ONVIF®, a leading standardisation body for IP-based physical security products, has announced the termination of support for ONVIF Profile S. The organisation recommends transitioning to Profile T, which succeeds Profile S with enhanced features. Initially launched in 2011, Profile S has facilitated basic video streaming interoperability among over 33,000 conformant devices and systems from various vendors. Despite its widespread adoption, Profile S does not align with current cybersecurity standards due to its outdated authentication mechanisms.
Transitioning to Profile T for Better Security
Leo Levit, Chairman of the ONVIF Steering Committee, remarked, “After 14 years, Profile S has served its purpose of enabling basic video streaming interoperability for more than 33,000 conformant devices and clients from different vendors. As ONVIF profiles do not change to preserve the interoperability of conformant products, we recognize the need to phase it out in line with today’s security recommendations. We encourage instead the use of Profile T, which better supports the needs of video surveillance applications.”
Profile T, introduced in 2018, incorporates all the functionalities of Profile S along with additional capabilities tailored for modern video surveillance needs. It supports more secure authentication practices, including the use of Transport Layer Security (TLS) and HTTPS, which ONVIF advises stakeholders to adopt.
Encouraging Secure Practices and Compliance
ONVIF underscores the importance of adopting secure practices by discouraging the continued use of the username token authentication method inherent in Profile S. They advise system integrators and end users to consult manufacturers’ hardening guides and adhere to industry best practices and local regulations to enhance security.
The ONVIF Network Interface Specifications detail network protocols, encompassing security measures like TLS. This enables secure communication between compliant devices and clients, offering protection against eavesdropping and tampering.
End of Profile S Conformance Testing
The organisation's forthcoming conformance test tool version, scheduled for release in June 2026, will be the final set that accommodates Profile S. This version, with a 9-month validity period, will mark the end of the line for manufacturers to claim conformance using Profile S. However, ONVIF continues to evolve, updating the ONVIF TLS Configuration Add-on by the end of 2026 to keep pace with cybersecurity developments.
Expanding ONVIF Profiles
Founded in 2008, ONVIF is renowned for promoting interoperability in IP-based security products. Beyond Profile S and Profile T, ONVIF also offers several other profiles, such as Profile G for video recording, Profile C for physical access control, and Profile M for metadata and analytics. These profiles help expand the versatility of ONVIF-conformant products globally, delivered by a diverse membership of camera, video management, and access control companies.
ONVIF continues its efforts to enhance IP interoperability across security products. For further details about conformant products and partner organisations, interested parties should refer to the ONVIF website for comprehensive resources and updates.
ONVIF®, the pioneering standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products, announces that it will end support for ONVIF Profile S, and is recommending the use of its successor, Profile T.
Profile S, the first-ever profile ONVIF introduced in 2011, provides a standardised set of specifications that enable basic video streaming capabilities between conformant devices (like IP cameras) and clients (like video management software) from different vendors. Profile S, however, specifies authentication mechanisms that are no longer consistent with current cybersecurity recommendations.
Interoperability of conformant products
“After 14 years, Profile S has served its purpose of enabling basic video streaming interoperability for more than 33,000 conformant devices and clients from different vendors,” said Leo Levit, Chairman of the ONVIF Steering Committee.
“As ONVIF profiles do not change to preserve the interoperability of conformant products, we recognise the need to phase it out in line with today’s security recommendations. We encourage instead the use of Profile T, which better supports the needs of video surveillance applications.”
ONVIF conformant devices and clients
The deprecation of Profile S has no effect on the process of deployed Profile S-based systems
Although the deprecation of Profile S has no effect on the operation of deployed Profile S-based systems, ONVIF strongly encourages, if possible, the discontinuation of the use of the username token authentication in Profile S.
ONVIF also recommends the adoption of more secure authentication methods, such as using TLS (Transport Layer Security)/HTTPS, or Profile T.
The majority of ONVIF conformant devices and clients available on the market now support both ONVIF Profile S and Profile T. Introduced in 2018, Profile T contains virtually all the features of Profile S, in addition to other advanced features for video surveillance.
ONVIF Network Interface Specifications
ONVIF recommends that system integrators and end users follow manufacturers’ product hardening guides, industry best practices, and local regulations, and stay informed about technology changes in the market.
The ONVIF Network Interface Specifications have defined network protocols that include security elements such as TLS, which allows ONVIF devices with that feature to communicate with clients across a network in a way that protects against eavesdropping and tampering.
ONVIF specifications also cover the ONVIF Default Access Policy, which specifies that there should be different access classes to services based on different user roles. Manufacturers can implement these ONVIF specifications regardless of whether the specifications are included in a profile or not.
ONVIF conformance test tools
The specifications of the ONVIF TLS Configuration Add-on will also be upgraded at the end of 2026
The June 2026 version of the ONVIF conformance test tools, which have a 9-month validity period, will be the last test tool version that enables manufacturers to claim product conformance to Profile S.
As ONVIF adapts to new cybersecurity requirements, the specifications of the current ONVIF TLS Configuration Add-on will also be upgraded at the end of 2026.
Unlike profiles, add-ons are adaptable to changing technology/specification requirements due to version handling.
IP-based physical security products
Founded in 2008, ONVIF is a pioneering and well-recognised industry forum driving interoperability for IP-based physical security products.
Besides Profile S and Profile T, ONVIF offers Profile G for video recording and storage
The organisation has a global member base of established camera, video management system, and access control companies, and more than 33,000 profile conformant products.
Besides Profile S and Profile T, ONVIF offers Profile G for video recording and storage; Profile C for physical access control; Profile A for broader access control configuration; Profile M for metadata and events for analytics applications, and Profile D for access control peripherals.
ONVIF conformant products
ONVIF continues to work with its members to expand the number of IP interoperability solutions that ONVIF conformant products can provide.
Further information about ONVIF conformant products, including member companies and their conformant models, is available on the ONVIF website.
