Cybersecurity rules for surveillance cameras should be proposed

On May 22, VietNamNet partnered with the Office of Information Security (AIS) to host a panel discussion on the surveillance camera market and product standards.

The discussion was attended by representatives of AIS and technology companies such as Viettel Telecom, VNPT Technology, Pavana, Hanet, Vconnex and Lumi, as well as reporters from 40 news outlets.

Thai Khang, VietnamNet journalist: : Could you describe the Vietnamese security camera market?

Nguyen Trung Kien, CEO of Pavan: The market’s revenues in 2023 amounted to $175 million. Home cameras accounted for 48% of revenue and 60% of volume. Most of the products sold were cheap, with a price of VND 200,000, less than VND 1 million.

According to Statista, in the global market, 70 percent of products are consumed by businesses and governments, and only 15 percent by households. In Vietnam, 50 percent of products are used for household surveillance. The situation in Vietnam is contrary to the global trend, which shows that the market segment for enterprises and government organizations is still in its infancy, and there are still many opportunities for manufacturers.

Nguyen Tuan Anh, president of Lumi Vietnam: Lumi has a very small market share. Our advantages are smarthome and synchronized solutions, but it is very difficult to deliver products separately, such as camera cloud.

Foreign-made cameras dominate the domestic market with a market share of 90 percent, so we need to think about how to win back this market.

Nguyen Dang Trien, Viettel Telecom: Viettel Telecom is a telecommunications operator, so our approach is to sell surveillance cameras to households along with FTTH (fiber to the home) and fixed broadband services.

The number of products sold with FTTH accounts for 90 percent of our sales. We have no intention of selling cameras separately. If we do this, sales prices will not be competitive enough.

VietnamNet: Could you tell us about the cybersecurity threats posed by surveillance cameras?

Vu Ngoc Son, CTO, NCS (VN National Cybersecurity Technology Corporation): In terms of cybersecurity, cameras can be compared to a special computer that can listen, see and think (if integrated with AI) and discover observed objects and space. Cameras never turn off, are rarely patched, and have few updates with patches and antivirus software. If they are attacked, they will not be protected.

While there are many standards and regulations for computers, there is no such thing for cameras.

In 2023, some hackers offered to sell the right to log into camera systems in Vietnam, including a system containing 100,000 cameras. To gain access to 15 cameras, customers had to pay a small amount, just VND 800,000.

Therefore, we proposed to the MIC that the ministry establish technical regulations for cameras and other devices to prevent information leaks.

VietnamNet: : MIC has established technical criteria to ensure the security of information used in surveillance cameras. Could you tell us whether the criteria address the issues that camera manufacturers have complained about?

Tran Dang Khoa, deputy head of AIS: We encountered difficulties when creating the criteria. No international agency or organization has issued information security standards specifically relating to surveillance cameras.

We referred to the ETSI EN 303 645 v2.1.1 (2020-06) standard of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute. However, these standards are not clear and detailed. That’s why we met with cybersecurity companies to discuss this issue.

The rule is that the criteria must correspond to Vietnamese conditions, focusing on three factors – technique, management and awareness.

VietnamNet: : What do you think about the criteria?

Vo Duc Tho, CEO of Hanet Technology: We believe it is appropriate for current conditions. Hanet himself may meet the criteria. The criteria are fair to all companies. Large foreign manufacturers also refer to the criteria for producing and distributing their products in Vietnam.

VietnamNet: Could you tell us about the competitiveness of Vietnamese cameras compared to foreign-made products?

Pavan: It is almost impossible to compete on price with foreign products. As far as I know, the Chinese government has put up barriers at certain times to protect domestic companies and facilitate their development. Only if technology companies cooperate with each other, the market size problem is solved, and the government provides support through policy, will Vietnam’s products be able to compete with foreign rivals.

Van Anh – Trong Dat – Vinh – Le Anh Dung – Du Lam