Security cameras are designed to protect your business—but recent events show they can just as easily become a liability if not properly managed. Newly disclosed Hikvision LAN vulnerabilities serve as a clear reminder that modern IP cameras are computers on your network, and like any computer, they require ongoing security oversight.
When left unpatched or unmanaged, surveillance systems can expose organizations to cyber risk, operational disruption, and even physical security threats.
What Was Recently Discovered?
Security researchers have identified two high-severity vulnerabilities affecting certain Hikvision devices accessible on a local network. These issues are tracked as:
Both vulnerabilities stem from stack overflow flaws in device discovery and communication services. An attacker with access to the same local network could exploit these weaknesses without authentication, potentially disrupting device functionality or using the camera as an entry point into the broader network.
With CVSS scores of 8.8, these findings highlight how impactful a single unpatched surveillance device can be when connected to an organization’s infrastructure.
IP Cameras Are Computers — Whether We Treat Them That Way or Not
Today’s IP cameras run embedded operating systems, expose network services, communicate with internal systems, and often connect to cloud platforms. In practical terms, this means:
- They process and store data
- They communicate continuously across your network
- They require regular firmware and security updates
- They can be exploited like any other endpoint
Treating cameras as “install once and forget” hardware is one of the most common—and most dangerous—mistakes organizations make.
When Surveillance Becomes a Cybersecurity Risk
An unsecured or outdated camera can be leveraged to:
- Provide attackers a foothold inside your network
- Bypass traditional perimeter defenses
- Expose, alter, or disable video footage
- Mask or assist a physical intrusion
- Cause reputational damage if an incident becomes public
In many real-world breaches, attackers don’t start with servers—they start with the least monitored device on the network.
When governments decide a surveillance platform no longer meets their security standards, it’s worth asking whether that same platform aligns with your organization’s risk tolerance.
This isn’t about panic or politics. It’s about due diligence, governance, and peace of mind.
Updates, Segmentation, and Oversight Are Non-Negotiable
To ensure surveillance systems remain an asset—not a liability—organizations must:
- Apply firmware and security updates promptly
- Segment camera networks from critical business systems
- Disable unused services and default credentials
- Monitor and manage devices continuously
Security is not a one-time project. It’s an ongoing responsibility.
How VerCom Systems Secures Your Business—Not Just Your Cameras
At VerCom Systems, we recognize that physical security and cybersecurity are inseparable.
We help organizations design, deploy, and maintain surveillance systems that protect facilities and digital infrastructure.
Our Video Surveillance Equipment solutions are built with cybersecurity in mind, delivering modern, secure camera systems that integrate safely into your network environment.
Through our Managed IT Services, we provide proactive monitoring, patching, and protection for all network-connected devices—including IP cameras that are often overlooked but frequently targeted.
Our Services & Support team delivers ongoing expertise to ensure your systems remain secure as threats, vulnerabilities, and technologies continue to evolve.
If you’re unsure where your organization stands, our Network Protection Assessment helps determine whether your infrastructure is truly protected—or if gaps could leave you vulnerable to becoming the next headline.
Choose a Partner Who Protects Your Reputation
Your surveillance system should deliver confidence—not uncertainty.
If your cameras haven’t been reviewed from a cybersecurity perspective, now is the time. VerCom Systems partners with organizations to ensure their security investments strengthen—not weaken—their overall risk posture.
👉 Contact VerCom Systems today to review your surveillance and network security strategy.