Varifocal Lens Security Camera

Varifocal Lens Security Camera: What it is and How to Choose One 

A varifocal lens is a motorized camera lens with the ability to adjust its focal length and its focus–to zoom in and out. This is a fixed lens camera, which has no ability to zoom. This has obvious applications in CCTV security cameras, since it allows the camera to achieve high-resolution, zoomed-in, auto focused images of faces, license plates, and other relevant data caught on security footage.

Varifocal Lens vs. Fixed Lens

Varifocal lenses work so well in surveillance CCTV cameras because they can survey both a fairly large and a fairly small field of view–and thanks to their ability to autofocus, the distortion and blur that can occur in CCTV footage is minimized or eliminated.

A fixed lens is more limited since it’s essentially frozen in one lens position covering one field of view. Some fixed-lens cameras capture video with a high enough resolution that magnifying the footage after the fact still provides pretty good visual definition, but not all of them. Still, fixed-lens cameras are appropriate in certain CCTV applications where the field of view doesn’t need to be especially large or especially small–for example, mounted over a door or in an elevator.

Varifocal Security Camera Advantages

Varifocal lens cameras are appropriate for a wider range of locations than a fixed-lens.

They effectively monitor open outdoor areas like parking lots, parking garages, and courtyards, plus open indoor areas like warehouses and lobbies, but are also useful in hallways and public areas.

They are especially good in situations where shrinkage and theft are problems, since they can provide close-up HD video of the hands, pockets, bags, and faces of suspects.

A varifocal lens can be configured to automatically zoom in on things in response to movement, or it can be remotely done by a security system operator or monitor. This makes it an especially useful feature for cloud-based CCTV systems that prioritize remote monitoring.

There are also advanced varifocal lens cameras that can not only zoom in and out, but also swivel horizontally and vertically. This is ideal for a remote monitoring situation where multiple angles need to be covered, but there is only enough power, room, or budget for one camera.

How to Choose a Varifocal Lens Camera

Which camera you choose will be based on the field of view that you need to cover, and how detailed you want your zoomed-in images to be. Varifocal lens cameras are more expensive than fixed lens, and there is price variation within the different types of varifocal lens.

Varifocal lens cameras come in different aperture ranges:

• 2.8-12mm lens 
• 3.5-8mm lens 
• 6-60mm lens
• 5-100mm lens

“Aperture” is a word that describes the size of the opening in the lens that light comes through. Higher numbers represent smaller openings, and lower numbers represent larger openings. It’s important to choose a varifocal lens with an aperture range that is suited for the setting you need it for, with the right balance between depth of field and detail.

With varifocal lenses, a higher number and smaller aperture is generally preferred for large-scale and outdoor settings, since this allows the greatest depth of field–meaning that very little in the shot is blurry and out of focus. This is the type of varifocal lens that has the most utility in parking lots, above entrances and exits, and in large indoor spaces such as warehouses or large office spaces where a wide scope is necessary.

However, lower numbers and larger apertures are capable of capturing more detail, even though they have a more limited depth of field and greater blurriness outside the area of focus. This is very useful in indoor settings such as offices, lobbies, and retail stores where it is important to catch close-up details of faces, registers, and computer screens, but not as important to have a wide field of view.

Varifocal Optical Zoom vs. Digital Zoom

Even fixed lens cameras these days are usually equipped with a digital zoom. Is it still worth investing in a varifocal lens?

Yes it is! Digital zoom works by enlarging individual pixels, which basically creates blur. You’ve experienced this if you’ve ever tried to use your phone or computer to zoom in on a low-resolution picture. This is especially problematic in situations where you might be trying to read a license plate or get a good look at a person’s face.

Varifocal optical zoom, on the other hand, with its physically extending and retracting lens, actually records more pixels as it zooms in. This maintains the detail and definition of the image even when at maximum zoom.

