Can Someone Hack Into Arlo Camera Here Is What You Need to Know

Yes, someone can hack into an Arlo camera if weak passwords, outdated firmware, or unsecured Wi-Fi networks are left unaddressed—putting your privacy at serious risk. However, Arlo uses strong encryption and offers two-factor authentication, which greatly reduces vulnerabilities when properly enabled. Following best security practices is essential to keep your Arlo system safe from unauthorized access.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras can be hacked if default settings are unchanged or weak passwords are used.
• Always enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
• Update firmware regularly to patch known vulnerabilities and protect against exploits.
• Use strong, unique passwords for your Arlo account and Wi-Fi network.
• Disable remote access when not needed to reduce exposure to cyber threats.
• Monitor login activity frequently to detect unauthorized access attempts early.

Can Someone Hack Into Arlo Camera? Here Is What You Need to Know

Imagine this: You’re relaxing on a tropical beach, sipping a cool drink, and checking in on your home via your Arlo camera. Everything looks peaceful—until you notice something odd. The camera angle has changed. Or worse, a stranger’s voice comes through the speaker. Your heart drops. Could someone really hack into your Arlo camera? The short answer: Yes, it’s possible, but not as easy as Hollywood makes it seem. And more importantly, there are steps you can take to make it nearly impossible.

Arlo cameras are among the most popular home security devices for good reason—they’re user-friendly, offer high-quality video, and integrate seamlessly with smart home systems. But like any internet-connected device, they come with cybersecurity risks. In this post, we’ll dive into the real-world risks of someone hacking into your Arlo camera, how it could happen, and—most importantly—how you can protect yourself. Think of this as a friendly chat with your tech-savvy neighbor who’s been through a few close calls and learned the hard way. Let’s get started.

How Arlo Cameras Work and Why They’re a Target

The Technology Behind Arlo Cameras

Arlo cameras are wireless, Wi-Fi-enabled security devices that stream video to the cloud. They connect to your home network, send footage to Arlo’s servers, and allow you to view live or recorded video through the Arlo app. This convenience is what makes them so popular—but it also creates multiple entry points for potential hackers.

Unlike traditional security systems that use wired connections and local storage, Arlo relies on your internet connection and cloud storage. This means your camera’s data travels through your router, across the internet, and into Arlo’s data centers. Each step in this chain is a potential vulnerability.

Why Would Anyone Hack an Arlo Camera?

Hackers aren’t just after your camera for fun. There are real motives behind these attacks:

• Spying or voyeurism: Some hackers target cameras in homes to invade privacy, especially if they suspect someone is home or to record sensitive moments.
• Access to your network: A hacked Arlo camera can be a gateway to your entire home network. Once inside, attackers might access smart locks, thermostats, or even your computer.
• Ransom or extortion: In rare cases, hackers threaten to release footage unless a ransom is paid.
• Botnet recruitment: Compromised cameras can be used as part of a botnet to launch larger cyberattacks, like DDoS attacks on websites.

A real-life example: In 2019, a family in Texas discovered that their Arlo camera had been hacked. The intruder spoke to their 8-year-old daughter through the camera’s speaker, saying, “I love you, baby.” The hacker had exploited a weak Wi-Fi password and outdated firmware. This wasn’t a sophisticated cybercriminal—it was someone who found an easy target.

Common Ways Arlo Cameras Can Be Hacked

Weak or Default Passwords

This is the number one reason Arlo cameras get hacked. Many users set up their cameras with simple passwords like “123456” or “password,” or they use the same password across multiple accounts. If one of those accounts gets breached, hackers can try the same credentials on your Arlo app.

For example, a 2022 study by cybersecurity firm Avast found that over 30% of smart home devices were compromised due to reused passwords. Arlo cameras are no exception. Hackers use automated tools (called “credential stuffing bots”) to try thousands of login attempts using leaked email/password combos from other breaches.

Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks

Your Arlo camera connects to your home Wi-Fi. If your network isn’t properly secured, hackers on the same network (like a neighbor or someone nearby) can intercept data or exploit vulnerabilities in your router.

Imagine this: You’re at a coffee shop and connect to the public Wi-Fi. A hacker nearby uses a tool like Wireshark to “sniff” network traffic. If your Arlo app is open, they might capture login details or session tokens. While Arlo uses encryption, a weak router or outdated firmware can still expose vulnerabilities.

