Ring User Reports Point to Misleading Login Activity; Company Attributes Issue to Backend Bug
Multiple users reported identical suspicious logins on their Ring camera accounts on May 28, raising initial alarm about a potential widespread hack. However, Ring subsequently blamed the false reports on a backend bug.
In Brief
- Approximately 4,000 Ring users reported suspicious logins on May 28, leading to security concerns.
- Amazon, the parent company of Ring via Ring Inc., identified the issue as a bug in a recent backend update causing inaccurate display of login dates and device names.
- While Ring stated affected devices listed were those previously used for legitimate logins, including old devices or those associated with shared accounts, user skepticism persists.
- The timing of the login surge coincided with the recent return of Ring founder Jamie Siminoff as CEO and ongoing maneuvering surrounding law enforcement access.
On May 28, 2025, thousands of Ring users discovered questionable login entries appearing in their app’s activity logs. These entries often included unfamiliar devices and times, prompting immediate concern online.
Cited screenshots from social media platforms showed devices like Chromebooks reported by users who confirmed they had never owned them. The overwhelming consistency of the intrusion date fueled fears of a coordinated attack.
In a statement addressing the situation, Ring asserted it was not a security breach but an issue stemming from their service:
“We are aware of an issue where information is displaying inaccurately in Control Center. This is the result of a backend update, and we’re working to resolve this. We have no reason to believe this is the result of unauthorized access to customer accounts.”
A spokesperson elaborated on the displayed devices:
“The devices customers see on the Authorized Client Devices page were used to log in to the customer Ring account at some point in time. They may include devices they no longer own, devices for other users who may have shared login information, and browser logins.”
Despite Ring’s explanation, user reports and social media comments called into question the validity of the “bug” theory.
“Some people are suggesting it could be a software update reviving recognition of old devices, but that seems unlikely; for instance, one device reported was a Chromebook I never owned,” noted a Reddit user.
“OMG! I have six unknown devices that logged in on May 29. Two at 5:56 AM, others at 6:57 AM. An iPhone 6 is included – definitely not mine, and no friend has one,” a user exclaimed.
“This ‘bug’ explanation feels inadequate. I don’t even know ‘Derbhille’ [Ring staff name] and certainly not connected to our security systems. Just admit a hack happened,” a user on X demanded.
Unsettlingly, the manifestation of unexplained login activity occurred the day following the return of Ring founder Jamie Siminoff to the CEO position on July 17.
The timing has prompted questions given Ring’s simultaneous push towards its founding mission and recent partnership with Axon for enhanced law enforcement access, potentially signaling a shift in priorities.
Compounding immediate doubts was the fact that the highly publicized login incidents coincided with Ring’s reintroduction of direct law enforcement access through Axon Inc.
Security analysts caution vigilant oversight despite Ring dismissing external interference:
Ring CEO Statement Complimentary Despite Timing?: User skepticism highlighted timing surrounding CEO return and Axon deal; analysis calls into question company’s rapid reversal from earlier log privacy stance.
For existing Ring customers seeking security, straightforward technical steps can be taken:
- Review “Control Center” for authorized devices and remove unfamiliar entries
- Reset all passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication where available
- Consider services supporting end-to-end encryption
