Wyze’s security cameras and platform have earned praise from CNET reviewers in the past. However, over the last few years, recommendations for the company’s affordable cameras and related security products were tempered by a series of significant security breaches that raised concerns among experts and consumers alike.
More than a year has passed since those incidents, and Wyze has now introduced an advanced security feature called VerifiedView, designed to strengthen protections around user footage.
VerifiedView is a new metadata layer that applies to all content generated by Wyze cameras. Metadata refers to supplementary information attached to photos and videos, such as details about when and where they were captured, which helps systems search, organize, and identify files efficiently.
Wyze’s approach goes a step further. VerifiedView assigns every photo or video a unique identifier—an encrypted version of the user’s Wyze ID—that remains permanently tied to the account. Whenever someone tries to stream or view video through a Wyze account, their account identifier must match the one embedded in the metadata. If there is no match, access is denied. Live viewing functions the same way, ensuring that only the account that initially set up the camera can watch the footage.
While companies often embed metadata for various purposes, “this is the first time I've seen metadata used so clearly to manage video access and keep it from strange eyes.” This innovation is intended to directly address some of the most serious security issues, including past incidents in which unauthorized parties or employees were able to access private camera feeds.
Since the breaches and other security failures, Wyze has implemented several measures to bolster user safety and prevent similar problems. Key improvements include:
- Automatic activation of two-factor authentication for all users, along with additional tools like OAuth, reCAPTCHA, and login abuse detection.
- Investment in security resources provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS).
- Expansion of Wyze’s security team to include more professionals dedicated to reviewing and strengthening code.
- Regular penetration testing by firms such as Bitdefender, Google MASA, ioXT, and the NCC Group.
The introduction of a comprehensive cybersecurity training program for all employees.
“While I wish Wyze had started with security features like these, the changes are good to see.” For those evaluating options to protect their homes, these upgrades represent meaningful progress in Wyze’s approach to safeguarding customer data and privacy.