Hikvision Network Cyber-Protect Initiative Helps Ensure Physical Cybersecurity Protection

February 22, 2022

Combines Technology, Education and Tools to Help Dealers Protect Networked Security Systems

 

 

City of Industry, Calif. (February 22, 2022) – Hikvision, a global leader in delivering high-performance professional security solutions with tremendous value, has launched a comprehensive cybersecurity support initiative called Network Cyber-Protect to help industry professionals and Hikvision dealers safeguard their physical security network infrastructure from malicious and costly cyber-attacks. A prevalent problem and growing challenge for security professionals across every vertical market is a threat to actors who have found that misconfigured or poorly secured IoT devices are vulnerable to hacks.

“While cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, as a manufacturer it is important to communicate succinctly with the people who use and install your products and software to help them maintain cyber-secure systems. Hikvision creates and disseminates content about Hikvision’s security devices as well as educational information to help people better secure their entire digital world,” said Hikvision’s Senior Director of Cybersecurity, Chuck Davis. Davis added that “the mission of the physical security industry is to make the world a safer place, and the goal of providing cybersecurity information is to better secure the world from digital threats.”

A new and improved online Cybersecurity Center has been launched to enable dealers, end-users, and partners to easily access the Hikvision Network Cyber-Protect resources, providing fast and convenient access to cybersecurity information, tools, and references. This center is a free and open resource available for anyone who wants to address cybersecurity. It does not require individuals’ login to access Hikvision resources to expand their digital and surveillance system cybersecurity knowledge.

The Hikvision Network Cyber-Protect initiative was developed by Hikvision’s internal cybersecurity specialists and is supported by partnerships with third-party experts to identify proactive measures to help safeguard against attacks. The new initiative is built on a combination of cybersecurity technologies, certifications, and tools, as well as education on best practices to help systems integrators and end users take a proactive stance against cyberattacks. Educational tools include access to a six-part cybersecurity course led by Hikvision’s cybersecurity experts which covers everything from product cybersecurity to vulnerabilities, and security in practice for physical security practitioners.

From a technology perspective, Hikvision surveillance and access control products comply to several stringent standards including:

  • ISO 27001, the internationally recognized information security management standard
  • ISO 9001:2008, the standard for quality management measured by customer satisfaction and compliance with regulatory requirements
  • CMMI Level 5, a process level improvement training and appraisal program developed at Carnegie Mellon University required by many U.S. Government contracts, especially in software development
  • American Institute of CPAs’ System and Organization Controls for network security audit which attests to the trustworthiness of services provided to assess the risks associated with outsourced software solutions that store customer data online
  • FIPS 140-2 Level 1 Certification for use in IP cameras and DVRs

The Hikvision Network Cyber-Protect initiative has earmarked a series of ongoing activities to support the company’s physical cybersecurity support initiatives. These activities include network penetration testing by leading cybersecurity experts; partnerships with third parties such as Rapid7 for penetration testing to assess, evaluate and identify security weaknesses by simulating real-world attacks on an organization’s people, processes, and technology; a new physical cybersecurity series of webinars for end-users and systems integrators/installers; collateral material including white papers, technical bulletins, tip sheets, FAQs and reference guides; and more.

“Our customers, partners and reputation as respected and valued providers of high performance, high-value surveillance and security solutions are amongst our most valued assets. Hikvision’s Network Cyber-Protect is one of several initiatives we will be launching in 2022 to further demonstrate and maintain trustworthiness with our growing base of users and security professionals across the industry,” said John Xiao, Vice President Marketing, Hikvision USA.

Xiao added that Hikvision has historically been recognized by the professional security community and media for addressing vulnerabilities quickly and providing cybersecurity protections to help safeguard mission critical surveillance and security systems, and the network infrastructure where they reside.

To explore resources, visit the :  new Cybersecurity Center on the Hikvision website

 

About Hikvision
Hikvision is a world leading manufacturer and supplier of security products and solutions. Featuring an extensive and highly skilled R&D workforce, Hikvision manufactures a full suite of comprehensive products and solutions for a broad range of vertical markets. In addition to security, Hikvision extends its reach to smart home tech, industrial automation, and automotive electronics industries. Hikvision solutions provide powerful business intelligence for end users, which can enable more efficient operations and greater commercial success. Hikvision encourages partners to take advantage of its many cybersecurity resources, such as the Hikvision Cybersecurity Center. For more information, please visit us at www.hikvision.com.

IMPORTANT! This model requires non-standard firmware. Do Not Install standard firmware (e.g. v.4.1.xx) on this model. Doing so will permanently damage your system. You must use custom firmware v.4.1.25 from the iDS-9632NXI-I8/16S product page.

View the most updated version of this document here:

https://techsupportca.freshdesk.com/en/support/solutions/articles/17000113531-i-series-nvr-firmware-upgrade-instructions

 

The I-series NVR (such as the DS-7716NI-I4) is one of Hikvision's most popular and feature-rich recorders. As such, many firmware revisions have been introduced over the years to continually ensure the product is compatible with the newest technology available. Due to the many revisions, we recommend that the user closely follows the instructions below in order to reduce the amount of time spent as well as the chance of failure.

 

Database Optimization and Repair

As more affordable IP cameras are introduced over time with greater video resolution and data sizes, more efficient database management also becomes necessary. The introduction of firmware v4.0 brought about a new database architecture in order to be futureproof.

 

After upgrading to v4.X, the recorder database will need to be converted and optimized. If you are experiencing issues where playback is expected but not found, make sure "Database Repair" is performed as indicated in the procedures and scenarios below.

