There are a growing number of acronyms which are regularly used to describe the attributes of video surveillance products, especially with regard to cybersecurity, but one which may not be on the radar of European installers and integrators is NDAA. While it is a US-based initiative, it still is of importance in many other countries.
NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) includes an essential requirement which consultants, system designers and system integrators need to take into consideration when submitting tenders for projects involving clients who operate in the US. Section 889 of the Act prohibits federal agencies and their contractors, as well as grant or loan recipients, from procuring or using telecommunications and video surveillance equipment from a number of named companies. It applies to a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.
In simple terms, this means federal agencies are prevented from deploying cameras manufactured by any of the blacklisted companies.
While this might not seem to impact on other national markets, the reality is users may look to the regulations – and specifically the blacklisted companies – to identify trusted partners for future projects. Additionally, businesses with US-based headquarters may be advised by the parent company to avoid blacklisted manufacturers to ensure higher levels of security.
With its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in South Korea as well as in Vietnam, Hanwha Techwin has introduced a long list of products which are NDAA compliant and has been able to prove that none of the products include components manufactured by any of the blacklisted companies.
Although other Wisenet cameras are NDAA compliant, Hanwha Techwin’s Wisenet7 chipset has enhanced cybersecurity credentials and includes a host of features such as Secure Boot Verification, Secure OS and Secure JTAG. This has made it easy to verify that cameras equipped with Wisenet7 are able to comply with the Act by preventing hackers from accessing and tampering with firmware.
Additionally, Wisenet cameras equipped with the Wisenet7 chipset meet Secure by Default requirements, as well as UL CAP standards. End-users can be assured that in addition to NDAA compliance, the cameras will also help them comply with GDPR by ensuring confidential data cannot be accessed, copied or tampered with.
