“Made in Vietnam” cameras erasing security concern

The security story is not new, but it is always hot, because the unsafe situation when using camera devices of unknown origin or 'made in China' cameras has helped users to be more awake and gradually switch to use made in Vietnam products.

And to help users get more information about the use of security cameras, the consequences of using unknown cameras, as well as choosing safe and secure monitoring solutions, Nguyen Viet Bang - Deputy General Director of VNPT Technology Company, would help for better understanding.

More and more leaks and distribution of sensitive images extracted from security cameras are causing concern to users. So what do you think is the cause?

Mr. Nguyen Viet Bang: Most of today's cameras are IP cameras with microprocessors and operating systems, capable of connecting to the internet, allowing remote access and operating independently as a computer.

Besides, the surveillance camera is also an IoT device, with the ability to connect to the server of the service provider to manage the device, warranty maintenance, upgrade firmware... when needed.

These are also the two main causes of image leakage from surveillance cameras: it may be from unknown software installed on the camera that actively sends information to the outside, and the other is through external access into the device through network security holes, or have the password leaked.

But there is still a third case, because common cameras often do not encode video signal streams, so when actively identifying the attack target, hackers can capture video streams on the transmission without accessing the camera, even if the camera has no security holes. Of course, at a higher level of attack, hackers often aim to targeted objects.

Also because the camera acts like a computer, when it is installed with malicious software (backdoor, trojan...), it will be "used" as a tool to attack network as well as scan/access other devices in the home via the local network (Wi-Fi, plug in).

In fact, in the world and in Vietnam, many large-scale cyber attacks have been carried out by simultaneously activating spyware installed on thousands of surveillance cameras.

How often does this problem occur with security cameras? And in your opinion, what methods should users take before this situation?

Mr. Nguyen Viet Bang: In the past, when security cameras were quite new devices, users often depended heavily on installations from the suppliers. Fortunately, the technology knowledge of users in general has been much improved, they are more knowledgeable, as well as able to search for reliable information sources themselves before installing the camera.

Recent trends show that users have begun to choose monitoring devices of reputable brands, 'Made in Vietnam' products are increasingly being accepted by consumers. And this is really a good opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to develop and expand the security camera market in particular and IoT products in general.

Is the IP camera product and smart home monitoring solution VNPT Technology's ONE Home launched in October last year to catch up with this trend, sir?

Mr. Nguyen Viet Bang: IP cameras are part of the Home Vision smart home monitoring solution, and a component of the ONE Home ecosystem that VNPT Technology is gradually completing and will soon introduce the full suite to the market.

With ONE Home, we hope to contribute to building a digital society through building digital families. The product is developed from the results of the state-level science and technology project KC.01 "Research, design and manufacture high-security camera systems" led by VNPT Technology, under the "Technology and IT product development for e-Government” research program, was completed and accepted in June 2020.

This is a 100% product designed by VNPT Technology in both hardware and software, manufactured at the Company's factory, with components from reputable suppliers in the world. We are confident that IP cameras and Home Vision will bring a safe and secure choice to users.

So what strengths does HOME Vision have to be able to confidently compete with other products, sir?

Mr. Nguyen Viet Bang: Along with experience in designing, researching and developing hardware and software, we have also carefully studied user needs and new consumer trends. VNPT Technology has also supplied to domestic and foreign markets over 10 million terminals, most of which are telecommunications network equipment with complexity, quality and reliability requirements. Thanks to the above advantages, we are confident that HOME Vision products can compete with similar products in the market.

Besides, in terms of device safety, the HOME Vision product is applied to inherit some anti-attack security features that have been successfully researched on the safety camera product under the topic KC.01.

Currently, we have been researching and developing AI (artificial intelligence) features/services that are processed right on the camera or based on edge/cloud computing, allowing family members identification, strangers and bad guys (for example in wanted records...), unauthorized access (climbing...), or monitoring children...

In addition, the Mobile App (for smartphones, tablets and already available on Android and iOS operating systems) is entirely developed by the Company. The cloud storage system, the warranty and technical support system, etc. are all operated on VNPT's cloud computing platform, allowing timely software updates on the device if there are any security issues/network attacks problems, or new AI service features. This is also a factor contributing to convincing customers about the safety, security and reliability of the product.

What is the price of HOME Vision and which segment does VNPT Technology target, sir?

Mr. Nguyen Viet Bang: Currently, HOME Vision products are provided to households, who need to use around 10 indoor cameras, in the same segment as popular civil surveillance cameras on the market. VNPT Technology also has a surveillance camera solution for businesses with the ability to manage from several hundred to thousands of cameras. In terms of cost, VNPT Technology currently produces 150,000-200,000 electronic devices every month, has a diversified, reliable, and stable supply chain of components with good input prices thanks to its large quantity, allowing the product to have a competitive price compared to other cameras in the same segment on the market.

Back to security issue, what advice do you have for users to avoid camera hacking and unnecessary risks?

Mr. Nguyen Viet Bang: Firstly, users should use cameras of clear origin, provided by reputable brands, capable of regularly updating firmware to patch security holes.

After installation, users need to set/change the access password; access the camera from trusted devices (personal phones, personal computers, etc.), and it is recommended to change the password periodically instead of using it forever.

With the home internet, it is necessary to configure the firewall on the modem/router to only open the ports that are used and block all the remaining ports, to limit the risk of the camera being hacked from the outside, as well as limit the ability the image is sent out in case the camera is installed with spyware.

Most IP cameras today allow storing video images on a memory card plugged into the camera, other storage devices on the local network (such as a hard drive on a computer or NAS), or stored in the cloud of the supplier. In the case of using cloud storage services, it is necessary to choose a reliable service provider.

Thank you and wish VNPT Technology to be more and more trusted by users.