. If the cloud is breached, your footage stays safe. Just remember to back up the local storage occasionally—hard drives can fail.

Comparing Arlo to Other Smart Cameras: Security Showdown

How does Arlo stack up against competitors like Ring, Nest, and Eufy? Let’s break it down.

Camera Brand	End-to-End Encryption	Two-Factor Authentication	Local Storage Option	Notable Security Incidents
Arlo	Yes (E2EE available)	Yes	Yes (base station)	2019 API vulnerability (patched)
Ring	Yes (optional)	Yes	No (cloud only)	Multiple breaches (2019-2021), including “Ring doorbell hacking” incidents
Google Nest	Yes (E2EE for paid subscribers)	Yes	Yes (Nest Hub Max)	2020 vulnerability allowing camera access (patched)
Eufy (by Anker)	Yes (local-only, no cloud)	Yes	Yes (microSD)	2022 controversy over false “no cloud” claims (resolved)

Arlo holds its own, especially with E2EE and local storage. However, Ring’s history of breaches is concerning, and Eufy’s “local-only” approach is appealing for privacy purists. Nest offers strong security but requires a subscription for full E2EE. The takeaway? No camera is 100% hack-proof, but Arlo’s features give you more control over your data.

Final Thoughts: Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe

Can someone hack Arlo cameras? Technically, yes—but it’s not as easy as Hollywood makes it seem. Most successful hacks happen because of weak passwords, outdated software, or poor network security. Arlo’s built-in protections (like E2EE and 2FA) are strong, but they only work if you use them.

Think of your smart home like a castle. The walls (Arlo’s security) are solid, but the gates (your passwords) and guards (your habits) matter just as much. A determined hacker might find a way in—but if you follow the tips in this guide, you’ll make it so hard that they’ll likely move on to an easier target.

Here’s a quick recap of what to do:

• Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager.
• Enable 2FA with an authenticator app.
• Update firmware regularly.
• Secure your Wi-Fi network and use local storage.
• Review app activity and remove unused integrations.
• Stay alert for red flags like strange logins or camera behavior.

Smart home security isn’t a one-time setup—it’s an ongoing effort. But with a little attention and the right habits, your Arlo cameras can be a powerful tool for peace of mind, not a privacy nightmare. Stay safe, stay smart, and keep an eye on what matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone hack Arlo cameras?

Yes, like any internet-connected device, Arlo cameras can be vulnerable to hacking if not properly secured. However, Arlo uses strong encryption and regular firmware updates to minimize risks when best practices are followed.

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

Signs of a hacked Arlo camera include unusual activity like panning/zooming on its own, strange noises, or unexpected recordings. Check your account for unrecognized devices or login attempts in the activity log.

Can someone hack Arlo cameras through weak passwords?

Absolutely—weak or reused passwords are a common entry point for hackers. Always use a strong, unique password for your Arlo account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security.

Are Arlo cameras safe from hackers if I use a private Wi-Fi network?

While a private Wi-Fi network improves security, it’s not foolproof. Combine it with WPA3 encryption, a strong router password, and updated Arlo firmware to reduce hacking risks significantly.

Can hackers access my Arlo cameras through the cloud?

Arlo’s cloud storage uses end-to-end encryption, making it difficult for hackers to intercept footage. However, always monitor your account for suspicious activity and avoid sharing login credentials to stay safe.

What should I do if I suspect my Arlo cameras are hacked?

Immediately change your Arlo account password, enable 2FA, and update all camera firmware. Contact Arlo support to investigate unauthorized access and secure your system further.