$18K Ring Doorbell Cloud Bypass Bounty Challenges Hackers to Cut Amazon Dependency
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FULU launched a bug bounty offering $17,924 to disconnect Ring Video Doorbells from Amazon cloud servers. Target models from 2021+ must run locally via Wi-Fi/PC connection while preserving all features. No hardware replacement allowed. Solution must complete in under 1 hour using cheap tools.
The challenge addresses Ring’s lack of local storage options. Users cannot prevent data transmission to Amazon servers currently. Motion detection, night vision, and all hardware must remain fully functional post-modification.
Hackers must submit firmware/software mods integrating with local servers or Home Assistant. Complete server cutoff required. Instructions must enable moderately technical users to replicate independently.
Deadline runs through December 31, 2031. Public donations fund the prize pot. Contributors receive refunds or redirect to FULU if unsolved. Email submissions to [email protected].
Ring’s privacy history drives urgency. 2024 FTC settlement cost $5.6M after employee video access violations. 55,000 accounts compromised by unpatched flaws. Recent “Search Party” backlash ended Flock partnership.
Bounty Requirements Table
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Models | 2021+ Ring doorbells |
| Connection | Local Wi-Fi/PC/server |
| Cloud | Zero Amazon server contact |
| Features | Full motion/night vision |
| Hardware | No replacement/modification |
| Tools | Cheap, readily available |
| Time | Under 1 hour execution |
| Instructions | Moderate technical skill |
| Integration | Home Assistant preferred |
Local control empowers privacy-focused users. Homeowners gain data sovereignty over security footage. No subscription dependency post-success.
Privacy Violations Timeline
- 2024: $5.6M FTC settlement for employee video access
- Unpatched flaws: 55K accounts compromised
- 2026: Search Party/Flock partnership terminated
- Current: Mandatory cloud storage only
Ring integration with Alexa ecosystem locks users into Amazon infrastructure. FULU bounty seeks open alternative preserving hardware value.
Technical scope demands sophisticated reverse engineering. Firmware extraction, server protocol analysis, and local emulation required. Wi-Fi stack modification likely necessary.
Expected Solution Components
- Firmware dump and analysis tools
- Cloud protocol reverse engineering
- Local video server emulation
- Motion detection passthrough
- Wi-Fi AP configuration
- Home Assistant plugin development
Moderately skilled users must replicate independently. Step-by-step guides with screenshots and scripts essential for validation.
Community hackers eye battery optimization next post-cloud bypass. Local processing reduces power draw significantly over cloud streaming.
FAQ
2021+ releases. Must preserve all original hardware features.
No. Readily available, low-cost tools only.
Under 1 hour for moderately technical users.
Donors receive refunds or redirect to FULU.
No local storage option. Mandatory Amazon cloud dependency.
Preferred but not mandatory for winning submission.
December 31, 2031 to [email protected].
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