US using banned security cameras

Thousands of Chinese-made surveillance cameras remain in use at U.S. military installations and other government sites after purchases of those devices, having been banned by Congress in 2018, highlight hurdles in replacing costly national security equipment. More than 2,700 of the cameras are in operation across the federal government, according to Forescout, a security-technology firm that detects network equipment under contract with the government. The total numbers are likely higher. Congress prohibited federal agencies from buying equipment made by several Chinese firms, including Dahua Technology, a privately-owned Chinese surveillance-equipment maker. The legislation was driven by concerns that using the equipment on military bases, police departments and embassies posed security vulnerabilities. The legislation also directed agencies not to renew contracts involving use of these cameras, but doesn’t require removal of already-installed cameras. Security researchers have raised concerns about vulnerabilities in these Chinese cameras. A Maryland-based cybersecurity company found some Dahua cameras could allow intruders access to the video feeds. Dahua released updated firmware, but ReFirm’s co-founder Terry Dunlap said a different backdoor appeared in the new firmware version. (Source: Wall Street Journal 10/20/19) https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-government-still-uses-suspect-chinese-cameras-11571486400