When to Use a Varifocal Lens Camera

These cameras are a great security solution in a number of settings but especially these:

·        When there is no good place to mount a camera close to the area you need to survey. A varifocal lens can make up the difference in proximity by using a calibrated aperture and field of vision. This could be a long driveway, a large parking lot, or a distant entrance.

·        When you need to clearly make out fine details. This could include cashier stations, ATMs, main doors, and parking lot ingress and egress.

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Ways to Secure Data Centres

Data Centre Security- 11 Ways To Secure Data Centres 

In today’s world the most valuable assets is data. Together with the data centres that hold and process it, they underpin almost all facets of modern life. This makes data centres an attractive target for threat actors, due to the large and diverse amount of information that supports our national infrastructure and businesses.

The term data centre security conjures images of lines of code, hackers and firewalls. However, there is a huge requirement for physical security within a data centre too.

Data centres are used to house computer systems. They often include backup data, core data, replicated data and on the whole, are huge part of an organisation’s Disaster Recovery Strategy.

In a world where technology impacts many industries, data centres are crucial for businesses and therefore data centres security is a hot topic. Not only should data be protected from potential cyber-attacks, the physical building should be secure.

The security and resilience of your data and the infrastructure beneath it are therefore critical. High-profile data breaches and disruption to services are frequently reported, with each incident, causing operators and data owners potentially huge financial losses in regulatory fines, loss of sensitive IP, downtime, post-incident recovery, security improvements, and perhaps most valuably of all, reputation.

Cyber intrusion methodology evolves constantly, and sophisticated attackers have a strong incentive to defeat the defences you put in place. It should be assumed that at some point your defences will be breached and therefore it is also important to be able to respond proactively by detecting attacks and having measures in place to minimise the impact of any cyber security incidents.

Cyber security focuses on the prevention of data theft or destruction by malicious attacks; however, this is not enough to ensure your data centre remains safe. The building also has to be protected from physical attacks.

Here, we discuss 11 ways you can physically secure data centres.

1. Use Crash Barriers

Stop unauthorised vehicle entry with the installation of road blockers. These have been designed specifically to prevent the threat of potential intruders or terrorist attacks in high-security areas. Varying in height, these road blockers will restrict the entry of vehicles.

2. Use Bollards

Avoid anything impacting and colliding into the building by installing bollards. Install permanent bollards around the building entrances. Alternatively, you could install adjustable bollards that can be lowered to allow access to authorized vehicles.

3. Limit Entry Points

Where possible, try and limit the possible entry points to only one door. If you require additional fire doors, ensure these extra doors are exit only. Limit exterior door handles to prevent any re-entry.

4. Use Security Cameras

Surveillance cameras should be installed throughout the perimeter of the data centre. Consider installing adequate CCTV signage as this can be a physical deterrent.

5. Hire On-Site Security

Threats can happen at any time. You may consider an additional layer of physical security by hiring on-site staff. Having someone monitoring the site acts as a strong deterrent to intruders and can raise the alarm if they spot any potential issues.

6. Build The Data Centre In The Best Location

Plan the best location for your data centre. If possible, choose a location away from the company’s head office or headquarters.

Ensure the data centre is set back from the main road. Consider using landscaping to help form additional protection as trees can help obscure the building from passers-by. Avoid building data centres in locations that are prone to natural disasters such as in a flood area or an area prone to earthquakes or fires.

7. Plan The Data Centre Carefully

When you design a data centre, avoid unnecessary windows. Build walls that are extremely thick as they work an effective barrier as well as improving thermal insulation.

8. Embrace Biometric Technology

Biometric technology is increasingly popular and is now part of our every day lives. Install biometric identification systems in the building to control access. This is often a fingerprint recognition device. In addition to biometric technology, ensure multi-factor authentication is in place. This method utilises two or more authentication methods. For example, someone may use their fingerprint but will still need to type in a pin code or show an access card.

9. Install Perimeter fencing

Data Centres have access to unprecedented levels of data. It is important to protect data from digital hackers, but the data also needs to be protected in the physical sense. Therefore, security-rated fencing is of the utmost importance for these buildings and keeping data secure. As a physical security breach has the potential risk just like a digital attack would.

