Amazon's Ring has launched a comprehensive security overhaul called TAKE, making two-factor authentication mandatory for all accounts. The move follows years of criticism over the company's handling of user privacy and unauthorized access incidents. With TAKE, Ring gave itself a security makeover that directly addresses long-standing vulnerabilities in its smart doorbell and camera ecosystem.

What You Need to Know

TAKE stands for Two-Factor Auth, Account Verification, Key Management and Encryption. The framework requires all Ring users to enable two-factor authentication by default and undergo periodic device verification. New accounts must comply immediately, while existing users will see the changes roll out over several months. Ring is also introducing encrypted local video storage as part of the update.

What TAKE Actually Changes

The security makeover called TAKE enforces more than just optional settings. Here's what's actually changing in the user experience:

  • Two-factor authentication: Previously optional, now mandatory for all account logins. Users must verify via SMS or authenticator app.
  • Device verification: Ring will periodically prompt users to re-authorize cameras and doorbells tied to their account, preventing unauthorized device pairings.
  • Encrypted video storage: Ring Protect subscriptions now include end-to-end encryption for video clips stored locally on Ring Edge devices.

These changes represent the first major security overhaul since Amazon acquired Ring in 2018. Previous incidents, including a 2019 lawsuit over hacked cameras and a 2020 report of employees viewing customer footage, eroded public trust. TAKE aims to restore confidence by shifting security from optional to default.

Why This Matters

The implications extend beyond Ring's user base of millions. TAKE sets a new baseline for smart home security that competitors may need to match. For Ring users, the mandatory two-factor authentication closes a common attack vector where weak passwords allowed strangers to watch live feeds and speak through cameras. The change also carries legal weight: Ring now assumes greater responsibility for account security, potentially limiting liability in future breach lawsuits. Industry observers note that if TAKE successfully reduces account takeovers, other Amazon subsidiaries and third-party device makers could adopt similar frameworks.

Industry and User Impact

Ring's move comes amid broader regulatory pressure on IoT security. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has increasingly targeted companies with weak default security practices. TAKE, however, goes beyond legal minimums by requiring periodic re-verification, a feature uncommon among consumer camera brands. For users, the trade-off is convenience versus safety. Two-factor authentication adds a step to login, but Ring claims the measure could cut unauthorized access incidents by over 90% based on internal testing. The company also confirmed that TAKE does not affect existing police partnerships or video sharing features, which remain optional.

Ring gave itself a security makeover called TAKE, and what's actually changing reflects a pivot toward proactive defense. Whether other smart home vendors follow suit may depend on how quickly users adapt to the new requirements.