Chinese CCTV cameras are being used at Army bases over a year since they should have been replaced, it has emerged.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) directed in November 2021 that all cameras supplied by two Chinese firms with links to Beijing’s spy agencies should have been taken down.

The Chinese technology companies Hikvision and Dahua have long been linked with the People’s Liberation Army of China, although they deny handing any data to the Ministry of State Security, an internal spy agency.

However, as both companies are subject to China’s national intelligence law, they are required to hand over any information the country’s police and intelligence services require. 

The controversial cameras are currently installed at sites including Hyde Park Barracks, home to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, responsible for ceremonial duties including the upcoming Coronation of King Charles III on May 6. 

Other locations include the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, south-east London, where the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery is based.

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Event security remains an ever-growing concern. Public events have been the targets in the past, meaning security leaders have tightened event safety procedures. Large events, such the Super Bowl, often require additional security to keep entertainment, staff and guests safe throughout the event. However, large events can also become targets for phishing and other cyberattacks. As security leaders plan and enforce an event’s physical safety measures, an event should prepare an equally thorough cybersecurity plan. 

Rafal Los, Head of Services GTM at ExtraHop, shared his thoughts on stadium cybersecurity ahead of the Super Bowl:

What threats should security leaders watch out for during the Super Bowl?

“As with any big public events, hackers will exploit the event to try and drive users to click on or open malicious links or items. Phishing using Super Bowl themed content will likely be prevalent. Hackers count on people getting caught up in the hype of the sporting event to let their guard down and click on something that looks like it came from a friend or other trusted source, with some tie-in to the event. The inevitable goal is one of the same few — get you to divulge your credentials to something like Office 365 or your bank or install malware or ransomware on your computer.”