HikVision 5.0+: Fatally flawed if used w/port forwarding?

I come away from reading various "Locked Out" threads with the impression that, if the port to the cam's Setup page is forwarded on my router, anybody can take any of my cams out of service just by attempting 5 logins to Admin.

One of my cams is inop right now and that seems to be the case with it: no action by Yours Truly, but the thing is locked. Sent the request to Hik, but no reply after several days.

Seems like a pretty grim situation to me for anybody who sets their router up to forward that port.

Have I got it right?

Either way, can anybody shed some light on the current situation?.... I see various threads about apps that generate unlock keys like Hik is supposed to send me, but I come away from them confused.

PeteCress said:

Seems like a pretty grim situation to me for anybody who sets their router up to forward that port.

Click to expand...

You are just demonstrating that you are taking a big risk by allowing anyone on the internet to access the camera.
Do some study on setting up a VPN access, then you won't have this problem. VPN Primer for Noobs

PeteCress said:

Sent the request to Hik, but no reply after several days.

Click to expand...

There is no reason for them to do anything - the account lockout is temporary, and you have chosen to keep the protection enabled and to expose the camera to anyone on the internet.

PeteCress said:

I see various threads about apps that generate unlock keys like Hik is supposed to send me, but I come away from them confused.

Click to expand...

These are about password reset keys where a password has been either forgotten, or changed by someone who has managed to get at the camera over the internet. Not the temporary account lockout due to excessive wrong passwords attempted.

why do you have all of your cameras available on the internet?
how do you access the cameras remotely
do you have an NVR?

Ignorance but not any more...

BlueIris