Internet-connected camera users should pay attention to regulations of the Ministry of Public Security from July 1
(Dan Tri) - The Ministry of Public Security's new circular promulgating cybersecurity standards specifically for surveillance cameras with Internet connection will officially take effect from July 1.
On May 12, Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang signed Circular No. 48/2026/TT-BCA, accompanied by National Technical Regulation QCVN 11:2026/BCA, which is a national technical regulation on basic network security requirements for surveillance camera equipment using Internet protocol (IP cameras).
This is the first time Vietnam has issued cybersecurity standards specifically for IP cameras, considered an important step to improve the safety level for surveillance cameras connected to the Internet and enhance user data protection.
Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in surveillance cameras to spy on users and steal sensitive images (Illustration: VT).
The circular will officially take effect from July 1. Starting from this point, all types of surveillance cameras with Internet connection circulating in Vietnam must comply with strict requirements on network security.
One of the most notable requirements is the default password used on the camera. Previously, all types of cameras used the same default password from the manufacturer and this was the main reason why thousands of surveillance cameras in Vietnam were easily hacked.
The new standard requires each IP camera to use a separate and unique password, or requires users to set a new password immediately after installation and first use. Camera manufacturers must also apply authentication mechanisms that are resistant to automatic password scanning tools.
The new standards also require camera manufacturers to provide the ability to delete personal data directly on the device.
Previously, users often worried that sensitive images would still be saved on the company's memory or servers after canceling their accounts. Now, the standard requires cameras to have a mechanism that allows users to wipe personal data, privacy settings and related encryption keys.
This helps users feel completely secure when they want to liquidate the device or transfer usage rights to someone else.
The new standard forces camera manufacturers to be completely transparent about the sensor capabilities of their devices. Users will be provided with documents detailing what types of data the camera can collect: from images and sounds to more sensitive data such as fingerprints (biometrics) or geographical location.
In addition, manufacturers must have a mechanism for users to confirm consent or withdraw consent to the collection and processing of personal data at any time.
The new standard also stipulates that IP cameras must be able to allow users to store data on servers in Vietnam, helping to minimize the risk of data being transferred abroad.
From July 1, camera companies must also clearly announce the warranty support period and software updates for each product. When a software patch is available, the camera must automatically notify users to install it in the safest and most convenient way, avoiding the risk that hackers can exploit security holes to attack and steal images from the camera.
The standard also requires that the device must be able to self-restore normal operation and reconnect in a stable sequence after encountering power or transmission line problems. This helps users no longer have to struggle to reconfigure the camera every time there is a power outage or network connection problems.
QCVN 11:2026/BCA is applicable to all domestic and foreign organizations and individuals engaged in manufacturing, trading or importing IP cameras in the Vietnamese market.
With the introduction of this standard, users no longer have to become cybersecurity experts themselves to protect their families from the risk of sensitive images and content being leaked from surveillance cameras.
IP camera (Internet Protocol Camera) is a type of surveillance camera that can connect to the Internet and has its own IP address. Depending on the equipped function, IP cameras can record and transmit live images and sound or store information about the geographical location where the camera is installed.
The advantages of IP cameras are being able to view live images via the Internet anywhere, high resolution images, flexible data storage (can be stored directly on the device or stored on the manufacturer's server)...
However, the disadvantage of this type of surveillance camera is the risk of being hacked by hackers to peek at the content being monitored, loss of ability to operate when the network is weak...