Can China Access My Security Cameras? Here's How to Prevent It

November 27, 2025 4 min read

Kan China meekijken op mijn camerasysteem? Zo voorkom je dat!

More and more IP cameras are being used to secure homes, commercial buildings and perimeters. That raises a question: can cameras from foreign brands, for example, be used to spy on you? And if so, what can you do to prevent it? In this article we explain how to secure your installation with a VLAN, local storage and the right brands, with a focus on established brands such as UniFi and Ajax Systems. We also explain why the Chinese brands Hikvision and Dahua can in fact be trustworthy, unlike the ultra-cheap cameras often sold at discount stores such as Action.

Why people worry that their cameras are being watched

Many budget IP cameras are purely cloud-based: your app connects to an external server, often located abroad. This can create the following risks:

Footage or metadata is stored on or leaked via external servers.
The manufacturer has access, or there is access from unknown external locations.
Default passwords or open services make the camera easy for third parties to access.

The bottom line: any camera connected to the internet without proper security is a potential risk. That applies to every brand. The difference lies in security, the ecosystem and the update policy.

Avoid ultra-cheap cameras – choose established brands

Why not cheap no-name cameras?

Budget cameras (e.g. from unknown OEMs) often have:
✘ No or rare firmware updates
✘ Weak encryption or unclear protocols
✘ Mandatory use of cloud servers, no local storage
✘ An unknown manufacturer with no transparency about security

Why choose brands such as UniFi and Ajax Systems?

✔ UniFi (by Ubiquiti) offers professional networking and camera systems with on-premises storage, self-managed control and a well-known ecosystem.
✔ Ajax Systems develops and manufactures security systems (alarm systems and cameras) in Europe, with a focus on quality, security and ease of use.
✔ Both brands offer firmware maintenance, clear documentation, local storage options and support for industry standards.

What about Hikvision and Dahua? Why are they trustworthy?

Some users assume that all Chinese brands are "suspicious". For Hikvision, Uniview and Dahua, that is too simplistic. A few points:

Hikvision and Dahua are among the world's largest suppliers of professional security and camera systems, used in data centres, stadiums, airports, transport and large enterprises.
They hold extensive certifications (e.g. ONVIF compatibility, ISO certifications, cybersecurity audits).
In a professional installation you can manage the firmware yourself, use local storage and disable the cloud connection if you wish.
Prices vary: entry-level models are inexpensive, but the professional models are genuinely enterprise-grade.

In summary: it's not so much about the country of origin, but about whether you configure the system properly, choose a brand that provides updates and keep control of the system yourself.

How to stop anyone from watching your cameras: practical steps

1. Local storage instead of the cloud

Use an NVR or NAS on which the cameras store footage locally.
Avoid cameras that only work through cloud platforms.
Preferably set up RTSP or ONVIF so your own application processes the footage.

2. Put cameras on their own network segment (VLAN)

Create a separate VLAN just for cameras/IoT devices.
Make sure the cameras have no access to the internet or other critical networks.
Example:

VLAN 10 – Cameras – no internet
VLAN 20 – NVR – limited internet, updates only
VLAN 100 – Users – access to NVR via secure connection

3. Camera placement

Don't point cameras at private areas such as bedrooms or bathrooms; that raises privacy issues.
Mount cameras at the front door, driveway, garden or warehouse – places where security makes sense.
Make sure the camera is visible (deterrent effect) but not vulnerable to tampering.

4. Securing the equipment

Change default passwords immediately.
Disable UPnP.
No port forwarding to cameras unless via VPN.
Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Keep firmware up to date.

5. Firewall and network rules

Block outbound traffic from cameras to the internet.
Only allow traffic from cameras to the NVR/NAS.
Monitor for suspicious outbound sessions.

Why UniFi/Ajax plus Hikvision/Dahua and a solid network architecture works

If you choose a strong brand (such as UniFi or Ajax Systems) and implement it as described above – local storage, VLAN, sensible placement – you get the following:

Control: you keep the footage under your own management.
Security: established brands receive regular updates and have a proven installed base.
Flexibility: you can expand later (extra cameras, outdoor detection, integration).
Peace of mind: you know who has access and you prevent unknown parties from watching.

Even if you use Hikvision or Dahua equipment, it's not inherently "dangerous" as long as you buy the right models (professional range) and install them properly. It only becomes risky when you blindly install a cheap cloud camera without any control.

Conclusion

Yes – in theory someone could watch your camera system. But with the right brands and network architecture, it's easy to prevent.

✅ Choose brands such as UniFi, Ajax Systems, Hikvision or Dahua over no-name cloud cameras.
✅ Use local storage and keep control yourself.
✅ Position cameras carefully.
✅ Use a separate VLAN and restrict internet access.
✅ Secure the installation (passwords, updates, firewall rules).