When most people think of Amazon, they immediately picture an e-commerce giant — a one-stop shop for almost anything you could want. However, many don’t realize that Amazon has ventured far beyond online retail. In fact, Amazon does offer a security service, and the technology behind it might surprise you. With advancements in smart technology and cloud computing, Amazon has positioned itself as a key player in the home and enterprise security market.
Amazon’s Foray Into Security
Amazon’s journey into the world of security began with strategic investments and acquisitions. The most notable move was the acquisition of Ring in 2018, a smart-home company known for its video doorbells and surveillance systems. This jumpstarted Amazon’s presence in the home security space, enabling the company to enter millions of homes around the world.
Through Ring, Amazon now offers a variety of smart security products including:
- Video Doorbells
- Security Cameras (indoor and outdoor)
- Alarm systems with motion sensors
- Smart lighting for enhanced visibility
All of these devices are integrated into a central mobile app, offering users the ability to monitor, manage, and respond to events from anywhere.
Ring Protect: Amazon’s Subscription-Based Security Service
Beyond hardware, Amazon also offers a subscription-based service known as Ring Protect. This service enhances the functionality of Ring devices by offering features like video recording, sharing, and person detection. There are tiered plans available to suit different needs and budgets:
- Basic Plan: Stores video for a single device.
- Plus Plan: Covers multiple devices at one location and includes extended warranties.
- Pro Plan: Offers professional monitoring for Ring Alarm systems, including emergency dispatch support.
With the Pro Plan, Amazon has effectively stepped into the realm of monitored security systems — traditionally dominated by companies like ADT and Vivint. This gives homeowners peace of mind with 24/7 monitoring and quick response times during emergencies.
Amazon Sidewalk: Expanding the Security Ecosystem
A lesser-known but important innovation is Amazon Sidewalk. Launched in 2021, Sidewalk is a shared network designed to enhance the performance of Amazon devices by using a small portion of bandwidth from neighboring devices.
For security users, this means that Ring cameras or smart floodlights can continue to send alerts and data even if your home Wi-Fi goes down. It also helps locate lost items when paired with compatible devices like Tile trackers.
This seamless connectivity makes Amazon’s security ecosystem more reliable and robust, particularly in urban environments where device density is higher.
Alexa Guard: Your Voice-Activated Sentinel
Amazon has also leveraged Alexa to enhance home security through a feature called Alexa Guard. When activated, Alexa can listen for signs of trouble such as glass breaking or smoke alarms and send alerts to your mobile device.
Alexa Guard integrates naturally with Ring and third-party security systems, acting as an extra layer of protection when you’re not at home. A premium version, Alexa Guard Plus, also offers access to an emergency helpline and deters intruders by simulating human activity through random sounds.
Amazon in Enterprise Security
Amazon’s security efforts don’t stop at residential buildings. It also plays a major role in enterprise security through its cloud computing arm, Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS provides robust encryption and cybersecurity solutions for businesses ranging from startups to large enterprises.
Key security features offered by AWS include:
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Multi-factor Authentication
- Real-time Threat Detection using AI
- CloudTrail for activity logging and alerts
These tools offer scalability and flexibility, making AWS one of the most trusted platforms for secure data storage and cloud-based operations.
Final Thoughts
So, does Amazon have a security service? The answer is a resounding “yes” — and then some. With a combination of smart home products, subscription monitoring, cloud services, and even neighborhood networking, Amazon is not just dipping its toes but diving headfirst into the security industry.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to secure your property or a business needing data protection, Amazon has a suite of solutions tailored to your needs. As the company continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it’s clear that Amazon aims to make security smarter, more accessible, and deeply integrated into our daily lives.
