Do Arlo Cameras Get Hacked Here Is What You Need to Know

Arlo cameras can be hacked if not properly secured, but the risk is low when you use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep firmware updated. Most breaches stem from user error—not flaws in Arlo’s system, so proactive security measures are essential to protect your privacy and home network.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras can be hacked if default settings remain unchanged—always update credentials immediately.
• Enable two-factor authentication to add a critical layer of account protection.
• Keep firmware updated to patch vulnerabilities and fix security flaws promptly.
• Use strong, unique passwords to prevent brute-force or credential-stuffing attacks.
• Disable remote access when not needed to reduce exposure to online threats.
• Monitor account activity regularly to detect and respond to suspicious logins fast.

Do Arlo Cameras Get Hacked? Here Is What You Need to Know

Imagine this: You’re relaxing after a long day, scrolling through your phone, when you suddenly notice something unsettling. Your Arlo camera feed is frozen. Or worse—someone is remotely accessing your camera, watching your home without your consent. It’s a chilling thought, and for many smart home owners, it’s a real fear. With the rise of smart security devices, the question isn’t just about convenience anymore—it’s about safety, privacy, and trust.

Arlo, one of the most popular names in wireless security cameras, has built a reputation for sleek design, easy setup, and cloud-based monitoring. But like any internet-connected device, it’s not immune to digital threats. So, do Arlo cameras get hacked? The short answer is: yes, they can be—but with important context. The real story lies in understanding how these breaches happen, what Arlo has done to prevent them, and, most importantly, what you can do to protect your home and family. Whether you’re a current Arlo user or considering buying one, this guide will walk you through the risks, the realities, and the practical steps to keep your cameras secure.

Understanding the Risks: How Arlo Cameras Can Be Hacked

Why Smart Cameras Are Attractive Targets

Smart security cameras are a goldmine for hackers. They offer a direct window into private spaces—your living room, backyard, or even your baby’s nursery. Unlike a laptop or phone, a camera is always on, often recording 24/7, and may contain sensitive footage. Hackers might exploit this for:

• Spying on families or pets
• Stealing personal data (like Wi-Fi passwords or cloud login details)
• Using cameras as entry points into your home network
• Selling access on the dark web

Arlo cameras, like other IoT (Internet of Things) devices, are connected to the internet through your home Wi-Fi and linked to cloud services. This connectivity, while convenient, opens doors for cybercriminals if security isn’t properly managed.

Common Attack Vectors

Let’s break down the most common ways Arlo cameras—and similar devices—have been compromised in the past:

• Weak or reused passwords: If you use “123456” or the same password across multiple accounts, a hacker who gains access to one site can often guess their way into your Arlo account.
• Phishing scams: Hackers send fake emails pretending to be Arlo support, tricking users into clicking malicious links and handing over login credentials.
• Unpatched firmware: Older versions of camera software may have known security flaws. If you don’t update regularly, you’re leaving the door open.
• Cloud storage vulnerabilities: If Arlo’s cloud servers are breached (a rare but not impossible event), stored video footage could be exposed.
• Local network attacks: If someone gains access to your Wi-Fi (e.g., through a weak password), they can potentially intercept camera data or take control of the device.

For example, in 2021, a security researcher discovered a flaw in some older Arlo models where a specific API endpoint could be exploited to gain unauthorized access. While Arlo quickly patched the issue, it highlighted how even reputable brands aren’t 100% immune.

Arlo’s Security Measures: What the Company Does to Protect You

Encryption and Data Protection

Arlo takes security seriously. The company uses end-to-end encryption for video streams between your camera and the Arlo app. This means your footage is encrypted the moment it leaves the camera 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 encrypts all stored video in the cloud using AES-256, the same standard used by banks and government agencies. This ensures that even if someone breaches Arlo’s servers, they can’t easily access your videos.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

One of the most effective tools Arlo offers is two-factor authentication. When enabled, logging into your Arlo account requires not just your password, but also a temporary code sent to your phone (via SMS or an authenticator app). This adds a crucial second layer of defense.

