Fact Check: Are Wyze cameras safe?

Are Wyze Cameras Safe?

The safety and security of Wyze cameras have come under scrutiny due to a series of reported vulnerabilities and breaches. Recent incidents have raised concerns about unauthorized access to camera feeds and the company's response to these security issues. This article examines the claims surrounding the safety of Wyze cameras, focusing on the evidence available from various sources.

What We Know

1. Security Breaches: In February 2024, reports surfaced that some Wyze camera users were able to access unauthorized webcam feeds from cameras they did not own. This incident has been described as a significant privacy concern, highlighting vulnerabilities within the Wyze security ecosystem 5.

2. Vulnerability History: A report from cybersecurity firm Bitdefender indicated that Wyze cameras had multiple security vulnerabilities that went unaddressed for three years. These flaws were serious enough to prompt criticism of Wyze's customer support and transparency 4.

3. Company Response: In September 2023, the New York Times' Wirecutter paused its recommendation of Wyze cameras, citing the company's inadequate response to security issues as a primary reason 1. This decision reflects a growing lack of confidence in Wyze's ability to protect user data.

4. Current Security Measures: Wyze has implemented some security measures, including two-factor authentication and vulnerability disclosures. However, there are concerns about the effectiveness of these measures, especially regarding older camera models that may not receive necessary updates 28.

5. Ongoing Investigations: Wyze has acknowledged security issues and is reportedly investigating incidents where users could see thumbnails of cameras that were not their own. This ongoing investigation suggests that the company is aware of the problems but has not yet fully resolved them 9.

Analysis

The evidence surrounding the safety of Wyze cameras presents a mixed picture. On one hand, the acknowledgment of security vulnerabilities and the implementation of some protective measures indicate that Wyze is attempting to address these issues. However, the history of unaddressed vulnerabilities raises questions about the company's commitment to user security.

Source Evaluation

• New York Times (Wirecutter): This source is generally considered reliable and has a reputation for thorough product reviews. However, it may have a bias against companies that fail to meet consumer safety standards, which could influence its reporting 1.

• CNET: Known for technology reviews, CNET provides a balanced overview of Wyze's security measures. However, it is important to consider that the site may prioritize sensational stories to attract readership 2.

• Consumer Reports: This source is highly regarded for its consumer advocacy and independent testing. Its report on Wyze's delayed response to vulnerabilities is credible, but it may also reflect a bias towards promoting products that meet higher safety standards 4.

• Bitdefender: As a cybersecurity firm, Bitdefender's reports on vulnerabilities are valuable for understanding the technical aspects of Wyze's security issues. However, it is essential to note that their findings could be influenced by their business interests in promoting cybersecurity solutions 610.

• TechRadar and SafeWise: Both sources report on security incidents and provide context about user experiences. While they offer useful insights, their framing of the issues may lean towards alarmism, which could skew public perception 57.

Methodology Concerns

The methodology behind the reports, particularly those from Bitdefender, should be scrutinized. While they provide detailed findings on vulnerabilities, the lack of transparency regarding the testing conditions and the specific models affected can lead to misunderstandings about the overall safety of Wyze cameras.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claims regarding the safety of Wyze cameras are deemed false based on the evidence presented. Key incidents, such as unauthorized access to camera feeds and a history of unaddressed vulnerabilities, indicate significant security flaws within Wyze's ecosystem. The company's response to these issues has been criticized, leading to a pause in recommendations from reputable sources like the New York Times' Wirecutter.

However, it is important to note that Wyze has taken steps to improve security, such as implementing two-factor authentication and acknowledging ongoing vulnerabilities. Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of these measures remains questionable, particularly for older camera models that may not receive timely updates.

The available evidence has limitations, including potential biases in reporting and the lack of transparency in some technical evaluations. Therefore, while the verdict is clear, readers should remain cautious and critically evaluate the information surrounding Wyze cameras and similar products.

Sources

1. New York Times, Wirecutter. "Why We're Pausing Our Recommendation of Wyze Smart Home Devices." Link
2. CNET. "The State of Wyze Cameras in 2025: Not Quite Ready for Recommendation." Link
3. Wyze Forums. "Wyze Cameras Just Had Another Big Security Problem." Link
4. Consumer Reports. "Wyze Took 3 Years to Fix Security Camera Vulnerabilities." Link
5. SafeWise. "Wyze Cameras Mess Up Again: Is It Time To Get Rid of Yours?" Link
6. Bitdefender. "PDF Bitdefender-PReport-Wyze-7745." Link
7. TechRadar. "Wyze suffers yet another security camera breach—so who’s watching the watchers?" Link
8. Tom's Guide. "Wyze patches serious flaws on its security cameras, but not its oldest." Link
9. Wyze Forums. "Wyze Outage and Investigation of Security Issue." Link
10. Cyber Insider. "Flaws in SDK Used in 100 Million IoTs Impact Wyze, Roku Devices." Link