Perimeter security is also vital. Have strong fencing around your entire site. Ensure the gates and barriers are placed where surveillance equipment, a guard, or preferably both are in place.

This is why, at SSA INTEGRATE, we understand how vital data centre fencing is in the wider security strategy of sites. The ultimate goal is to detect potential threats early on and then allow enough time to intercept a risk or threat.

10. Use Access Control Equipment

Data centres should adopt a Zero Trust Network. This means that no one is trusted until they can prove who they are. Access control equipment is an important element of implementing this.

While it may seem simple, access lists should also be provided to ensure that only approved individuals can access data centre. Ensure these lists are kept up to date and are stored securely.

11. Install a Sophisticated Alarm System

Alarm systems are costly. However, these costs are outweighed by the potential benefits. Some systems are linked to local police stations or security companies. Others are silent, but trigger alerts to key staff. Whatever the system you choose, it will bring peace of mind.

People value physical security. They trust places that are secure when they can actually see forms of security such as gates, barriers and alarm systems.

Many companies may forget about the physical form of security when it comes to data centres as they are concentrating on the risk of cyber threats. Although cybersecurity is vital and needs to be as sophisticated as possible, teaming this up with physical security can ensure your data centre is as secure as it can be.

As data centres evolve in the future, the need for physical measures will remain vital. However, physical security measures may also evolve. Having a multi-layer approach that considers both physical and cyber elements will ensure the best protection.

Will Lora replace 4G LTE in IoT

Will Lora replace 4G LTE in IoT 

LoRa (Long Range) and 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) are both used in the Internet of Things (IoT) space, but they cater to different requirements and use cases. Whether LoRa will replace 4G LTE in IoT depends on the specific needs of the IoT application. Here are some key considerations:

Range and Power Consumption:

LoRa: LoRa is known for its long-range capabilities and low power consumption. It is suitable for applications where devices are spread out over a wide area and need to communicate over long distances with minimal power usage.

4G LTE: LTE is designed for higher data rates and is well-suited for applications that require faster communication speeds. However, LTE may consume more power compared to LoRa.

Data Rate:

LoRa: Offers relatively low data rates suitable for applications with sporadic and small data transmission requirements, such as sensor readings and status updates.

4G LTE: Provides higher data rates, making it suitable for applications with more frequent and data-intensive communication needs.

Infrastructure and Cost:

LoRa: Typically has a lower infrastructure cost, making it a cost-effective choice for large-scale deployments where devices are spread out over a wide area.

4G LTE: Requires more extensive infrastructure and may involve higher costs, but it offers faster and more reliable connectivity.

Application Requirements:

LoRa: Commonly used in scenarios like agriculture, smart cities, and industrial IoT where long-range communication and low power consumption are critical.

4G LTE: Preferred for applications requiring higher bandwidth, mobility support, and faster data transfer, such as connected vehicles or video surveillance.

Conclusions

In many cases, these technologies can complement each other within an IoT ecosystem. Hybrid solutions that leverage both LoRa for low-power, long-range communication and 4G LTE for higher bandwidth and mobility are not uncommon.

Ultimately, the choice between LoRa and 4G LTE in IoT depends on the specific needs and priorities of the application, including factors such as range, data rate, power consumption, and cost.

The following is a list of top 10 countries/territories by 4G LTE coverage as measured by OpenSignal.com in February/March 2019:

The LoRa Alliance is an open, non-profit association whose stated mission is to support and promote the global adoption of the LoRaWAN standard for massively scaled IoT deployments, as well as deployments in remote or hard-to-reach locations.

How to Splice Security Camera Wires

How to Splice Security Camera Wires

Splicing cables or wires is the act of combining two wires together, and it’s an indispensable skill for someone who owns or manages properties that use security cameras. You might need to do this to repair wires, lengthen wires, or combine two different wires together. 