For example, imagine a hacker steals your password through a data breach. Without 2FA, they could log in and view your cameras. But with 2FA, they’d also need access to your phone—making the attack far more difficult.

Pro tip: Always use an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy) instead of SMS for 2FA. SMS codes can be intercepted through SIM-swapping scams, while authenticator apps are more secure.

Regular Firmware Updates

Arlo releases regular firmware updates to patch known vulnerabilities and improve performance. These updates are automatically pushed to your camera when connected to Wi-Fi. However, it’s your responsibility to ensure your camera is online and not stuck on an old version.

To check your firmware status, open the Arlo app, go to Settings > Device Info, and verify the firmware version. If it’s outdated, restart your camera to trigger an update.

Secure Cloud Infrastructure

Arlo partners with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to host its cloud services. AWS is one of the most secure and reliable cloud platforms in the world, with multiple layers of physical and digital security. Arlo also follows strict data privacy policies and complies with regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

While no system is perfect, Arlo’s investment in enterprise-grade infrastructure significantly reduces the risk of large-scale breaches.

Real-World Incidents: Have Arlo Cameras Actually Been Hacked?

Notable Security Incidents

Yes, there have been documented cases where Arlo cameras were compromised. Let’s look at a few real-world examples to understand the scope and context:

2020: Unauthorized Access via Account Takeover
A user in California reported that a stranger accessed their Arlo camera and spoke to their child through the camera’s two-way audio. Investigation revealed the hacker had used a phishing email to trick the parent into revealing their Arlo login. The breach wasn’t due to a flaw in Arlo’s system, but in the user’s password hygiene.

2021: API Vulnerability in Older Models
A cybersecurity firm discovered that certain older Arlo models (like the Arlo Pro 2) had an exposed API endpoint that could allow attackers to view camera feeds without authentication. Arlo issued a patch within 48 hours, but users who hadn’t updated were at risk.

2023: Credential Stuffing Attack
Hackers used a list of stolen email/password pairs from a separate data breach to attempt login on thousands of Arlo accounts. Many users who reused passwords were locked out or had their cameras accessed. Arlo responded by forcing password resets and promoting 2FA.

What These Incidents Teach Us

• Most breaches stem from user error: Weak passwords, reused credentials, and falling for scams are far more common than flaws in Arlo’s software.
• Arlo responds quickly: The company has a solid track record of patching vulnerabilities and notifying users.
• Older models are riskier: If you’re using a camera from 2016 or earlier, consider upgrading. Newer models have stronger security protocols.

These cases aren’t unique to Arlo. Similar incidents have occurred with Ring, Nest, and other smart cameras. The lesson? Security is a shared responsibility—between the manufacturer and the user.

How to Secure Your Arlo Camera: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

This is the single most important step you can take. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open the Arlo app and log in.
2. Go to Settings > Profile > Two-Factor Authentication.
3. Choose “Authenticator App” (recommended) or “SMS.”
4. Scan the QR code with your authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator).
5. Enter the generated code to confirm.

Once enabled, you’ll need the code every time you log in from a new device.

2. Use a Strong, Unique Password

Never reuse passwords. Use a password manager (like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass) to create and store a complex password for your Arlo account. A strong password should be:

• At least 12 characters long
• Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
• Not based on personal info (e.g., pet names, birthdays)

Example: ArloCam2024!Secure#

3. Keep Firmware Updated

Check your camera’s firmware monthly. In the Arlo app:

1. Tap the camera icon.
2. Go to Settings > Device Info.
3. If an update is available, follow the prompts to install.

Tip: Connect your camera to a reliable Wi-Fi network to ensure updates aren’t interrupted.

4. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Your home network is the backbone of your camera’s security. To protect it:

• Use WPA3 encryption on your router (or WPA2 if WPA3 isn’t available).
• Change your router’s default admin password.
• Set a strong Wi-Fi password (at least 12 characters).
• Enable a guest network for visitors to prevent them from accessing your main network.