Outdated Firmware and Software

Arlo regularly releases firmware updates to fix security flaws. But if you never update your camera, you’re running on outdated code that may have known exploits.

For instance, in 2020, a vulnerability (CVE-2020-12837) was found in some Arlo models that allowed attackers to gain unauthorized access if the camera was connected to a compromised Wi-Fi network. Arlo released a patch, but users who didn’t update were still at risk.

Phishing Attacks and Fake Apps

Hackers sometimes send fake emails or texts that look like they’re from Arlo, asking you to “verify your account” or “update your payment info.” These phishing attempts lead to fake login pages that steal your credentials.

Another trick: Fake Arlo apps on third-party app stores. These apps look identical to the real one but are designed to steal your login info. Always download the Arlo app from the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Cloud Account Compromise

Even if your camera and network are secure, your Arlo cloud account can be hacked if you use a weak password or don’t enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Once inside, the attacker can view all your cameras, delete recordings, or even disable the system.

Real-World Examples of Arlo Camera Hacks

Case Study 1: The Texas Family (2019)

As mentioned earlier, a family in Texas found their Arlo camera had been hijacked. The hacker spoke to their child through the camera’s speaker. Investigation revealed the family had used a weak Wi-Fi password and hadn’t updated their camera in over a year. The hacker used a common exploit in older firmware versions to gain access.

Lesson: Regular updates and strong passwords are non-negotiable.

Case Study 2: The Ransom Attack (2021)

A couple in California received a message on their Arlo app: “I have footage of you. Pay $500 in Bitcoin or I’ll post it online.” The hacker had accessed their account through a reused password (the same one used for a breached social media account). The couple didn’t pay—instead, they reported it to Arlo and the FBI. The hacker was eventually traced through IP logs.

Lesson: Never reuse passwords. Use a password manager to generate unique ones for every account.

Case Study 3: The Botnet Incident (2022)

Cybersecurity researchers discovered a botnet called “Mirai” using compromised Arlo cameras to launch DDoS attacks on websites. The cameras were part of a network of thousands of hacked devices. The root cause? Default admin passwords left unchanged on routers that the Arlo cameras connected to.

Lesson: Secure your router. Change default passwords and disable remote administration.

How to Protect Your Arlo Camera from Hackers

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Your Arlo account password should be:

• At least 12 characters long
• A mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
• Unique to Arlo (never reused)

Tip: Use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass. These tools generate and store complex passwords for you. For example, instead of “arlo123,” use something like “Xk9#mP2$qL8@wR.”

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds an extra layer of security. When you log in, you’ll need your password and a code from your phone (via SMS or an authenticator app like Google Authenticator).

To enable 2FA in the Arlo app:

1. Go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification
2. Choose your verification method (app or SMS)
3. Follow the prompts to set it up

Note: Authenticator apps are more secure than SMS, which can be intercepted via SIM swapping.

Update Firmware Regularly

Arlo pushes firmware updates automatically in most cases, but you should check manually too:

1. Open the Arlo app
2. Go to Settings > My Devices > [Your Camera]
3. Tap “Firmware Update” and install if available

Pro tip: Set a monthly reminder to check for updates. Think of it like changing the batteries in your smoke detector.

Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Your router is the gateway to your home network. Here’s how to lock it down:

• Change the default router password (often “admin/admin” or “1234”)
• Use WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 if WPA3 isn’t available)
• Disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)—it’s a known vulnerability
• Create a guest network for visitors to avoid giving them access to your main network

Example: A friend once let their neighbor use their Wi-Fi. The neighbor used a tool called “Aircrack-ng” to crack the password and accessed the Arlo camera. A guest network would have prevented this.

Monitor for Suspicious Activity

The Arlo app has a “Login History” feature that shows recent logins to your account. Check it weekly:

1. Go to Settings > Account > Login History
2. Look for unfamiliar devices or locations
3. If you see something odd, change your password immediately

Disable Unnecessary Features

Features like “Remote Access” or “Cloud Recording” are convenient but increase risk. If you don’t need them, turn them off:

• Remote Access: Only enable if you travel frequently
• Cloud Recording: Consider local storage (via microSD card) for sensitive areas

Arlo’s Security Features and What They Do

End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)

Arlo offers end-to-end encryption for video recordings. This means only you can view the footage—not even Arlo or law enforcement can access it without your key. E2EE is available on select Arlo models (like the Arlo Pro 4 and Ultra 2).

