CNET reviewers have been fans of Wyze’s security platform and cameras in the past, but in the last couple of years I’ve pulled back from recommending their affordable cams and similar security devices due to a series of unsettling security breaches that I covered in-depth. Now it’s been well over a year, and Wyze’s security changes have culminated in a fascinating new safety layer called VerifiedView.

Wyze VerifiedView basics

Here’s how it works: VerifiedView is a layer of metadata that now applies to all Wyze cameras. Metadata is extra data attached to the content that we see and interact with, like photos and video. For example, a photo may be tagged with metadata about when and where it was taken — that helps systems identify, search and organize photos more easily.

Wyze’s VerifiedView metadata is a bit different. It stamps every photo or video created with a specific identifier, an encrypted version of your Wyze User ID, which is permanently tied to your Wyze account. Whenever anyone tries to watch or stream a video using a Wyze account, their account identifier needs to match the identifier stamped into the metadata of the video. Otherwise, access is denied. Live viewing through a camera works in a similar way. Only the account that set up the device has the authority to view footage that device creates. 

While companies tag videos like this with all kinds of metadata, this is the first time I’ve seen metadata used so clearly to manage video access and keep it from strange eyes. It’s a move designed to directly counter some of the worst kinds of security breaches, like accidentally letting random strangers or privacy-violating employees spy through your home cams. Unfortunately, that’s a real issue that’s happened in the recent past, so it’s nice to see security measures specifically addressing it.

Read more: 7 Ways to Spot Hidden Cameras in Your Airbnb Rental

Wyze’s recent security journey

Since the data breaches and security snafus, Wyze has rolled out a number of security enhancements, many directly targeted toward improving user security and preventing the sort of abuse and bugs that can plague security companies. Some notable changes potential users should know about include:

• Automatically enabled two-factor authentication for all Wyze users, including a number of 2FA-related additions like 0Auth, reCAPTCHA and login abuse detection.
• Investment in AWS (Amazon Web Services) security tools.
• Expanded the Wyze security team with additional professional to review and revamp security code.
• Arrange for penetration testing by firms like Bitdefender, Google MASA, ioXT, and the NCC Group.
• Began a new cybersecurity training program for all Wyze employees.

While I wish Wyze had started with security features like these, the changes are good to see. Which brings me to the most important point for people interested in their home security.

Are you going to start recommending Wyze cameras again?

I’m primarily in “wait and see” mode, moving toward “cautiously optimistic.” I like to see around two years of security improvement and solid performance without major breaches before re-recommending security products (like with Ring’s infamous issues in the late 2010s).

Wyze is nearly there, and I have been impressed with the security rollout the company made in direct response to its serious problems. However, it will take additional time and testing before Wyze starts popping up on my top recommendations.

If you want to learn more about how security cameras function, take a look at my favorite overall security camera picks and why home hacking isn’t something to worry about with the right security measures.