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.
What is the NDAA and Why Compliance Matters
Before diving deeper into the risks, it’s important to understand what the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is — and why its requirements have become a critical part of selecting security technology.
The NDAA is an annual federal law that outlines national defense priorities and spending. Within this legislation, Section 889 specifically restricts the use of certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment produced by foreign-owned companies that pose potential national security threats. This includes not only fully assembled products, but also critical components, chipsets, and embedded technologies originating from banned entities.
In practical terms, this means that federal agencies — and organizations working with them — cannot use, purchase, or renew contracts involving equipment from prohibited manufacturers such as Dahua, Hikvision, Huawei, or companies using their chipsets. Even organizations outside the government sector increasingly choose NDAA-compliant systems to reduce cybersecurity risks and avoid future upgrade requirements as regulations continue to expand.
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.
Modern cybersecurity threats evolve rapidly, and surveillance devices are often targeted because they sit directly on your network. NDAA-compliant manufacturers prioritize secure firmware, encrypted communication protocols, and transparent supply chains, all of which reduce exposure to potential exploitation.
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 NDAA. This could lead to serious penalties, including fines, legal liability, or the need to replace your entire security system.
Even outside of the federal space, private organizations — including K-12 schools, universities, healthcare networks, transportation hubs, and commercial facilities — now increasingly require NDAA-compliant systems in RFQs (request for quote) and procurement policies. This ensures long-term compatibility with future regulations and reduces risk for stakeholders.
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.
Today, businesses are held accountable not only for performance but also for their technology sourcing practices. By selecting compliant solutions, you demonstrate your commitment to data protection, ethical standards, and responsible procurement.
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.
In addition, as federal and state regulations continue tightening, non-compliant systems may face future firmware restrictions or loss of software support — making them even more costly to maintain over time.
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.
Security breaches can also result in:
- Operational downtime
- Costly investigations
- Loss of customer confidence
- Mandatory public disclosure depending on industry regulations
NDAA-compliant systems offer stronger cybersecurity foundations to prevent these types of incidents.
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.
These actions highlight a global shift toward higher scrutiny of surveillance technologies and a more security-focused approach in both the public and private sectors.
Examples of NDAA-Compliant Security Brands
Several reputable manufacturers produce NDAA-compliant security cameras that offer performance, reliability, and higher cybersecurity assurance. Some well-known compliant brands include:
- Axis Communications: industry-leading IP cameras trusted by government and enterprise environments.
- Hanwha Vision: Comprehensive compliant camera lines with advanced analytics.
- Avigilon: High-performance systems built for secure, large-scale implementations.
- Speco Technologies & Turing AI: Reliable, NDAA-compliant solutions ideal for commercial and SMB needs.
Not all cameras from a single manufacturer are guaranteed compliant — checking model-level documentation is always best.
The Solution: Choose NDAA-Compliant Security Solutions
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.
Areas We Serve: Pennsylvania & New York
Higher Information Group proudly supports organizations across Pennsylvania and New York with secure, NDAA-compliant surveillance options.
Our regional areas include:
- Pennsylvania:
- Harrisburg, York, Lancaster, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Danville, Hershey, Mechanicsburg, Chambersburg, Carlisle, and surrounding communities.
- New York:
- Elmira, Birmingham, Ithaca, Corning, Horseheads, and nearby regions.
With offices in Harrisburg, PA, and Elmira, NY, our team provides system planning, installation, maintenance, and ongoing support for organizations that require secure and compliant surveillance systems.
FAQs
What is NDAA compliance?
NDAA compliance refers to meeting federal section 889 requirements that restrict the use of certain foreign-made video surveillance components tied to national security risks.
Are non-NDAA cameras illegal?
Not always — but they cannot be used in federal facilities or federally funded projects, and many states and private organizations are adopting similar restrictions.
Can my business upgrade only part of our current system?
Yes. Many organizations take a phased approach, replacing non-compliant hardware gradually while ensuring all new equipment meets DOJ, FCC, and NDAA requirements.
Are all Dahua and Hikvision systems non-compliant?
Nearly all are non-compliant due to the manufacturers themselves being banned, regardless of model or chipset.
What’s the benefit of choosing NDAA-compliant cameras even if my business is not federally funded?
Stronger cybersecurity, better long-term support, reduced breach risk, and future-proofing your investment as regulations continue to evolve.
How can I tell if my current security cameras are NDAA-compliant?
The easiest way is to check the manufacturer and model number against the NDAA restricted list. Compliance is determined not just by brand but also by the internal components used. If the camera or its chipset originates from a banned manufacturer (such as Dahua, Hikvision, or Huawei), it will not be compliant. Our team can perform a full audit of your existing system to verify compliance and recommend next steps.
What happens if I continue using non-NDAA-compliant cameras?
Even if your organization isn’t currently under federal oversight, continuing to use non-compliant equipment poses cybersecurity risks and may create future compatibility or regulatory issues. If your business expands, seeks federal contracts, updates insurance policies, or adopts new privacy protocols, you may be required to upgrade. Proactively switching to compliant systems helps avoid unexpected costs and ensures long-term security.
