Hikvision 2026 Cybersecurity White Paper: What It Means for Your CCTV

Hikvision has published its 2026 Cybersecurity White Paper, setting out how the company builds security into its cameras, recorders and cloud services, with new chapters on AI model security, data protection and open-source software. Released on 12 June 2026, it's a useful read for anyone who has to answer "is our CCTV secure?" Below we explain what's in it in plain English, and finish with a practical CCTV cyber security checklist you can use on any system.

Why CCTV cyber security matters

Modern CCTV is a network of computers. Every IP camera, NVR and intercom runs its own operating system, sits on your network and, very often, connects to the cloud for remote viewing. That's what makes viewing on your phone possible, and it's also why a badly set-up camera can be a way into a business network. Manufacturers, installers and owners all have a part to play, and this white paper covers the manufacturer's side.

The HSDMM framework

The core of the paper is the Hikvision Security Development Maturity Model (HSDMM), Hikvision's way of measuring and standardising security work across product development. It has three dimensions:

• Security governance: who is responsible, and how security decisions are made and checked.
• Security processes: how security is built into each stage, from design and coding to testing and release.
• Security technologies: the technical measures in the products themselves, such as encryption, authentication and secure boot.

The aim, Hikvision says, is to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of its devices. Put simply: keep footage private, stop it being tampered with, and keep the system recording.

What's new in the 2026 edition

• AI security. A new chapter covers how AI models are protected. That matters now that analytics such as AcuSense, DeepinView and Guanlan rely on AI running on the camera and recorder.
• Data protection. Updated guidance on classifying and grading data, with separate security requirements for edge devices (cameras and recorders) and cloud services.
• Open-source software governance. Rules for how open-source components are brought in, audited and released, because almost every device uses open-source code somewhere.
• Vulnerability management and incident response. How flaws are found, assessed, fixed and communicated, from detection through to mitigation.

Standards Hikvision aligns with

The paper notes that Hikvision holds several ISO/IEC certifications for product security and vulnerability handling, and aligns with ETSI EN 303 645, the European baseline for consumer IoT security, and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0. ETSI EN 303 645 is also closely tied to the UK's PSTI regime for connected consumer products. Separately, Hikvision's DeepinView camera series has gained EU EUCC certification.

What it means for installers and system owners

A white paper doesn't change how a camera works on its own. What it does is give you something to point to. If an IT manager, insurer or client asks how the equipment is developed and patched, the white paper sets out the manufacturer's process in one document. Pair that with a well-set-up installation and you have a much stronger answer.

CCTV cyber security checklist

Whatever brand you use, these steps make the biggest difference:

• Strong, unique passwords. Set a strong admin password when you activate each device. Don't reuse it anywhere else, and give staff their own user accounts with only the permissions they need.
• Keep firmware up to date. Update the cameras and recorder when security fixes are released. Our Hikvision firmware guide explains how to find the right file for your exact model.
• No port forwarding. Don't open camera or NVR ports on the router. Use Hik-Connect (see our Hik-Connect help) or a VPN for remote viewing.
• Separate the cameras. Put CCTV on its own VLAN or physical network, using a managed switch, so a problem on one network doesn't spread to the other.
• Turn off what you don't use. Disable services such as UPnP, Telnet or unused protocols on the recorder and cameras.
• Check the logs. Look at the recorder's log now and then for failed logins or unexpected changes.
• Record who has access. Keep a list of user accounts and remove leavers promptly.

For larger sites, consider cameras with independent security certification such as the Hikvision DeepinView range, and a recorder from our Hikvision NVR range on current firmware.

Our take

CCTV owners don't need to read every page of a cybersecurity white paper, but it's good that the paper exists and is updated each year. The new AI section is timely: cameras now do a lot of AI processing on the device, and that brings new risks to manage. Combine a manufacturer that publishes its security process with a careful installation and up-to-date firmware, and you've covered most of the real-world risk.

Need help locking down a Hikvision system? Our CCTV technical support team can talk you through it. Call 01902 902251.

Quick questions

Where can I read the white paper?
It's linked from Hikvision's announcement; see the source link below.

Is my Hikvision camera secure?
It depends heavily on how it's set up. Use a strong password, keep firmware up to date, avoid port forwarding and keep cameras on their own network.

What is HSDMM?
The Hikvision Security Development Maturity Model, its framework for building security into products through governance, processes and technology.

What's ETSI EN 303 645?
A European standard setting baseline security requirements for consumer internet-connected devices, such as no universal default passwords and a way to report vulnerabilities.

Source: Hikvision UK newsroom, 12 June 2026.