Over the past few days, TikTok and Reddit have been buzzing with claims that Ring doorbells were hacked. Hundreds of users have posted screenshots that seem to show unknown devices logging into their accounts, fuelling fears of a mass breach.
It’s the kind of story that spreads fast. Especially when people feel like big companies don’t always tell them the whole truth. And let’s be honest, there have been plenty of occasions where companies delayed admitting to data breaches.
Ring itself isn’t immune to data privacy failures. In the past, Ring was forced to pay out for letting employees access private videos and failing to implement basic privacy and security protections. So it’s no wonder people are cautious.
But not everything that goes viral is verified.
A glitch or a hack?
In this case, the viral claims started with worried users sharing login logs that showed multiple devices accessing their Ring accounts. Understandably, that triggered alarm bells.
Ring (owned by Amazon) eventually responded, confirming that a backend update had caused inaccurate login data to show up in users’ Control Centres. So, according to Ring, it wasn’t a hack, just a glitch.
That does seem to be the case according to cyber experts, including fact-checking site Snopes. Although it isn’t ruling anything out.
Still, for many users, Ring’s explanation hasn’t been enough. So what should you do?
Vigilance is important
At Join the Claim, we encourage people to speak up when they spot something odd. Whether that’s a suspicious login, an unexpected charge, or a strange change in behaviour from their device. However, it’s just as important to avoid jumping to conclusions based on a few TikTok videos or Reddit threads.
What to do if you’re worried
In the case of Ring, it looks like there wasn’t a breach. But we are watching the situation closely. If we learn anything new, you’ll hear it from us first.
Still, if this story has left you feeling uneasy, here’s what we recommend:
- Check your login history. Most smart devices have a way to view where and when your account has been accessed. Strange locations, devices or times? That’s your cue to be vigilant.
- Change your password. Especially if you’ve used the same one elsewhere.
- Contact Ring customer support. You can report any unusual activity to the customer service team and ask for support.
- Review Ring’s privacy polices: To ensure they align with what you expect.
You can also get more data protection advice in our handy guide: So, your data has been breached.
Have you checked your login history?
We’d love to hear from you. We’re asking people on social:
- Have you ever checked the login history on your smart devices?
- Did you notice any strange logins on or around 28 May?
- If you did spot something suspicious, what would you do?
Whether or not you’ve been affected, your answers will help us understand how consumers are feeling and what they expect from the companies they trust with their data.
Check out our TikTok videos, where we break down data breach claims in simple, scroll-stopping clips. From how to spot if your data’s been leaked to what to do next, our content is packed with useful tips.
Not on TikTok? No problem. You can still keep up with the latest on Instagram, Facebook, X and more – wherever you scroll, we’ve got you covered.
Your trusted source of information
At Join the Claim, we take pride in giving you the facts, not the hype. If you ever have concerns about your personal data, device security or your rights as a consumer, we’ll always aim to keep you informed, supported, and one step ahead.
We’re monitoring this story closely. If you’d like to receive updates on this, register now for alerts.
