Google Nest Cameras EASILY hacked and they keep trying to hide it

[Gjekaj]

Google marked my other post as SPAM and I assure you that it is not. They have a SERIOUS security issue & privacy violation that they keep trying to hide. Calling Google support gets you nowhere. They say to change your Nest password. They don’t take responsibility that their security network has issues. 

Here is my story for the second time:

I didn’t even know about this community until I googled “played back Nest camera and heard a voice”. Unfortunately, that thread is closed. 

I had issues with Google Nest Indoor 2nd generation (wired) camera. I tried to install it before I deployed but once I switched my Internet it stopped working. I rebooted it, nothing. I came back from deployment and had to leave for another month last month and thought that I’d try again so I can keep an eye on my cat. Miraculously it worked. 

While checking my phone 2 weeks ago in the view of the camera I had casually asked my cat, “can I just do my yoga right here? What do you think?” (Living room vs upstairs yoga room). It was pretty much a rhetorical, thinking out loud question and of course I didn’t expect my cat to answer but to my surprise when I played back the video later I heard a male voice distinctly say “yeah”. I played it for 2 of my coworkers at work because I thought maybe I was crazy. They confirmed that it was a male voice and they heard it too.

I then shared the clip with my family where my younger sister made the suggestion that the camera might’ve been hacked. I was like “oh crap! Never thought of that”.

To recap, I did not hear this voice while in real time. I only heard it when I played back the video and I don’t know why I played it back but I’m so happy I did. FFW to today. I came home and was loving on my cat and said out loud, “I love you” while rubbing on her belly (yes, my cat loves belly rubs). Then something inside me said, “replay the video”. Sure enough, after I tell my cat I love her, I hear a male voice whisper, “I love you too”.

And now I’m here, searching for answers and discovering this blog exists. Help! 

p.s. @Ravish I know you had a similar issue but they closed your thread. I tried to message you but didn’t find a way. I just seen a “hint” that showed my how to tag members. I hope you read this and offer me any information you might have. There is a DEFINITE voice. I just don’t know whose ::chills::

p.p.s. They have marked my post as spam and I am trying to get the message out there. I am LUCKY that I was able to hear a voice on the playback otherwise I would still be secretly monitored. I feel so violated that strangers were able to observe me inside my home without my knowledge or consent that it makes me ill. I cannot change what has been done in the past all I can do is bring awareness to others so they don’t have the same thing happen to them. I will continue to try and make Google aware (although I’m sure they know and keep trying to hide it). This is not right. Google should be held accountable. 

[Djek · Accepted solution]

This is incredibly scary and a violation of privacy. This is making me rethink purchasing Nest products for my own home—especially after reading so many articles of people’s cameras being hacked into by random folks or even employees. If Google refuses to help or even acknowledge the situation I would file a police report and possibly look into what legal options you may have if they refuse to help.

[Super_paulie]

Can't you send the video to Google for analysis of some sort? If not them, then the police. That's what id do.

[Super_paulie]

you could upload to YouTube and title it as a warning to others?

[Alban1]

This is very scary, sorry you’re dealing with issue. Time to double check my google network.

[Bmurad]

@Alban1 totally agree

[Bmurad]

Thanks for sharing @Gjekaj , that is incredibly frightening to have happen in a safe space and definitely feels like a violation. Thanks for sharing. It’s made me think twice about buying this product for my house, especially with the weak security infrastructure it has!!!!

[Ziggystardave]

Wow! That is creepy AF!!!!

[Djek · Accepted solution]

This is incredibly scary and a violation of privacy. This is making me rethink purchasing Nest products for my own home—especially after reading so many articles of people’s cameras being hacked into by random folks or even employees. If Google refuses to help or even acknowledge the situation I would file a police report and possibly look into what legal options you may have if they refuse to help.

[DerpReport · Accepted solution]

There seems to be several suppressed reports on the google nest and its hackability, mostly found on reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Nest/comments/iilyvz/hacked/

[Lance_L]

Hello everyone,

@Gjekaj, Oh no! I'm sorry to hear that. Your safety and privacy are our top priorities. Could you share the case ID from your interaction with the support team so I can check what happened?

If you need to, below are the steps on how to upload a photo or video:

1. Hit reply or start a new post.
2. Click Insert Photos.
3. Choose an image source location.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. You can also tap the "Drag and Drop" option. The maximum attachment is 5 MB. 

The Nest camera’s security is tied to the Google Nest account linked to the device. Here’s a guide to help you manage your Nest app account security and emails.

Keep me posted.

Best,

Lance