I agree with Jack, setup your network right and leave your cameras alone.. Ive been thinking the same thing for a while, its one of the reasons why i dont hang out here for long, you all are great and all but the the repetitive issues wears on me.
I worked for professional installers for a short time while hoping between jobs, updating firmware? never, not even once.. let alone be stupid enough to supply updates to the customer..
Assume your camera is always vulnerable, any new firmware wont fix that.. plan accordingly.. Is there a critical bug throwing a wrench in things and you have CONFIRMED was fixed with the new version? No? then what the fuck are you doing? Some new feature your more than likely never going to use? is that really worth all this crap?
The problem is those of you with the worst OCD are naturally going to be some of the first deployers of personal Security camera systems, I get it.. your diseased and ensuring every blade of grass is encoded with the highest possible version is really important to your well being.. too bad its not good for your camera's well being.
The OP has a very valid point and all of you dismissing his observation are missing the forest for the trees.. Chrome drops support for ALL external plugins and your first reaction is reflash hardware firmware? sigh, guess next time your tires are worn out just put a new engine in it... tha'll take care of everything.
The worst part about Hik cameras is its Region locking bullshit, the second worst part about Hik cameras is they give all you morons free updates every few months.. combine these two terrible features and we see a never ending parade of people bricking there cameras without ever thinking about it first.
ProTip: Update your software at every possible opportunity, Update your firmware only when you are left with no other recourse... why? Reinstalling Software = Easy, Reflashing Hardware = Fucking Bitch.