Is Hikvision Safe? Can It Be Trusted? (UK Guide)

Hikvision is legal to buy and use in UK homes and businesses, and it's used in millions of installations worldwide. The UK government has removed it from sensitive government sites over security and ownership concerns - but that restriction does not apply to homes or ordinary businesses. As with any internet-connected camera, using it safely comes down to a few sensible steps.

The short answer

There is no ban on buying or using Hikvision for your home or business in the UK. In 2022 the government instructed departments to stop installing Chinese-made surveillance equipment (Hikvision and Dahua) at "sensitive sites" - buildings that hold secret material - and to remove it over time. That's a government-security decision about espionage risk at high-security sites; it isn't a consumer ban and doesn't make the cameras illegal to own.

Why the concerns exist

Three things drive the headlines: Hikvision is partly state-owned (it's the world's largest CCTV maker), it has had past security vulnerabilities - including a well-known 2017 flaw that's still exploited on cameras that were never updated - and in the US it falls under federal restrictions (NDAA Section 889 and an FCC rule on new equipment). These are real and worth knowing, which is why we explain how to use the kit securely below.

What it actually means for your home or business

The government's worry is foreign access to secret material at high-security sites - not the camera over your driveway. For a home or a shop, the practical question isn't politics, it's basic cyber-hygiene: the same advice applies to any connected camera, whatever the brand.

How to use any CCTV system safely

• Set a strong, unique password - never leave the default.
• Keep the firmware updated - updates fix the vulnerabilities the headlines talk about.
• Don't expose the recorder directly to the internet - avoid port-forwarding; use the manufacturer's secure app (P2P) or a VPN instead.
• Put cameras on their own network if you can, separate from your main devices.
• Buy from a UK supplier so you get UK-spec firmware, updates and support.

Bottom line

For most UK homes and businesses, Hikvision is a capable, widely used and good-value system that's perfectly legal to buy - the sensible approach is simply to secure it properly. If you'd rather avoid Chinese-made equipment entirely, see the best alternatives to Hikvision.

Browse Hikvision kits or its UK value brand HiLook.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hikvision banned in the UK?
No - it's only been removed from sensitive UK government sites. There is no ban on buying or using Hikvision in homes or ordinary businesses, and it remains legal to purchase.

Is Hikvision safe for home use?
Yes, for normal home and business use - the government's concerns relate to high-security government sites. Use a strong password, keep firmware updated and don't expose the recorder directly to the internet.

Can Hikvision cameras be hacked?
Like any internet-connected camera, an unsecured or out-of-date one can be vulnerable. Keeping firmware updated, using a strong password and not port-forwarding the recorder removes almost all of the risk.