Here at Systems Integrations, our commitment is to provide robust, secure, and reliable security solutions for businesses throughout the Delaware Valley and beyond. A critical part of that commitment involves staying ahead of industry changes and understanding the significant risks associated with certain equipment.
Recently, the security industry has seen a major development: LTS, a prominent US-based distributor, has announced it will be ending its OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) relationship with Hikvision. This is not an isolated event but the latest domino to fall in a long line of actions against specific manufacturers due to severe cybersecurity and national security concerns.
If your business currently uses or is considering equipment from brands like Hikvision, Dahua, or their OEMs (like many LTS products), this is a critical alert. It’s time to understand the risks.
The Core of the Problem: The NDAA Ban
The foundation for these industry shifts is the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), specifically Section 889. This federal law, passed to protect U.S. national security, explicitly bans the use of video surveillance and telecommunications equipment from several Chinese companies, most notably Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company and Dahua Technology Company.
Why were they banned?
State Ownership & Control: Both Hikvision and Dahua are partially owned and significantly influenced by the Chinese government. This creates an unacceptable risk of the equipment being used for state-sponsored surveillance and espionage.
Known Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: These products have a documented history of critical vulnerabilities, including hidden “backdoors” that could allow unauthorized third parties to access your video feeds and, potentially, your entire network.
Human Rights Concerns: The equipment has been linked to human rights abuses, further cementing the U.S. government’s decision to prohibit its use in federal facilities.
The ban prevents federal agencies and their contractors from using, procuring, or even having these devices anywhere on their premises.
The LTS Announcement: A Commercial Wake-Up Call
For years, many security integrators continued to install these products for commercial clients, often downplaying the risks associated with the NDAA as something that “only applies to the government.”
LTS’s decision to sever ties with Hikvision is a powerful market indicator that this is no longer a viable position. It signifies a broad recognition within the private sector that the cybersecurity and reputational risks associated with Hikvision and Dahua products are too great to ignore. When a major distributor moves away from its primary manufacturer due to these concerns, it signals that the era of looking the other way is over.
What Does This Mean for Your Business?
Using non-NDAA compliant equipment, even in a commercial setting, exposes your organization to significant risks:
Network Security: A compromised camera is not just a compromised video feed; it’s a potential gateway into your entire corporate network, exposing sensitive client data, financial information, and trade secrets.
Compliance & Liability: If you do any work with local, state, or federal government agencies, you could be found in breach of contract, leading to fines and disqualification from future work.
Future-Proofing: Support for these devices will inevitably decline. As distributors move away and vulnerabilities are discovered, you may be left with unsupported, insecure hardware that requires a costly “rip and replace” project down the line.
Reputation: In an age of data privacy, being known as a company that uses equipment with documented security flaws can damage your reputation with clients and partners.
The Secure Path Forward: Trust, Compliance, and Modern Solutions
The good news is that there are excellent, secure, and NDAA-compliant alternatives that offer superior performance and peace of mind. As a security integrator with over 25 years of experience, we have a responsibility to guide our clients toward solutions that protect their assets, people, and data.
That’s why we at Systems Integrations are proud partners with industry leaders like Rhombus. Their solutions are not only fully NDAA-compliant but are built from the ground up with cybersecurity as a core principle. Cloud-native platforms like Rhombus offer enhanced benefits, including:
- Simplified management from a single pane of glass
- Powerful AI and analytics to provide actionable insights
- Automatic firmware updates to protect against emerging threats
- Scalability that grows with your business
Your security system should be your shield, not a Trojan horse. The recent decision by LTS is a clear sign that the industry is taking the threats posed by Hikvision and Dahua seriously. It’s time for your business to do the same.
Is your business protected? Contact the experts at Systems Integrations today for a no-obligation security assessment to ensure your infrastructure is secure, compliant, and ready for the future.
Call us at (866) 417-3787 or visit systems-integrations.com to schedule your consultation.