 

Preparing the Upgrade

Before proceeding with upgrade, it is recommended that NVR configuration file is exported from the NVR over the network or on to a local USB drive.

 

Upgrading from v3.4.92 build 170518 or Older

  1. All recorders must reach v3.4.92 before proceeding further. Upgrading from versions before v3.4.92 directly to any version of v4.X will likely cause the recorder to fail.
  2. If the recorder is already at v3.4.92, a full factory default is highly recommended before upgrading to any version of v4.X. There is a high chance of unit failure (requiring RMA) if the unit is not defaulted before upgrade.
  3. After reaching v3.4.92 and performing a full factory default, an upgrade directly to v4.50.00 is acceptable.
  4. After the upgrade is completed and the recorder is reprogrammed, it may be beneficial to perform a Database Repair. For details, refer to the section "Database Optimization and Repair" above.
  5. To verify repair progress, you may refer to the HDD status, or search the recorder log for repair started and stopped entries. Note that while the HDD is repairing, new recordings are still being made, but some existing recordings may not be searchable until repair is complete.
  6. If you continue to observe playback issues after database repair, ensure there are no power, network, or motion detection issues. Should the problem persist, contact technical support.

 

Upgrading from Any v4.X Build to v4.50.00.

  1. Any v4.X build can be upgraded directly to v4.50.00.
  2. Export configuration is highly recommended before performing the upgrade.
  3. If upgrading from any v4.X version that was not v4.22.005, a Database Repair is recommended. Refer to Step 4 and onwards in the previous section.

 

Downgrading

Downgrading is not recommended. Due to new features and parameters constantly being added, downgrading may cause the NVR to factory default itself or require a manual default to operate properly.

View the most updated version of this document here:
K-Series DVR upgrade instruction
The Turbo 4 Hybrid DVR K series has multiple models and across different platform and chipset. It also has similar firmware development of other recording product line; DVR K series has also introduced the GUI4.0 to ensure the series to be compatible to the newest technology available. The new database architecture is also brought into the DVR firmware v4.0 to be future proof and for better recording search experience. 
 


Database Optimization and Repair

As more affordable cameras introduced over time with greater video resolution and data sizes, more efficient database management also becomes necessary. The introduction of firmware v4.0 brought about a new database architecture in order to be futureproof.
After upgrading to v4.X, the recorder database will need to be converted and optimize. If you are experiencing issues, where playback is expected but not found, please make sure to perform "Database Rebuild" as indicated in the procedures and scenarios below.
 


Preparing the Upgrade

Before proceeding with upgrade, it is recommend exporting DVR configuration file from the DVR over the network or on to a local USB drive.

 

Action after firmware upgraded 

1. Upgrade the DVR according to the chart above. 

2. Reconfirming Channel's Recording Schedule 

    - Confirm channel's recording schedule is enable. 

    - Check if the channel is on correct recording schedule.

3. Double Check Storage Setting

    - Make sure all channel are assigned to record on its HDD group when the Storage setting is under Group Mode. 

4. Perform Database Rebuild locally. 

    • Some version above support Database Rebuild via web access - K51 and K72

    • Perform Database Rebuild regardless if system is having any database issue symptom. 

    • Database Rebuild process is average ~30 to 60min per TB. The process may still varies depends recording data.

    • After Database Rebuild - Check log to confirm Database Rebuild has went thru properly. 

    • If Database Rebuild Started and Stopped log has been log only within few minutes. Database rebuild may not has been completed properly. It is strongly recommend performing the Database Rebuild again.

    • To check log > System > Log > Information > Database Rebuild Started and Stopped.

    • If the log option is not available - access system via SSH can also obtain similar result.

5. Recording Data is still missing after database rebuild process. 

If the data has not been recorded or has been overwritten, Database rebuild process is not able retrieve those lost data. Have the system upgraded to the latest available firmware version above to prevent any future data lost is strongly recommended for all application.

 

 

 

 

In light of the global semiconductor shortage, Hikvision has made some hardware changes to the DS-76xxNI-Q1(2)/P NVRs, also known as “Q series.”

 

These changes do not have any effect on the performance, specifications, or the user interface of the NVRs. For the ease of reference, these modified units are known as “C-Version” units. This is clearly indicated on the NVR label and on the box by the serial number.

 

The only difference between the “C-Version” and “non-C-Version” is the firmware. The firmware is not interchangeable:

 

  • The C-Version NVRs must use firmware version v4.31.102 or higher.
  • The non-C-Version (Q series) NVRs must use firmware version v4.30.085 or older.

 

Please do not be alarmed if a “Firmware Mismatch” message pops up on the screen during the firmware upgrade. This simply means that the firmware does not match the NVR’s hardware. Simply download the correct firmware and the upgrade will go through without any issue.

In light of the global semiconductor shortage, Hikvision has made some hardware changes to the Value Express Series NVRs

These changes do not have any effect on the performance and specification of the recorders. For ease of reference, these modified units are known as “C-Version” units. This is clearly indicated on the NVR label and on the box by the serial number.

The only difference between the “C-Version” and “non-C-Version” is the firmware. The firmware is not interchangeable:

  • The C-Version NVRs must use firmware version v4.30.216 or higher.
  • The non-C-Version (Q series) NVRs must use firmware version v3.4.104 or older.

Please do not be alarmed if a “Firmware Mismatch” message pops up on the screen during the firmware upgrade. This simply means that the firmware does not match the NVR’s hardware. Simply download the correct firmware and the upgrade will go through without any issue.

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