There are two main types of security camera wires: ethernet cables and RG59 cables. Even an amateur can learn how to splice either type, and the process is relatively simple once you get some practice under your belt. 

Here, we’ll show you how to splice both ethernet and RG59 cables.

Can I Splice Security Camera Wires? 

By following simple instructions and tutorials, most people can splice security camera wires themselves. You’ll need some simple tools, such as wire cutters, wire strippers, electrical tape, and heat shrink tubing. Depending on how your wires are set up, you might also be able to splice wires together using a coupler, which makes the job even easier. 

It’s also important to note that while you can splice security camera wires together, that doesn’t always mean you should. Splicing cables could decrease the quality of your security footage, so when possible, it might be a better idea to run a new continuous cable. 

How Do You Splice Security Camera Wires? 

Before you can begin splicing your security camera wires, you need to know what type of wires you’re working with. 

If you have an IP security camera system, you’re likely working with Cat5 or Cat6 ethernet cables. These cables will consist of four twisted wire pairs encased in insulation. 

If you have a CCTV security camera system, you’re likely working with RG59 cables. This is an older type of cable, but it’s still used in many buildings. These cables will consist of copper wire encased in various layers of insulation and shielding. 

The Easiest Method for Splicing Security Camera Wires

Before you begin splicing, take a look at your wires. If they already have connectors on the ends, you’re in luck. Both ethernet cables and RG59 cables might already have connectors on the ends, and in that case, it’s easy to splice the cables. 

Simply find a compatible coupler and either insert or screw the ends of the cables into the coupler. With RG59 cables, it’s a good idea to wrap the connection with electrical tape after you’re done connecting the two cables.

How to Splice Security Camera Wires 

If your cables don’t already have connectors attached, you can still splice the wires together, but it will be a bit more complicated. The process will be different depending on whether you have ethernet cables or RG59 cables.

Splicing Security Camera Wires with Ethernet Cables 

Ethernet cables consist of small, fine wires, so it’s important to be very gentle and intentional when working with these wires. Follow these steps to splice ethernet security camera cables:

1. First, use wire strippers to remove the outer insulation, which looks like a plastic coating on each wire you need to splice. Make sure you leave enough wire exposed to work with. 
2. Put heat shrink tubing on only one of the wires. You’ll need this later when you’re finishing up. 
3. Expose the inner core of each of the eight inner wires by carefully stripping off the outer layer. You’ll want to expose about a half inch of wire so you have enough to work with. Repeat this on each cable you need to splice.
4. Combine each of the eight wires individually using a butt crimp. 
5. Tape each of the eight connections with electrical tape. This helps strengthen the connection you’ve made. 
6. Before sealing up your cables, it’s a good idea to test the connection to make sure it works. 
7. When you’re done combining each wire, cover all of the connections with your heat shrink tubing. Use a heat gun to activate and shrink your tubing. 

When you’re finished, you should have a working ethernet cable. 

Splicing Security Camera Wires with RG59 Cables 

You’ll follow a relatively similar process when you splice RG59 cables. The main differences are the number of layers you need to work through and the number of wires you need to splice. Follow these steps to splice RG59 security camera cables: 

1.   Use wire strippers to remove the outer insulation on each end you need to splice. This will look like a plastic coating. Make sure you leave enough wire exposed to work with. 

2.   Put heat shrink tubing on only one of the cables. You’ll need this later when you’re finishing up. 

3.   Pull back the braided mesh, which is the next layer you’ll find in an RG59 cable.

4.   Cut and strip back the shielding and additional insulation layer; these are the next two layers you’ll find before you get to the wire. When removing these last two layers, be careful not to cut too deeply so you don’t damage the core. 

5.   Add another piece of heat shrink tubing that you’ll use once you have your connection made. 

6.   Use a butt crimp to connect the core on each end. 

7.   Wrap your connection with electrical tape. 

8.   Put the heat shrink tubing over your connection. Use a heat gun to activate and shrink your tubing. 

9.   Put a larger butt crimp over the braided mesh. 

10.Pull the heat shrink tubing over this connection. Again, use a heat gun to activate and shrink your tubing. 

