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Why You Should Avoid Non-NDAA Approved Security Cameras

By Higher Information Group on October 28, 2024 | Technology Solutions

Dahua and Hikvision are well-known security camera brands used by businesses worldwide. However, they come with significant risks, especially for organizations that need to comply with U.S. government standards. Here's why non-NDAA-approved cameras from Dahua and Hikvision may not be the best choice for your business and why you should consider NDAA-compliant alternatives.

While our company once sold and installed Hikvision systems, we stopped doing so some time ago. For customers who still have Hikvision systems installed, we now recommend replacing them with NDAA-compliant solutions to ensure protection and compliance with current regulations.

1. Security Vulnerabilities

Non-NDAA-approved cameras, like those from Dahua and Hikvision, have known security flaws that can make them vulnerable to hacking. Hackers may gain remote access to your camera feeds, potentially compromising sensitive information.

The main issue is that these cameras use certain high-risk silicon chipsets, which have been linked to cybersecurity issues and backdoor vulnerabilities. In contrast, NDAA-compliant cameras, such as those from Speco Technologies or Turing AI, are designed with stricter security measures in place.

2. Legal & Regulatory Compliance

If your business works with government contracts or projects or operates in government buildings, using non-NDAA-compliant security cameras could violate the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This could lead to serious penalties, including fines, legal liability, or the need to replace your entire security system.

Dahua and Hikvision products are not compliant with Section 889 of the 2019 NDAA, which bans the use of specific surveillance technology due to national security concerns. Businesses working on federal projects must ensure their security cameras are NDAA-approved.

3. Reputation Risk

Using non-NDAA-approved security systems can damage your business’s reputation, especially if you knowingly install or recommend these products. Customers, partners, and clients may be wary of working with a company that uses products flagged for security risks or human rights violations.

Both Dahua and Hikvision have faced allegations of human rights abuses, which led to U.S. sanctions in 2019. If you’re associated with these products, it could harm your business’s image, especially in industries where security and ethics are top priorities.

4. Costly Replacements

While Dahua and Hikvision cameras might seem like an affordable option, they may cost you more in the long run. Since these cameras are not compliant with U.S. government standards, you may eventually need to replace them to avoid legal or regulatory issues. This can result in higher costs compared to investing in compliant, high-quality systems from the start.

For our clients still using Hikvision systems, we highly recommend upgrading to NDAA-compliant solutions to avoid these potential issues.

5. Impact on Your Customers

If hackers gain access to your camera system, your customers’ privacy and security could be compromised. This could lead to identity theft, financial fraud, or other malicious activities. Your customers trust you to protect their personal information, and using non-compliant, insecure cameras puts that trust at risk.

U.S. Government Bans on Dahua & Hikvision

In recent years, the U.S. government has cracked down on Dahua and Hikvision due to security concerns:

  • NDAA Ban: Section 889 of the 2019 NDAA prohibits federal agencies from procuring or using Dahua and Hikvision equipment due to national security risks.
  • FCC Ban: In 2022, the FCC banned new equipment authorizations for Dahua and Hikvision products, making it illegal to import, sell, or use many of their products in the U.S.
  • State Bans: Some U.S. states have implemented their own restrictions on these brands, and additional bans are being introduced globally, making it increasingly difficult to verify where they are permitted.

The Solution: Choose NDAA-Compliant Security Systems

To avoid these risks, businesses should invest in NDAA-compliant security cameras and systems. These systems meet the highest standards for cybersecurity and legal compliance, ensuring the protection of their business, customers, and reputation.

NDAA-compliant solutions, like those from Speco Technologies or Turing AI, offer secure, reliable surveillance without the vulnerabilities associated with Dahua and Hikvision. By choosing compliant products, you invest in long-term peace of mind, compliance, and protection against potential risks.

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