Blink video doorbell is end-to-end encrypted and reasonably secure with multi-factor authentication. It allows users to set specific activity zones, privacy areas, and passwords to prevent third parties from accessing the app. This doorbell has a local storage option to store events in a USB via the Blink Sync Module. Users have to purchase this module separately and a flash drive of 256GB. This Sync Module is installed at home, and only authorized people can access it, which reduces the risk of data leakage. Blink is an Amazon product, and they have TLS (Transport Layer Security) with AES-256 encryption. Blink offers cloud storage with its premium subscription plans. It keeps the files safe and secure from malware attacks. The Blink app also allows users to track the apps that have accessed the app in the last 30 days to avoid suspicious activity.

Make sure to avoid using public wifi and set up strong passwords. Blink local storage is a secure option, though it increases the risk of losing files when the module gets damaged. Cloud dependency is safe until an unauthorized person cracks the passwords. Update the passwords over time and set up the module in a safe place to secure data.

What Privacy Measures Are in Place?

Here are the three privacy measures to secure the Blink video doorbell:

1. Account Authentication: The Blink monitor app recommends users a strong password with a blend of capital, small letters, numbers, and hashtags. It reduces the chances of cracking. The app also provides alerts to change a password when it gets compromised. Multi-factor authentication allows people to set two different passwords or verification via SMS. This system keeps the account secure even when hackers access the main password.
2. User Permissions: Users can manage who accesses and controls the Blink account. Role-based access control, such as viewer and admin, keeps the recordings safe. Granting Blink support account access allows everyone to download, share, and delete clips. Users can change this from settings, and it automatically expires after 14 days of approval.
3. Data Minimization: The event videos automatically get deleted after 30 days in the UK and 60 days in the US, Canada, and Mexico. It reduces the load on the device and protects against data theft. Users can also set the auto-deletion for a specific days or weeks. Local storage requires manually deleting the footage and event clips from the USB. It takes time, and people often have to buy new flash drives over time.

How Are Data and Cloud Storage Managed?

Blink's basic subscription plan of $4/month or a plus plan for unlimited devices ($12/month) provides a cloud storage option. Cloud storage stores the data using TLS (HTTPS) and AES-256 encryption methods. Clips and events automatically get deleted after 30/60 days, depending on the user’s location. The events cannot be restored even from support when they are deleted from the cloud. The Blink sync module manages the data locally in a USB. It is placed inside the home to avoid unauthorized access to it.

What Controls Do Users Have Over Their Data?

Here are four controls over the Blink video doorbell app that users have:

1. Manage Live View: Users can manage the number of person who accesses the live view. The app also allows users to download specific events, and users can save all the live views to the cloud or local storage. Five people can watch the live view at one time from different devices.
2. Delete Clips: Clips and events are easy to delete from the Clips edit section. These videos automatically get deleted after 30 to 60 days from the cloud. Make sure to download them to your phone or a USB to keep them for longer or share on other apps. It frees up the space and increases the doorbell performance. Clips cannot be restored once they are deleted from the cloud or USB.
3. Account Security Settings: Users can control the security settings of the Blink Home Monitor app. The app supports the pinklock, biometric authentication, 2-factor authentication, device management, and role-based access. These security settings prevent someone from accessing the live view and recordings.
4. User Permissions: Blink has an “all or nothing” access model where someone can delete or download the clips with the owner’s credentials. Users toggle the “Grant Blink Support Account Access” when seeking technical assistance, and it automatically expires after 14 days.

How Does Blink Handle Third-Party Integrations?

Blink video doorbell official integrates with Amazon Alexa and the Echo Home display to communicate, view, and change settings. Apart from this, Blink works with IFTTT (If This Then That) with limited capabilities. IFTTT cannot share the video clips to the cloud, and it also requires a subscription. Blink doorbell works best with Home Assistant. It does not support the Apple HomeKit, though users can access it with Homebridge, HOOBS, or ATH Bridge.

What Are the Potential Risks and Limitations?

Here are the four potential risks and limitations of Blink video doorbells:

1. Data Breaches: There is a risk of data breach in cloud storage with weak passwords and no authentication. Hackers access the video recordings, delete them, or blackmail the owners. Data breaches also happen in local storage when the Sync module is installed outside the home. Make sure to take all the necessary security measures to avoid breaches.
2. Cloud Dependence: Cloud video sharing lasts for 30 or 60 days and also requires a subscription. It limits access once the subscription ends, and users cannot access the deleted videos. Local storage provides an edge. USBs store large files and events that a person wants to save for a longer period.
3. Wi-Fi Reliability: A poor wifi connection affects the live view and two-way communication system. A person experiences lags, distortion, and repetition. 
4. Privacy Concerns: Camera captures roads, porches, and even sneak into the neighbours'. Make sure to place the camera in a way that it does not invade anyone's privacy. Select the specific privacy zones to avoid unnecessary traffic alerts.

How to Maximize Blink Doorbell Security

Set a strong password, enable 2FA, and update firmware over time to protect the data. Restrict unauthorized access and only allow people with role-based access to view recordings. Install the doorbell and sync module at a secure location.