Security Camera Firmware Updates

Volume I  ·  May 2026  ·  337 words

A security camera connected to the internet is a network device, and like any network device, it runs software that contains vulnerabilities. Between 2020 and 2024, security researchers discovered critical vulnerabilities in cameras from Wyze, Eufy, Reolink, and Ring — ranging from unauthorized live feed access to remote code execution. Keeping firmware current is the primary defense against these vulnerabilities, but the update mechanisms vary significantly between manufacturers in both ease of use and reliability.

Automatic updates are the simplest approach: the camera checks for updates on the manufacturer's server and installs them without user intervention. The Google Nest Cam and Ring Stick Up Cam update automatically, as they are cloud-dependent and the manufacturer controls the update pipeline. The risk is that a faulty update pushed to all devices simultaneously can disable every camera — a scenario that has occurred with Wyze and Ring in the past. The user has no ability to defer or test an update before it is applied.

Manual updates require the user to check for firmware availability through the camera's app or web interface and initiate the update. The Reolink Argus 4 Pro and Eufy SoloCam S340 default to manual updates with an optional auto-update toggle. Manual updates give the user control over when updates are applied — important for cameras in critical security positions where any downtime is unacceptable — but they require the user to check for updates periodically, which most users do not. A camera running firmware from 2022 in 2026 is likely vulnerable to publicly disclosed exploits. For cameras that support it, enabling auto-update is the safer default for most users. For security-critical installations, a monthly calendar reminder to check and apply firmware updates provides a balance between control and currency.