5. Disable Features You Don’t Need

The fewer features enabled, the smaller your attack surface. For example:

• Turn off Remote Access if you only view footage locally.
• Disable Cloud Recording if you use local storage (microSD card).
• Limit camera access to only trusted family members.

6. Monitor Activity Logs

The Arlo app shows login history and device activity. Check it weekly for suspicious logins. If you see a login from an unknown device or location, change your password immediately and contact Arlo support.

Comparing Arlo to Other Smart Cameras: Security Showdown

How Arlo Stacks Up

To understand Arlo’s security position, let’s compare it to two major competitors: Ring (Amazon) and Nest (Google).

Feature	Arlo	Ring	Nest
End-to-End Encryption	Yes (on most models)	Yes (with Ring Protect Plus)	Yes (on all models)
Two-Factor Authentication	Yes (app or SMS)	Yes (app or SMS)	Yes (app only)
Local Storage Option	Yes (microSD card)	Yes (Ring Alarm Pro)	No (cloud only)
Firmware Updates	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic
Known Security Incidents	Moderate (user-focused)	High (frequent phishing)	Low (few public reports)
Cloud Provider	AWS	AWS	Google Cloud

Key Takeaways

• Arlo and Ring: Both use AWS and offer similar encryption, but Arlo’s 2FA setup is slightly more user-friendly.
• Nest: Offers the strongest default encryption but lacks local storage, which some privacy-conscious users prefer.
• Ring: Has faced more publicized hacks, largely due to widespread phishing attacks targeting Amazon accounts.
• Local storage: Arlo’s microSD option gives you more control over your data, reducing reliance on the cloud.

Ultimately, no camera is 100% hack-proof. But Arlo strikes a good balance between security, convenience, and user control.

Final Thoughts: Should You Worry About Arlo Cameras Being Hacked?

Let’s be honest: the idea of someone watching you through your own camera is terrifying. But after reviewing the evidence, here’s the bottom line: Arlo cameras can be hacked, but the risk is manageable—and mostly within your control.

The real danger isn’t Arlo’s technology—it’s human behavior. Weak passwords, outdated firmware, and falling for scams are the top reasons cameras get compromised. If you take the simple steps outlined in this guide—especially enabling 2FA, using a password manager, and keeping your software updated—you dramatically reduce the odds of becoming a victim.

Arlo isn’t perfect. Older models had security flaws, and no company is immune to threats. But Arlo has consistently responded quickly to issues, invested in strong encryption, and given users tools to protect themselves. That’s more than you can say for many smart device brands.

Think of your Arlo camera like a front door. A good lock (strong password), a peephole (2FA), and a security system (firmware updates) make it much harder for an intruder to break in. But if you leave the door wide open (reused password, no 2FA), even the best lock won’t help.

So, do Arlo cameras get hacked? Yes—but only if you let them. With a little effort and awareness, your smart home can stay smart, secure, and truly private. Your peace of mind is worth that effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arlo cameras get hacked often?

While no security system is 100% hack-proof, Arlo cameras have strong encryption and regular firmware updates to reduce hacking risks. Incidents are rare but typically occur due to weak passwords or unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

How can I prevent my Arlo camera from being hacked?

Use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in your Arlo app. Keep your camera’s firmware updated and avoid sharing login details with untrusted users.

Are Arlo cameras vulnerable to cyberattacks?

Arlo cameras are designed with end-to-end encryption and cloud security protocols, making them less vulnerable. However, outdated firmware or poor user practices can create vulnerabilities.

What should I do if my Arlo camera was hacked?

Immediately reset your password, enable 2FA, and check for unauthorized devices in your Arlo account. Contact Arlo support to investigate and secure your system.

Can Arlo cameras be hacked through the internet?

Internet-connected Arlo cameras can be targeted, but their encryption and secure servers make remote hacking difficult. Always use a strong Wi-Fi password and a firewall for added protection.

Do Arlo cameras get hacked if I use a local storage option?

Local storage (like a microSD card) reduces cloud-based risks, but physical access to the camera or an unsecured network can still pose threats. Pair it with strong passwords for better security.