Ring is a popular smart home security system owned by Amazon that allows users to monitor their homes remotely using doorbell cameras, security cameras, alarm systems and more. However, Ring has faced criticism recently over potential security vulnerabilities and privacy concerns. In this article, we’ll look at the evidence and examine if Ring really does have significant security issues that consumers should be worried about.
What is Ring?
First, a quick overview of what Ring is and how it works. Ring was founded in 2013 and makes a range of smart home security products focused on home monitoring and deterring theft and intruders. This includes:
- Ring Doorbells – doorbell cameras that allow users to see and speak with visitors remotely via a smartphone app
- Ring Security Cameras – indoor and outdoor security cameras for monitoring a property
- Ring Alarm System – a DIY home security system with motion detectors, contact sensors and a base station
- Ring Smart Lights – outdoor motion-sensing lights
Users can remotely view live footage from Ring devices and receive notifications if motion is detected. Footage is stored securely using end-to-end encryption. Ring products work with Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant and can integrate with other smart home devices.
Amazon acquired Ring for $839 million in 2018. Since then, Ring’s popularity and sales have grown rapidly. However, alongside this growth have been rising privacy concerns.
Why are people concerned about Ring’s security?
There are a few key reasons why Ring has come under fire regarding security:
- Hackings – There have been some reports of Ring devices getting hacked, allowing hackers to gain access to camera feeds and people’s homes.
- Weak passwords – Some security researchers claim default passwords on Ring devices are too simple and put users at risk.
- Unencrypted information – Some non-video data such as login credentials were allegedly transmitted without encryption.
- Police partnerships – Ring partners extensively with police forces to share camera footage, raising privacy issues.
Now let’s look at the evidence on each of these issues in more detail.
Hackings of Ring cameras
There have been sporadic reports of Ring devices being hacked over the years. In 2019, a family reported that a hacker gained access to their Ring indoor camera and used the speaker to harass their 8-year daughter. Other families have reported similar disturbing incidents of Ring cameras in homes and children’s bedrooms being hacked.
While concerning, the number of reported hacks is very small compared to the millions of Ring devices in operation. Ring states that hacks of this nature are not caused by any breach of Ring’s systems but rather because users reuse passwords that have been compromised elsewhere. However, critics argue Ring could do more to prevent credential stuffing attacks and alert users to weak passwords.
Weak default passwords
A 2019 investigation by Bitdefender claimed Ring cameras had weak default passwords such as “123456” that could easily be guessed. However, Ring disputed these claims and stated they implement password rotation and hash salting to protect against this.
They stated the reported issues relate only to a small number of devices sold through a third-party company that were quickly fixed. This suggests while weak passwords may have been an issue briefly for a handful of devices, it is not an ongoing widespread problem.
Unencrypted information
In January 2020, investigatory website The Intercept reported that Ring doorbells were sending users’ personal information such as names, private IP addresses and mobile OS details unencrypted over the internet. This could potentially be intercepted and expose users’ locations.
In response, Ring acknowledged they were not using end-to-end encryption for certain video-related information but disputed the scale of the issue. They stated they take the issue seriously and are working to improve encryption across their services.
Police partnerships
Ring has formed partnerships with over 2,000 police and fire departments across the US to enable them to request footage directly from users via Ring’s Neighbors app. While this helps police investigate crimes, it has raised significant privacy concerns from civil liberties groups like the EFF.
Critics argue people may feel undue pressure to share their footage with police if requested, and that Circle’s network of cameras risks turning neighborhoods into under surveillance “police states”. Ring states the partnerships are voluntary and users are under no obligation to share footage.
This issue arguably affects user privacy more than the direct security of Ring devices. But mandatory privacy protections and guidelines for police access could help better safeguard users.
Ring’s response
In response to the various security concerns, Ring states they take these issues seriously and are committed to protecting user privacy and improving security. They outline several specific measures they have implemented:
- Implementing encryption across their services to protect user video and data.
- Requiring users set up 2-factor authentication at activation for enhanced account security.
- Partnership with security researchers to identify and resolve potential vulnerabilities via their Bug Bounty program.
- Notifying users of potential security risks and providing steps to improve device and account security.
Ring state that privacy and security remain their highest priority as they continue growing their services.
Assessing Ring’s overall security risk
Based on the available evidence, Ring does not appear to have any glaring security vulnerabilities or privacy infringements. While hackers have occasionally accessed Ring devices, this seems to result primarily from users reusing compromised passwords rather than any inherent flaw in Ring’s systems. And Ring’s large police partnerships certainly warrant discussion of privacy implications, though the partnerships are voluntary.
Most of the reported problems seem to have affected a small number of users, or stemmed from incidents now rectified by Ring’s security improvements. No system is completely without flaws, but Ring does not seem markedly less secure than comparable smart home options when configured correctly by users.
For most users, following basic security best practices like using unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication should significantly minimize risks of being hacked. And they can choose whether or not to participate in any police partnerships based on their comfort levels.
Is Ring safe for the average user?
For the average home user, Ring devices appear relatively safe if configured and used properly. The risks of being hacked seem low, especially relative to the chances of a break-in or theft if the user had no security system at all.
However, users should be aware of the trade-off with any internet-connected home security system – increased security and monitoring convenience at the expense of some privacy, and the small risk of hackers potentially accessing footage or misusing access. Users should follow Ring’s security recommendations closely.
Ring does not seem significantly less safe than competitors like Nest or SimpliSafe based on available evidence. No system is 100% hack-proof, but Ring appears to take security seriously, continually improve, and respond promptly to identified risks.
Recommendations for staying secure
Here are some tips for staying as secure as possible when using Ring products:
- Use unique complex passwords for your Ring account and all devices.
- Enable 2-factor authentication on your Ring account.
- Regularly update the software and firmware on your Ring devices.
- Be cautious of anyone requesting to access or share your Ring footage.
- Place outdoor cameras out of reach to prevent tampering.
- Only share your Ring account access with those you completely trust.
- Customize your privacy settings to limit data sharing.
The verdict
While no security system is impenetrable, Ring does not appear to have any extraordinary security flaws or privacy issues compared to similar smart home security technologies.
There is little solid evidence to suggest Ring devices are highly prone to hacking or unauthorized access. Most reported issues seem relatively minor or already addressed by Ring. And their extensive police partnerships, while warranting privacy discussion, are voluntary for users.
For most homeowners, using Ring products and following security best practices should still provide robust protection with only minimal privacy and hacking risks. However, users should weigh their specific security priorities and needs when choosing any internet-connected security system.