11.Wrap your connection in electrical tape again. 

Depending on the type of cable you’re working with, you might have additional wires to connect when you get to the core. Some cables have additional wires for sound and to power a tilt and pan camera. If you find additional wires in the middle, follow the same process to connect those wires. 

When you’re finished, you should have a single working RG59 cable.

Why Do You Need To Splice Security Camera Wires? 

It might seem like quite a hassle to splice security camera wires, and it definitely takes time and effort. However, it’s good to know what to do in case you have a break in your wires and need to repair them quickly to get your security cameras back up and running. 

You also might need to splice wires to lengthen a cable, move a camera, or add additional security cameras. A good splice job can save you from needing to buy new cables.

Cyber Scams on the Rise in India

Unmasking the Surge: Cyber Scams on the Rise in India 

Cybercrime refers to criminal activities that are carried out using computers, computer networks, or the internet as tools or target.  Thеsе illegal activities can take various forms and can encompass a wide range of actions,  from financial fraud and data theft to online harassment and cybеr espionage.

Alarming reports suggest a surge in cyberattacks in India during the first three months of 2023, with over 500 million attacks thwarted out of a billion global attempts, as per the 'State of Application Security Report'.

Almost half the complaints, 1.56 million, were registered in 2023. Since 2019, more than 66,000 FIRs have been filed across states and Union territories based on these complaints.

Cyber scams have witnessed a significant rise in India, with multiple factors contributing to this concerning trend. Let's delve into a detailed analysis of the reasons behind the increasing prevalence of cyber scams in the country:

1. Rapid Digitalization: 

India is experiencing a massive digital transformation, with a growing number of people embracing online platforms for various activities like banking, shopping, and communication. This increased digitalization has provided cybercriminals with a larger pool of potential targets and opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities in the digital ecosystem.

2. Rising Internet Penetration: 

The widespread availability of affordable smartphones and internet connectivity has led to a surge in the number of internet users in India. As the internet user base expands, so does the potential victim pool for cyber scammers.

3. Lack of Cyber Awareness: 

A significant portion of the Indian population, particularly in rural areas and older age groups, may not have adequate knowledge of cybersecurity best practices. This lack of awareness makes them more susceptible to falling prey to various cyber scams, such as phishing emails, fake websites, and lottery frauds.

4. Sophistication of Cybercriminals: 

Cybercriminals have become increasingly sophisticated in their techniques and tools, making it challenging for individuals and organizations to detect and protect against their attacks. Advanced phishing emails, malware, and social engineering tactics are some of the methods employed by cyber scammers to exploit their victims.

5. Inadequate Cybersecurity Infrastructure: 

Despite the increasing cyber threats, many organizations and individuals in India still lack robust cybersecurity infrastructure and practices. This inadequacy leaves them vulnerable to cyber attacks, data breaches, and financial losses.

6. Lack of Stringent Regulations: 

The absence of stringent cybersecurity regulations and penalties for cybercrime in India can be perceived as an opportunity by cyber scammers. The absence of severe consequences for perpetrators may embolden them to continue their illicit activities.

7. Increasing Online Transactions: 

The rise of e-commerce and digital payment platforms has led to a surge in online transactions. This digital financial ecosystem attracts cyber scammers who seek to exploit security loopholes and trick users into divulging sensitive financial information.

8, Insider Threats: 

Insider threats, where current or former employees with access to sensitive data engage in fraudulent activities, can pose significant risks to businesses and individuals alike.

9. Global Nature of Cybercrime: 

Many cyber scams originate from outside India, taking advantage of the borderless nature of the internet. These international cyber threats may pose jurisdictional challenges for law enforcement agencies and hinder effective prosecution.

Root Cause to this: -

The rapid digitalization, rising internet penetration, lack of cyber awareness, and the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals are some of the key reasons behind the rise of cyber scams in India.

