Consumer Alert - Hikvision Warning
Washington: On Nov 28, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it had adopted new rules prohibiting communications equipment deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to national security from being authorized for importation or sale in the U.S. China-based companies like Dahua and Hikvision banned in the US.
Few security dealers and CCTV distributors are talking about the FCC ban on Hikvision. Why?
US distributors and security dealers are quietly blowing out their inventories of Hikvision equipment for a reason. However, the "incredible deals" on Hikvision cameras and equipment may come with a high price in the end. Security distributors and dealers are motivated to liquidate their inventory before the general public understands what the FCC ban means.
The FCC ban means no new electronic equipment produced by Hikvision USA will be granted an FCC license, making new equipment from Hikvision illegal to use in the United States. Current licensed equipment can still be sold until it is phased out of production, which causes a "Trap" for consumers.
An uninformed consumer is likely to jump on the unusually low prices. But hold up! Just how long do you expect to have support for Hikvision security cameras? Because the US is now a dead market for Hikvision, they will provide existing models until they are phased out of production. The normal migration of the electronic component industry will force the older models out of production within a year or two.
It means all those Hikvision security cameras installed across the country are now frozen in time. Maintenance of the systems is the only option. The risk with maintaining the system is guessing how long Hikvision can make a profit supporting the current systems. Once it is no longer profitable to support current systems, Hikvision will abandon the US customers.
Why are Hikvision Cameras Banned
There is one more concern consumers should consider: the reason Hikvision banned was—the NDAA Law. Hidden backdoors were found in the equipment, and a serious security breach was intentionally built into a foreign-manufactured product being sold into the USA security market. If this does not concern you, you do not understand the risks.
Advanced AI can literally track a library of faces and identify a person from one security camera location to another, even if the camera is not on the same system or in the same state. Hikvision has sold millions of these compromised cameras into the US market.
A network of compromised cameras matched with advanced AI can track a person's movement from the coffee shop to a hotel, to work, to home. The potential is a national surveillance system built by a foreign government and installed by an unknowing US consumer.
The possibility of tracking key political and military VIPs by a foreign government that has access to the compromised equipment is real; the technology is proven and reliable. Hence, Hikvision cameras are definitely banned for good.
Why NDAA Compliance Is Compulsory in the US
In the United States, NDAA compliance (National Defense Authorization Act compliance) has become compulsory because it ensures that surveillance and communication equipment used in government and critical infrastructure projects meet strict security and privacy standards. The main goal is to prevent companies from using technology that may pose a threat to national security through potential backdoors, data leaks, or unauthorized surveillance.
One of the best examples of this is Hikvision. Despite being one of the largest manufacturers of surveillance cameras globally, Hikvision is banned in the US for federal use because its equipment does not meet NDAA compliance. The US government has flagged concerns that Hikvision’s Chinese origin could make the systems vulnerable to misuse or espionage, which is unacceptable in sensitive environments like defense facilities, airports, or government offices.
NDAA compliance ensures that only secure and trusted technology providers are used in projects funded by the US government. For businesses and contractors, this is not just a regulation but a legal requirement; using non-compliant products can lead to disqualification from federal contracts, financial penalties, or even replacement of already-installed systems.
For private users, NDAA compliance may not be legally required, but it still serves as a mark of trust and reliability. Choosing compliant equipment means fewer risks of data privacy issues and more long-term security. In short, NDAA compliance isn’t just a formality; it’s about protecting national interests, ensuring data integrity, and safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Hikvision Replacement Options
We'll start with the good news. All the existing cabling and network structure of Hikvision can be used. PoE units are not compromised and can be used as well. Replacement cameras can use the same Cat5 or Cat6 cable you have in place. You simply replace the cameras and video recorder and download a new app onto your smart devices.
You have successfully migrated to a new secure NDAA-compliant system. This approach is recommended, but if your budget does not allow for complete replacement, you can migrate your system away from Hikvision over time.
Migrating your system over time is more complicated. First, replace the NVR (Network Video Recorder) with an NDAA-compliant unit that can support Hikvision cameras. Verify that the unit will support Hikvision security cameras. Just because two items are ONVIF compliant does not mean all the supporting features are compatible with each other.
Once the NVR is replaced, you can selectively replace the cameras as they fail over time. Because the compromised video chips were used in both cameras and NVRs, your system will still be compromised until the last Hikvision camera is replaced.
We are Hikvision Replacement Experts!
Both our ProVue Series and Cyber Secure Series are NDAA-compliant, affordable replacement options. If you would like specific advice on how to migrate your system away from Hikvision, give us a call or schedule a free consultation below. Our design experts have over 60 years of combined experience. Designing an effective security solution requires expertise. We have that expertise and can suggest cost-effective options to replace your Hikvision equipment.
About Hikvision
Hikvision has been around since 1989 and is one of China’s largest video surveillance companies. It was founded by a former employee of Motorola who wanted to provide affordable security systems to Chinese citizens. Hikvision has its headquarters in Beijing, China, but it operates in over 100 countries around the world. It offers products ranging from video surveillance systems to access control solutions, and everything in between. Today, Hikvision is one of the largest suppliers of CCTV cameras and security equipment in the world and one of only two manufacturers listed by name in the 2019 NDAA ban.
Why is Backstreet Surveillance the Best Alternative for Hikvision?
When it comes to finding a reliable alternative to Hikvision in the USA, Backstreet Surveillance stands out as one of the best choices. With the growing concerns around the use of Chinese-made surveillance equipment, especially the Hikvision security camera, many businesses and homeowners are looking for a trusted and future-proof solution. That’s exactly where Backstreet Surveillance delivers.
First, we are a US-based company, which means our products comply with all federal security standards and regulations. It gives buyers peace of mind that their surveillance system won’t suddenly become non-compliant or restricted in government-related projects. Second, the company offers professional-grade security systems designed for both residential and commercial use.
Our cameras provide high-definition clarity, reliable remote access, and advanced features like motion alerts and night vision without compromising on security or user data. Another strong point is our lifetime technical support and industry-leading warranties. Unlike many imported brands, Backstreet Surveillance focuses on long-term customer relationships by offering expert guidance, free design help, and post-installation support.
Finally, our systems are highly scalable and customizable, allowing users to start small and expand as needed. This feature makes them a perfect fit for businesses that expect growth and want a surveillance solution that grows with them. In short, Backstreet Surveillance combines compliance, performance, and reliability, making us the go-to alternative for anyone in the US who wants advanced surveillance without the risks associated with foreign-made brands.
FAQs
- Is Hikvision banned in US?
Yes, Hikvision cameras are restricted in the US for government use. The ban mainly applies to federal projects and agencies, not to personal or private use.
- Why are Hikvision cameras banned?
The US government raised concerns about national security and potential data privacy risks, suggesting that these cameras could be misused for surveillance.
- Where are Hikvision cameras made?
Hikvision is a Chinese company, and most of its cameras are manufactured in China. That’s a big reason why geopolitical and security concerns came into play.
- Can businesses or homeowners still buy Hikvision in the US?
Yes, many private businesses and homeowners still use Hikvision products. The ban doesn’t stop general consumers from purchasing them, but federal agencies can’t.
- Does the Hikvision ban affect existing cameras?
Not directly. If you already own a Hikvision system, it won’t suddenly stop working. However, some organizations might choose to replace them to avoid future compliance issues.
- Are there alternatives to Hikvision in the US?
Absolutely! Brands like Backstreet Surveillance meet US compliance standards.
