Protecting Your Home: A Guide to Arlo Unauthorized Access
Your Arlo security system is designed to give you peace of mind, but the thought of someone gaining unauthorized access to your account can be deeply unsettling. Protecting your account is just as important as positioning your cameras correctly. This guide will show you how to identify suspicious activity, what immediate actions to take, and how to permanently secure your Arlo account against intruders.
## Signs of Unauthorized Access
Be alert for red flags that might indicate your account has been compromised.
- Unfamiliar Recordings: You see video clips in your library that you know weren't triggered by you or your family.
- Changed Settings: Your camera's modes (e.g., Armed, Disarmed), recording schedules, or notification settings have been altered without your knowledge.
- Unexpected Notifications: You receive a password reset email or a notification about a login from an unrecognised device or location.
- Camera Offline: A camera has been intentionally turned off or disconnected within the app.
### Immediate Steps to Reclaim Your Account
If you suspect even the slightest chance of a breach, you must act immediately. Time is critical.
1. Change Your Password Immediately: This is your first and most important action.
- Log in to your Arlo account via the app or web portal.
- Navigate to Settings > Profile > Login Settings.
- Choose to change your password.
- Create a strong, unique password. A good password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use personal information or words found in the dictionary.
2. Force Log-Out of All Devices: After changing your password, you need to ensure the intruder is kicked out of any active sessions. While Arlo doesn't have a single "log out everywhere" button, changing your password will invalidate older login tokens and force other sessions to log in again.
3. Review Recent Logins:
- In the Arlo app, go to Settings > Profile > Login Settings > Recent Logins.
- This screen will show you all the devices that have recently accessed your account, along with their location and IP address.
- If you see any device or location that you do not recognise, it's a clear sign of a breach.
### Fortifying Your Arlo Account for the Long Term
Taking back control is the first step. Now, let's make sure it never happens again.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This is the single most effective way to secure your account. 2FA adds a second layer of verification, making it nearly impossible for someone to log in with just your password.
- Go to Settings > Profile > Login Settings.
- Select Two-Step Verification.
- You can choose to receive your verification code via SMS text message to your trusted phone number or use a dedicated authenticator app.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup. From now on, any login from a new device will require both your password and a code, which only you can provide.
Practice Good Security Hygiene:
- Don't Share Credentials: Never share your Arlo username and password with anyone. If you want to give access to family members, use the 'Grant Access' feature (Settings > Grant Access) to give them their own limited-access account.
- Beware of Phishing: Be suspicious of any emails or text messages claiming to be from Arlo that ask you to click a link and enter your login details. Always log in directly through the official app or website (my.arlo.com).
- Secure Your Email: The email address associated with your Arlo account is a key to entry. Ensure that the email account itself is secured with a strong password and has 2FA enabled.
By taking these proactive steps, you can be confident that your Arlo system remains a tool for your security, not a vulnerability.