At a recent Expo - I had joined a round table discussion with security companies. there were 10 security dealers at the table. i asked about Hikvision - 6 said they only Hikvision and 3 said they sell it but it is just one of they brands they sell. NOTE: they did tell me that they are primarily resi and small business sales companies.
This took place a few months ago.
I asked the group 3 questions and thought i would share their candid responses:
QUESTION: Are you worried about Hikvision security and possibility of being hacked?
RESPONSES:
no one seems to care and it is all just a bunch of hype because the chinese government owns the company.
Everyone thinks there is a conspiracy - "just because the Chinese Government owns the company.
Bottom line = Customers want good products that are inexpensive. Half the items in my house are made in China.
Hikvision cameras are great, great video, great quality and low price. PERIOD.
Even if you are not selling Hikvision - you are probably selling Hikvision. They make cameras for just about everyone.
QUESTION: We are in the "security" industry. Isn't it our job to stand up for customers and find the best security products for them? (is it right to be selling products that "seem" to have security issues)
RESPONSES:
"I have to eat" or "I have expensive toys" or "don't believe all the IPVM hype" or "why would they care? They bought cheap router and switches. They are more vulnerable than the cameras."
"if you are that worried - put it on it's own network and not on the customers LAN"
QUESTION:
Aren't you worried about liability from being sued? Do you carry Cyber-security insurance?
RESPONSE:
No. People sue everyone for no reason. I have very good T's&C's and why would they sue me, they would sue the manufacturer. cyber-security insurance is a joke.
Even if someone could prove the hack came from the camera, as long as I change the default password - how could I be held liable? Cyber-security insurance is a joke.
How could it be my fault they were hacked? It is not my fault, it is the manufacturer.
These small businesses have cheap routers and almost no security anyway. How could adding a camera make it any worse. They obviously want low price, not high security.
thought these were all very interesting. Thought I would share.
NOTICE: This comment has been moved to its own discussion: Hikvision Dealer Round Table - Here Is What They Had To Say