How it works: Your video is encrypted on the camera, sent to the cloud, and only decrypted on your device. If a hacker intercepts the data, it’s useless without your decryption key.

Caveat: E2EE requires a monthly subscription and limits some features (like AI detection).

Local Storage Option

Some Arlo cameras support microSD card storage. This keeps recordings on your property, reducing the risk of cloud breaches. For example, the Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Essential can record directly to a card.

Pros: No cloud dependency, faster access to footage
Cons: Card can be stolen or corrupted, no remote access to recordings

AI-Powered Alerts

Arlo’s AI can distinguish between people, packages, vehicles, and animals. This reduces false alerts and helps you respond faster to real threats. For example, if a person is detected at your front door at 3 AM, you’ll get an immediate alert.

Two-Way Audio with Privacy Mode

You can speak through the camera, but Arlo includes a “Privacy Mode” to disable audio when you’re home. This prevents accidental recordings or eavesdropping.

Security Feature	How It Helps	Limitations
End-to-End Encryption	Prevents third-party access to video	Requires subscription; limits AI features
Local Storage (microSD)	No cloud dependency; faster access	Card can be stolen; no remote access
Two-Factor Authentication	Blocks unauthorized logins	User must enable it manually
AI Detection	Reduces false alerts; faster response	May miss subtle threats (e.g., masked intruders)

What to Do If Your Arlo Camera Is Hacked

Step 1: Disconnect the Camera

Immediately unplug the camera or disable it in the app. This stops the hacker from accessing your home.

Step 2: Change Your Passwords

Change your Arlo account password and Wi-Fi password. Use a strong, unique password for each.

Step 3: Enable 2FA

If you haven’t already, set up two-factor authentication. This prevents future attacks.

Step 4: Check for Updates

Update your camera’s firmware and router’s firmware. Install any pending security patches.

Step 5: Review Login History

Check the Arlo app for suspicious logins. Remove any unknown devices.

Step 6: Contact Arlo Support

Report the incident to Arlo. They may help you recover your account or identify how the hack occurred.

Tip: Save screenshots of the hack (e.g., messages from the hacker) for evidence.

Step 7: Consider a Network Reset

If you’re unsure how deep the breach went, reset your router and all connected devices. This wipes out any lingering malware.

Step 8: Report to Authorities (If Needed)

If the hack involved threats, harassment, or illegal activity, report it to your local police or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Remember: A hack isn’t the end of the world. With quick action, you can regain control and prevent future attacks. Think of it like a home break-in—you clean up, fix the door, and install better locks.

At the end of the day, Arlo cameras are incredibly secure when used correctly. The real risk isn’t the technology—it’s human error. Weak passwords, skipped updates, and unsecured networks are the weak links. By following the steps in this post, you can make your Arlo camera nearly unhackable.

So, can someone hack into your Arlo camera? Technically, yes. But with strong passwords, 2FA, regular updates, and a few smart habits, the odds are overwhelmingly in your favor. Your home’s security is worth the effort. Stay vigilant, stay updated, and rest easy knowing you’ve done everything to protect what matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone hack into Arlo camera systems?

While no system is 100% hack-proof, Arlo cameras use encryption, secure cloud storage, and regular firmware updates to minimize risks. Following best practices like strong passwords greatly reduces the chance of someone hacking into Arlo camera devices.

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

Signs of a hacked Arlo camera include unusual activity lights, unexpected recordings, or login alerts from unrecognized devices. If you notice these, immediately change your password and enable two-factor authentication for added security.

Are wireless Arlo cameras more vulnerable to hacking?

Wireless Arlo cameras are not inherently less secure, as they use AES encryption and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) protocols. However, always ensure your home network is secure to prevent hacking attempts on any wireless devices, including Arlo cameras.

What should I do to prevent someone from hacking into Arlo camera feeds?

Use a strong, unique password, enable two-factor authentication, and keep your Arlo app and camera firmware updated. Avoid sharing login details and use a secure Wi-Fi network to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

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

If your Arlo camera is offline, hackers cannot access live feeds or cloud-stored footage. However, if the device has local storage, ensure the physical SD card or base station is secured to prevent tampering.

Does Arlo notify users of suspicious login attempts?

Yes, Arlo sends email and app notifications for logins from new devices or locations. If you receive such an alert, change your password immediately and review connected devices in your Arlo account settings.