To combat this growing menace, there is an urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity awareness, investment in robust security measures, and the formulation of stringent cybersecurity regulations.

Additionally, continuous education and training in cybersecurity best practices for individuals and organizations can play a vital role in thwarting cyber scammers and creating a safer digital environment for all. Do not install non-NDAA approved IP Camera, NVR etc. Do not use China Based origin brand IP camera NVR etc.

Here are other takeaways for 2023:

• Imposter scams. Imposter scams remained the top fraud category, with reported losses of $2.7 billion. ...
• Investment scams. While investment-related scams were the fourth most-reported fraud category, losses in this category grew. ...
• Social media scams. ...
• Payment methods. ...
• Losses by age.

Cybercrime Laws In India

1.   Information Tеchnology Act, 2000 (IT Act): Thе Information Tеchnology Act,  2000,  is thе primary legislation that dеals with cybеrcrimеs in India.  It was amеndеd in 2008 to kееp up with еvolving tеchnology and cybеr thrеats.  Kеy provisions of thе IT Act includе:

2.   Sеction 43: This sеction dеals with unauthorizеd accеss to computеr systеms and data. It providеs for pеnaltiеs for unauthorizеd accеss,  downloading,  or introduction of computеr virusеs.

3.   Sеction 65: This sеction dеals with tampеring with computеr sourcе documеnts, and it imposеs pеnaltiеs for altеring,  damaging,  or dеlеting data with thе intеnt to causе damagе or harm.

4.   Sеction 66: This sеction addrеssеs computеr-rеlatеd offеnsеs, such as hacking,  and prеscribеs pеnaltiеs for unauthorizеd accеss to computеr systеms,  nеtworks,  or data.

5.   Sеction 66A (Rеpеalеd): Sеction 66A was controvеrsial and was struck down by thе Suprеmе Court of India in 2015 bеcausе it was dееmеd to bе infringing on frее spееch rights.

6.   Sеction 66B: This sеction dеals with dishonеstly rеcеiving stolеn computеr rеsourcеs or communication dеvicеs.

7.   Sеction 66C: It pеrtains to idеntity thеft and thе usе of somеonе еlsе’s idеntity for fraudulеnt purposеs.

8.   Sеction 66D: This sеction dеals with chеating by pеrsonation using a computеr rеsourcе.

9.   Sеction 67: This sеction addrеssеs thе publication or transmission of obscеnе matеrial in еlеctronic form and imposеs pеnaltiеs.

10.Sеction 69: This sеction providеs thе govеrnmеnt with thе powеr to intеrcеpt and monitor еlеctronic communications for rеasons rеlatеd to national sеcurity.

11.Sеction 70: This sеction dеals with thе protеction of critical information infrastructurе and providеs for thе appointmеnt of a National Critical Information Infrastructurе Protеction Cеntrе (NCIIPC).

12.Sеction 72: It dеals with thе brеach of confidentiality and privacy and imposеs pеnaltiеs for disclosing pеrsonal information without consеnt.

13.Information Tеchnology (Amеndmеnt) Act, 2008: This amеndmеnt act еxpandеd thе scopе of thе IT Act and introducеd provisions rеlatеd to data protеction,  data brеachеs,  and increased pеnaltiеs for cybеrcrimеs.

Tracking WhatsApp messages or any other form of electronic communication without proper legal authorization is typically illegal and a violation of privacy.  However, undеr certain circumstances and with appropriate legal processes,  law enforcement agencies and cybеr cеlls may bе able to access WhatsApp messages as part of a criminal investigation. WhatsApp usеs еnd-to-end encryption, which means that messages arе scramblеd and can only bе decrypted by thе intended recipient.  WhatsApp itself does not have accеss to thе content of messages. To access WhatsApp messages for investigative purposes’, law enforcement agencies typically nееd to obtain proper lеgal authorization,  such as a court-issued warrant or a lawful court order.

