Three Cybersecurity White Papers that Offer Insights to Boost Your Security System

May 27, 2022

Hikvision HikWire blog article Three Cybersecurity White Papers that Offer Insights to Boost Your Security System

Hikvision takes cybersecurity seriously, and we are dedicated to keeping you and your security systems safe by offering several white papers with insights to support cybersecurity. We provide free-to-download cybersecurity white papers on critical and trending topics including SBOMs, Zero Trust, and our approach to Cybersecurity to support dealers and partners. You can also find a link to current resources on our online Cybersecurity Center.

SBOMs: Securing the Software Supply Chain

Supply chain threats are considered a top attack vector as threat actors introduce malicious tools and programs. Attackers introduce these into vendor products and services which can take many forms that host a large network of retailers, distributors, and manufacturers. This presents new threats that can be applied at each level of the software development cycle, leaving it vulnerable to cyberattacks.

The SBOM white paper discusses how organizations enabled with Zero Trust makes technology safer throughout each segment when embedded with a Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs). When deployed and managed properly, SBOMs can provide a 360-degree view of an organization’s risk exposure to software supply chain threats and vulnerabilities. With new threat considerations for enterprises that render many previous approaches to cyber defense obsolete, SBOM is now considered by both cyber industry players and the federal government as a clear solution to the increasing software supply chain attacks.

Zero Trust: Securing the New Digital Era

The Internet of Things (IoT) continues to witness an exponential expansion of data and devices, with new connection speeds and the rise of automation from deep learning. All of this has simultaneously allowed cyber threats to rise on an unimaginable growth curve. Zero Trust is essential within the IoT industry to address cybersecurity concerns, and the Zero Trust white paper explains why Hikvision endorses these concepts.

As past, extensive cyberattacks continue to reverberate, they remind us of the substantial financial impact that can occur. This results in expanding cybersecurity concerns when it comes to the complexity of organizations and insatiable demand for real-time information, both at home, and at work. By identifying the organization’s critical and valuable information, Zero Trust can be an antidote to ever-changing cybersecurity threats. When thoughtfully implemented, it can prevent cyberattacks from occurring, and plays an essential role in safeguarding people, businesses, and devices.

Cybersecurity White Paper: Hikvision’s Current Practice on Cybersecurity Issues

As security technology has rapidly developed, it has also presented new cybersecurity challenges. As the physical security industry works to adopt more comprehensive cybersecurity measures, Hikvision aims to provide practical information to support it.

This is where Hikvision’s Cybersecurity white paper comes into play. Covering the company’s extensive controls, the report explains how Hikvision ensures quality throughout the entire product life cycle, including software development and product controls. Hikvision continues to conduct verifications and security tests at every research and development stage to scan for vulnerabilities and software bugs. And we have an open-door policy for security researchers to safely report vulnerabilities, and work with us to fix any cyberattacks that may occur.

Hikvision’s Dedicated to Keeping your Security Systems Safe

Here at Hikvision, we are dedicated to providing you with information about the best practices for configuring and managing your systems, various cybersecurity resources, the latest security notices, and more. This is why we continue to release white papers and other resources on the latest cybersecurity topics.

For more information, view the SBOM, Zero Trust, and Cybersecurity white papers on our website. Also, check out the Hikvision Cybersecurity Center for additional resources.

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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