FIPS 140-2 Certified Camera: How Secure is it?

NGÀY ĐĂNG 18/09/2025

Admin

In today's digital world, where data can be stolen in a split second, the FIPS 140-2 security standard becomes a vital shield - especially for surveillance devices such as security cameras. But not all cameras are "certified" for security at this level? So how secure is a FIPS 140-2 camera, who needs it and in what environment?

What is FIPS 140-2? Why is it so important?

What is FIPS 140-2?

FIPS 140-2 stands for Federal Information Processing Standard Publication 140-2 - a standard issued by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This is a mandatory standard for information processing devices using cryptographic algorithms in IT systems of the US government and organizations requiring high levels of security.

Specifically, FIPS 140-2 applies to:

• Hardware and software devices that encrypt data (e.g. cameras, routers, storage devices, etc.)
• Ensure that data is protected both in transit and at rest
• Compliance requirements in industries such as:
  • Government and defense
  • Banking - finance
  • Healthcare
  • Critical infrastructure (seaports, airports, factories, etc.)

Security levels

FIPS 140-2 includes 4 security levels:

• Level 1: Basic protection, simple software encryption.
• Level 2: Adds physical tamper detection.
• Level 3: Strong protection against unauthorized access, device and user authentication.
• Level 4: Highest level - protection even in harsh environments.

Why is FIPS 140-2 so important in surveillance systems?

Prevent video & audio data leakage

• Encrypt all video content, metadata.
• Prevent hackers from unauthorized access to the camera system.

Protect the device from firmware attacks

• Cannot install fake firmware or spyware.

Meet legal & international requirements

• Many countries and organizations require FIPS 140-2 to be mandatory if handling sensitive data.
• Ensure compatibility with security standards such as NDAA, ISO/IEC 19790.

Build trust and credibility

• Businesses using FIPS certified devices demonstrate their commitment to protecting customers and data.

What is special about FIPS 140-2 cameras?

How is a FIPS 140-2 camera different from a regular camera?

FIPS 140-2 certified cameras are not just video surveillance devices – they are a comprehensive security solution designed to protect against cyber attacks, data leaks and unauthorized access.

End-to-end data encryption

• FIPS 140-2 cameras: All data (video, audio, metadata) is strictly encrypted during transmission and storage.
• Regular cameras: May not be encrypted, or only encrypted at a basic level – vulnerable to network attacks.

Firmware and hardware protection

• FIPS cameras: Have a mechanism to authenticate the original firmware, prevent unauthorized software updates or fake firmware.
• Regular cameras: Vulnerable to attacks if hackers change the firmware to insert malicious code, reverse tracking.

Anti-unauthorized access

• FIPS 140-2 Level 2 or higher: Requires strong authentication, automatically locks the device if an intrusion is detected.
• Regular cameras: Vulnerable to unauthorized access if passwords are leaked or there is no 2-factor authentication.

Comply with strict legal regulations

• FIPS cameras: Allowed for use in government organizations, defense, banks, hospitals, etc. in the US and many other countries.
• Regular cameras: Not qualified for use in high-security environments.

Automatically respond when detecting risks

• Some FIPS camera lines have the ability to automatically disable, or send warnings if they detect unusual access or physical intrusion.

Risks of using non-FIPS cameras

• Risk of image & audio data leakage
• Being attacked by fake firmware (firmware attack)
• Risk of remote control without detection
• Not meeting legal regulations & safety standards
• Loss of reputation & business impact due to information leakage, legal risks and remediation costs.

Practical applications of FIPS certified cameras

FIPS 140-2 certified cameras are not only an option for conventional surveillance systems - but also a mandatory priority solution in environments that require strict security and do not accept the risk of data leakage. Here are some outstanding practical applications:

Government, military, defense agencies

• Protect images, internal data from leakage or exploitation.

Required for use in surveillance systems at:

• Comply with FIPS 140-2 & NDAA requirements required by the United States and many other countries.

Government offices.

• Command control centers.
• Military command posts, special security bases.

Hospital systems & medical centers

• Securing patient information & sensitive areas such as: ICU rooms, laboratories, drug warehouses, data warehouses.
• Reduce the risk of video leaks related to personal and health information - one of the most sought-after data on the dark web.

Banks - financial data centers

• Protect ATM areas, transaction counters, data centers.
• Prevent unauthorized access, eavesdropping or sabotage of camera systems to steal financial data.
• Help banks comply with financial industry security regulations (PCI DSS, ISO 27001 ...).
• Critical infrastructure (seaports, airports, power plants, ...)
• Surveillance cameras near access/exit control areas, hazardous storage areas, or technical areas.
• Ensure images are not replaced, deleted, or tampered with from the outside.
• Absolutely limit the risk of industrial espionage or sabotage attacks.

High-tech factories & smart production lines

• Where there is operational data, exclusive products & technology, it needs to be protected.
• Cameras not only record, but also integrate AI, send data to the cloud - therefore, FIPS security standards ensure the entire process is safe.

Global enterprises, multinational corporations

FIPS-certified camera systems help:

• Meet international security standards.
• Synchronize systems across many countries with different security regulations.
• Increase prestige when working with international partners.

Some i-PRO cameras meet FIPS 140-2 standards

Suggested i-PRO camera models that meet FIPS 140-2 standards

• WV-S15700-V2LN: Bullet AI 5MP, IR, IP66/IP67, IK10, meets FIPS 140-2, suitable for outdoor environments, high security surveillance.
• WV-S15700-V2L: Supports FIPS 140-2 (Level 3), AI bullet 5MP.
• WV-S71300-F3: AI fisheye 4K super wide, supports FIPS, suitable for surveillance control centers.
• WV-S25700-V2LN: Dome AI 5MP, IR, meets FIPS 140-2, IK10, suitable for factories, hospitals.
• WV-S25700-V2L: Non-heater variant, easy to install indoors.
• WV-S15701LN: AI Bullet camera, built-in IR, IP66/IP67, FIPS 140-2, suitable for outdoor surveillance or hazardous areas.
• WV-S25701LN: AI Dome with similar security standards, suitable for sensitive areas.
• WV-S15500-V3LK/ WV-S15500-V3LN/ WV-S15500-V3L: With FIPS 140-2 (AI bullet 5MP – latest S series).
• WV-S15501-Z3L / WV-S15501-Z1L: AI PTZ, 5MP, supports FIPS when configured correctly – suitable for systems requiring high security.
• WV-S66600-Z3L / WV-S66600-Z3LN: 6MP high-end AI PTZ, IR, certified to meet FIPS 140-2 standards.
• WV-S25500-V3L: 5MP S-series AI Dome, supports security standards

Official i-PRO camera distributor in Vietnam

KPS - Official distributor of i-PRO in Vietnam, is proud to bring high-tech camera lines, meeting FIPS 140-2 security standards, NEMA 4X industrial standards, IP66/IK10 and integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI).

We provide comprehensive surveillance solutions for factories, seaports, buildings, critical infrastructure, ... with consulting, design, implementation and in-depth technical support services.

KPS not only provides equipment, but also owns a smart security ecosystem, all comprehensive solutions can be integrated with each other.

Contact KPS now for the most detailed advice and support.