If your business uses surveillance cameras, it’s time to take a closer look, literally and figuratively. You might be relying on technology that governments around the world are banning due to serious national security and human rights concerns.

Canada’s recent move to force Chinese surveillance giant Hikvision to shut down operations is the latest in a series of escalating actions. But this isn't a new story. The United States led the charge years ago, banning Hikvision from federal use in 2019. So why all the alarm bells?

Let’s zoom in and break it down in plain English.

Hikvision: Watching You While Watching For You?

Hikvision cameras have become synonymous with affordable, high-quality surveillance. But there's a catch: they’re partially owned by the Chinese government, and that opens the door to serious privacy concerns.

The core issue? Data may not stay in your hands. Security experts and government bodies fear these cameras could be quietly reporting back to Beijing, creating risks far beyond property protection.

In June 2025, Canada announced it would force Hikvision to cease all operations within its borders, citing:

• Ties to the Chinese state

• Exploitable software vulnerabilities

• Involvement in human rights abuses

This move aligns with the U.S., which began restricting Hikvision use as early as 2019, when it banned federal agencies from procuring or using their equipment. The ban has since expanded to cover critical infrastructure and public buildings in over 24 states.

A Pattern of Abuse and Exploitation

The U.S. Commerce Department flagged Hikvision back in 2019 for its role in mass surveillance in Xinjiang, where facial recognition was used to track and oppress the Uyghur population. This led to Hikvision’s placement on the Entity List, restricting its access to American technologies.

But the red flags didn’t stop there:

• In 2022, the FCC banned new Hikvision equipment approvals, citing national security threats.

• In 2024, hackers exploited vulnerabilities in Hikvision cameras, breaching U.S. networks and causing $50,000 in damages to a Texas company.

• In 2023, a botnet attack hijacked over 100,000 Hikvision cameras globally.

These incidents highlight the growing risk for not just governments, but also private businesses that rely on these devices for everyday security.

Why This Matters for Your Business

Still using Hikvision cameras to monitor your office, warehouse, or storefront? You could be facing:

• Regulatory non-compliance as bans expand

• Cybersecurity threats from exploitable firmware

• Supply chain disruptions if vendors drop support or parts

And let’s not forget the potential reputational risk of using technology linked to human rights violations.

At CyberStreams, our mission is to make sure your surveillance systems are watching out for you, not watching you.

What You Can Do Now: 3 Key Steps

We’ve put together three immediate actions your business can take to reduce risk:

1. Audit Your Surveillance Gear

Check if your cameras use Hikvision technology (even if rebranded). Replace them with NDAA-compliant alternatives like Cisco Meraki or Ubiquiti to stay secure and compliant.

2. Update Firmware Regularly

If you’re still using Hikvision or any camera system, ensure you're applying security patches regularly to close known vulnerabilities.

3. Implement Network Segmentation

Keep surveillance equipment on a separate VLAN to prevent a breach in one system from compromising your entire network.

Conclusion: Secure Today, Safe Tomorrow

Hikvision’s troubles aren’t just geopolitical; they’re practical, immediate, and increasingly costly for businesses of all sizes. With bans growing and vulnerabilities exposed, relying on this technology is like leaving your back door open in the middle of the night.

Taking proactive steps now, auditing your systems, patching regularly, and isolating vulnerable devices can save your business from headaches down the road.

At CyberStreams, we help businesses like yours find smarter, safer surveillance solutions that protect your assets and your data. Don't wait for a ban to force your hand; future-proof your security today.