Government of India has banned 17 Chinese companies from participating in tenders in India and warned private companies that do business with government entities against using these Chinese products. This is being seen as a significant crackdown on Chinese products that were entering the country after changing their brand names and tying up with Indian entities, ostensibly to hide their place of origin, and thus impacting the strategic and security interests of India while benefiting the Chinese economy.

The companies that have been banned include Xp-pen, Highvision Hikvision, Lenovo, Dahua, Lava, Ottomate, Xolo, Airpro, Grandstream, Wi-Tek, Realtime, Maxhub, Nokia, Domino, Reputer and Tyco.

The Sunday Guardian, last year, had revealed about Chinese products being used in government public sector undertakings that are working in the strategic sectors (Indian PSUs continue reliance on Chinese equipment in strategic sectors, 26 February 2023).

As per the government order released on the last day of January, the Indian sellers of these Chinese brands and the catalogs uploaded by them have been removed from Government e Marketplace (GeM) and they are not eligible for participating in any bid on GeM. The order has also said GeM will cancel those orders where the products of these Chinese companies are found to be used for the bid.

Seventy products, the maximum on the list, that have been banned belong to Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd., often shortened to Hikvision. Its Indian face is Prama Hikvision (India) Pvt. Ltd. It is one of the biggest suppliers to Indian government agencies.

Similarly, DNS overseas, which handles products brought from the Beijing-based Hanvon Ugee Group and is a big player in the tablet market in India, has been removed from the GeM portal.

Twenty two products made by Lenovo, including servers, have been banned. Not many are aware that Lenovo is of Chinese origin.

Lenovo, founded in 1984, is seen as a product of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)—the Chinese-government’s premier institution of scientific research. CAS is reported to have extensive ties to the Chinese military.

Five products of Zhejiang Dahua Technology Company Limited, a publicly traded company based in Binjiang District, Hangzhou, which manufactures video surveillance equipment and sells its products in India under the brand name “Dahua” also features on the banned list.

Nineteen products of Lava International, whose brand ambassador is actor Kartik Aaryan, and has used cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the past, too have been banned. Also put on the banned list are products made under the brand name “Ottomate”, which is also a part of the Lava group. The products that have been banned include smart phones, fans and tablets. While Lava is seen as an Indian company, its products are made in China and then sold in India under a new brand name.

Thirteen products of Airpro have been put on the banned list including routers and cameras.

Five products of Grandstream and W-Tek that are sold in India by Cohesive Technologies have been removed from the portal.

Thirty one products made by “Realtime” and sold by Realtime Biometrics India Private Limited companies that include boom barriers, biometric access system, CCTVs have been banned.

The government has also come down heavily on the Chinese entity, Maxhub that sells its products through Shiyuan India Private Limited. A total of 18 of its products have been banned.

Six products sold by Hmd Mobile India Private Limited that are made by Nokia have been banned. According to industry insiders, the banned products are being manufactured in China. The brand had launched a media blitzkrieg a few years ago to convince Indian nationals that it was not making its products in China.

Seven products made by Tyco and marketed in India by Tyco Safety Products (India) Private Limited, two of Domino sold in India by Domino Printech India Llp and one of Reputer sold domestically by Innovitiq have been banned.

However, what has piqued industry insiders and security watchers is that many entities with notable Chinese investments and control that are active in India have not been added to this list.

These include products made by Huawei, Alcatel Lucent—a French company now owned by Chinese promoters, TvT, Tiandy Technologies and Uniview. All these companies have a significant presence in India and have been dealing with government agencies for a long time now.

On 6 August 2020, a Registration Committee under Department of Expenditure Order was constituted under the chairpersonship of Manmeet Kaur Nanda, a 2000 cadre IAS officer, who was then Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, to consider applications received for registration of bidders from countries that share land border with India for participation in public procurement.

It is this committee that keeps an eye on the products from the identified countries and evaluates the risk, if any, that is poised by them. In November 2023, Nanda moved as Joint Secretary to the Cabinet Secretariat. Sources in Government of India said that this is not an exhaustive list and more companies will be added on the list as per inputs that the concerned officials will receive.