Industrial video cameras are critical for overseeing and safeguarding operations in industries such as manufacturing, food and beverage, and oil and gas. However, these cameras can be vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks. They can serve as entry points for hackers seeking to exploit network weaknesses, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data and operational controls. 

To tamp down potential cybersecurity breaches, the U.S. Department of Defense established provisions, outlined in Section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA),  that address the procurement of telecommunications and video surveillance equipment deemed a national security risk. Specifically, Section 889 prohibits federal agencies, contractors, and grant recipients from using certain Chinese-made telecommunication and video equipment, including some industrial network cameras.

In today’s blog, we’ll discuss why NDAA compliance is essential for your company, even if you’re not doing business with the federal government, how your organization can meet these requirements, and how Industrial Video & Control can assist you in this process.

What is NDAA compliance?

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a United States federal law that specifies the budget, expenditures, and policies of the U.S. Department of Defense. Within the NDAA, Section 889 has specific provisions that impact the procurement of telecommunications and video surveillance equipment. Essentially, NDAA compliance means that the industrial cameras you use must not be manufactured by, or contain critical components from, companies identified as security threats by the U.S. government. This includes well-known manufacturers such as Huawei, ZTE, Hikvision, and Dahua.

Why is NDAA compliance critical for companies like yours?

NDAA compliance has become a critical issue for companies due to several reasons:

  • National Security: The primary goal is to mitigate the risk of espionage and cyber-attacks by ensuring that critical infrastructure is not exploited through compromised hardware.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including the loss of government contracts, fines, and reputational damage.
  • Operational Integrity: Using NDAA-compliant equipment ensures that your operations are secure from potential threats, thus maintaining the integrity and reliability of your industrial processes.

What are the risks and consequences of non-compliance?

The potential risks and consequences of using non-NDAA-compliant industrial cameras are significant:

  • Security Breaches: Non-compliant cameras may have vulnerabilities that malicious actors can exploit, leading to data breaches and operational disruptions.
  • Legal and Financial Repercussions: Companies that violate NDAA requirements may face substantial fines and legal actions. Additionally, they may be disqualified from bidding on federal contracts.
  • Reputation Damage: Trust and credibility are paramount in any industry. Non-compliance can damage a company’s reputation, leading to a loss of business and client trust.

How to ensure NDAA compliance

By partnering with Industrial Video & Control, you ensure your video camera hardware meets NDAA requirements. To verify your current industrial camera suppliers are NDAA-compliant, you should:

  1. Verify Certifications: Look for specific certifications such as the NDAA compliance certification. 
  2. Supplier Audits: Conduct thorough audits of your suppliers to ensure they adhere to NDAA guidelines and do not source components from prohibited manufacturers.
  3. Detailed Documentation: Request detailed documentation and compliance reports from your suppliers to verify that all components and manufacturing processes meet the required standards.

What is the impact on security and operations?

NDAA compliance significantly enhances a company’s overall security and integrity. In sectors like manufacturing or logistics, where precision and reliability are critical, using compliant cameras ensures that your monitoring systems are robust and secure. For instance, IVC’s MZ-HD32-15 and PTZ-HD30-18 camera models not only meet NDAA standards but also provide high-definition video and advanced analytics, crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and security.

How do you transition to NDAA-compliant cameras?

You can start by contacting Industrial Video & Control, and we will guide you through the process. If your company currently uses non-compliant equipment, we will help you transition to NDAA-compliant industrial cameras through several steps:

  1. Assessment: We will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your existing camera systems to identify non-compliant equipment.
  2. Planning: Together we will develop a transition plan that includes timelines, budget considerations, and potential downtime.
  3. Procurement: IVC’s extensive camera line includes NDAA-compliant equipment from reputable suppliers. IVC offers a range of compliant options tailored to various industrial needs.
  4. Implementation: The next step is to install and integrate the new cameras into your existing systems. IVC will be with you along the way to provide any start-up commissioning as needed.
  5. Training: The IVC support Team will train your staff on the new equipment to ensure seamless operation and maintenance.

Conclusion

NDAA compliance is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your industrial operations. By understanding its importance, assessing your current equipment, and transitioning to solutions from Industrial Video & Control, you can protect your operations from potential threats.

For more information on NDAA-compliant industrial cameras, contact our team to discuss your specific needs.

 

Jarred Melendez is a senior channel sales director at Industrial Video and Control has been with the company since 2015. To get in touch with Jarred directly, email him at jmelendez@ivcco.com.