Hanwha Techwin outlines detail of “ultra-powerful” Wisenet7 chipset

The Wisenet7 chipset boasts an impressive list of technologies which are designed to significantly improve the cyber security credentials of Wisenet cameras. For example, ‘Secure Boot Verification’ provides an extra layer of security by sandboxing different elements of a camera’s operating system, which means they’re in a protected space. A full boot is completed before there’s communication with any other part of the system. This prevents interruption to the boot process which could be exploited by a hacker.

In addition, Wisenet7 uses a separate secure operating system for encryption and decryption, as well as for verifying that apps have not been modified or are not forgeries. A separate Linux-based API is needed to access the secure operating system, without which there’s no way that any changes can be made from the outside of a camera.

The ‘Anti-Hardware Clone’ functionality prevents Wisenet7 from being cloned. In addition to protecting Intellectual Property, this ensures that a Wisenet7 chipset with a Hanwha Techwin label is a genuine copy and removes the risk of a cloned device (which may contain malicious software) from being used to steal sensitive data, such as passwords.

JTAG ports are hardware interfaces used to programme, test and debug devices. Cyber criminals can gain low-level control of a camera via a JTAG port and perhaps replace firmware with a malicious version. Wisenet7 prevents this from happening as it secures JTAG ports via a key-based authentication mechanism to which only authorised personnel working for Hanwha Techwin have access.

UART ports are serial interfaces typically used for debugging cameras. They allow administrator access to a camera and, as such, can be a target for hackers attempting to access sensitive information like password keys. By enforcing restricted and secure access to the UART port, Wisenet7 allows the debugging process to be safely completed without opening the door to any would-be cyber criminals.

Cyber security standards

Complying with UL CAP and Secure by Default standards, Wisenet cameras powered by Wisenet7 also benefit from a Hanwha Techwin proprietary device certificate issuing system which embeds unique certificates into Wisenet products during both the development phase and the manufacturing process itself.

In addition to major improvements in cyber security, the feature-rich Wisenet7 chipset also ensures users will benefit from superb quality images regardless of the lighting conditions. A new ‘extreme’ Wide Dynamic Range feature, for example, makes use of local contrast enhancement and scene analysis technologies to capture ultra-clear images from scenes containing a challenging mix of bright and dark areas.

Low-light performance has also been considerably improved with the introduction of 3D noise reduction technology which, while minimising motion blur, uses several filters to isolate and remove pixels that are causing noise. In addition, a new noise reduction algorithm improves both the edge and colour of objects.

An advanced Lens Distortion Correction (LDC) feature more accurately corrects the distortion caused by wide-angle lens compared to conventional LDC and, as such, assists in delivering images which more closely represent how humans actually see across a wide field of view.

Additional Wisenet7 features

A video analytics suite includes face and body detection, as well as audio, de-focus, directional and shock detection. Audio analytics recognise critical sounds such as raised voices, screams, broken glass, gunshots and explosions and generate an alert to enable security personnel such that they can react quickly to any incidents.

Digital Image Stabilisation is supported by gyro sensors and offers accurate image stabilisation when a camera is disturbed by wind or vibrations, resulting in more stable images.

WiseStream II, a complementary compression technology which dynamically controls encoding, balancing quality and compression according to movement in the image, is also part of the mix. When WiseStream II is combined with H.265 compression, bandwidth efficiency is improved by up to 75% when compared to current H.264 technology.

Operator experience is enhanced by an on-screen display which supports vector graphics that have no colour limitations and allow the display of company logos.

Wisenet cameras currently available which incorporate Wisenet7 include the following:

6 MP models

*XNB-8002 6 MP network box camera

*XNO-8082R 6 MP IR bullet camera

*XND-8082RF 6 MP network IR dome camera (flush mount)

*XND-8082RV 6 MP network IR dome camera

*XNV-8082R 6 MP vandal-resistant network dome camera

4K models

*XNB-9002 4K network box camera

*XNO-9082R 4K IR bullet camera

*XND-9082RV 4K network IR dome camera

*XND-9082RF 4K network IR dome camera (flush mount)

*XNV-9082R 4K vandal-resistant network IR dome camera

“While the image quality improvements delivered by Wisenet7 should definitely not be understated, we’re particularly proud of the new chipset’s cyber security functionality,” explained Uri Guterman, head of product and marketing for Hanwha Techwin Europe.

“With a 30-year track record of designing and developing innovative video surveillance solutions, it’s perhaps not surprising that, with the introduction of Wisenet7, Hanwha Techwin is able to consolidate its position as a market-leading manufacturer which fully appreciates the need to keep customers’ data safe and secure.”