Security: Video

Do you want to know more about designing a BVMS system?

Compared to hardware, in which it is relatively easy to define an end-of-support concept based on the expected lifetime, software behaves totally different. In theory, when the environment does not change, software can still be running ten years after it has been installed. As new versions of the software are released regularly, it is important for customers to know what they can expect from Bosch Building Technologies when the software is purchased. This document describes how Bosch Building Technologies handles the life-cycle of the BVMS, BIS, AMS, and APE, and in which state a specific release can reside. Additionally this document lists the up-to-date situation for all of those software packages.

 BVMS customers can download camera updates free of charge, in order to integrate approved, third-party cameras. BVMS scans for third-party cameras, automatically configuring motion and other key events; it also enables installers to configure the most important settings for third-party cameras from a single user interface, without the hassle of having to access the websites of other camera manufacturers. The attached files include a list of compatible cameras and the ONVIF mapping files for each specific BVMS version.

How to configure a generic Microsoft Windows Server (2012 R2 or 2016) based server

The attached documents should help you to make the upgrade process as smooth as possible. The upgrade itself is not restricted to BVMS software only. The supported software and firmware versions can be found in the release notes of the related BVMS version. An attachment is added to this article for each BVMS version. Currently the upgrade guides for BVMS 8.0 and 9.0 are attached to this article. From BVMS 10.0 onwards a description on how to migrate systems has been included as well.

Collect Video SDK Logs for VSDK based applications:

Symptoms The Activation Key provided from SLMS cannot be activated in BVMS. During the introduction of BVMS 10.0 the BVMS Lite16, 32, and 64 base licenses were not introduced and succeeded by BVMS Lite 10.0 (8 channel base package). Existing BVMS Lite customers might still want to upgrade to BVMS 10.0. Solution The LIF file attached to this article (in the zip archive) can be imported in BVMS Lite 10.0 installations using the license manager (the license manager can be found in the "Tools" menu of the BVMS Configuration Client). Once imported, BVMS Lite 16, 32, 64 systems that are covered under SMA can be upgraded.    

Related Products: BVMS, application crash, memory dump This article lists the scenarios in which technical support normally request dump file from a BVMS system. It contains general guidelines how to create a dump file for BVMS system and provides links to more concrete articles, that correspond to particular issues and exact steps to create a dump. BVMS dumps are needed to troubleshoot the following types of issues: Application crashes – dump is expected to provide more information about the cause of the crash and its origin. Memory or handle leaks – dump is expected to point to their origins Deadlocks, freezes and hangs – dump is expected to point to their origins Recommended tool to create BVMS dumps. The recommended tool is Procdump. It is a command line tool which must be started from the command shell. Development provides couple of .bat files that start Procdump with predefined parameters and cover the most common dump creation cases. The tool as well as the set of .bat files are attached to this article: BVMS_DumpTools_V2.zip The batch file names follow a naming guideline: <Executable>_<Dump use case> , where <Executable> is one of: ConfigClient ConfigWizard OperatorClient ManagementServer ArchivePlayer ExceptionTest and <Dump use case> is one of SingleDump TwoDumps DumpOnException DumpOnHang ActivatePostmortemDebugging There are 3 possible error scenarios and corresponding dump creation methods: Dump creation for reproducible crashes that trigger Windows Error Reporting Run the affected application/service (Operator Client, Configuration Client or Management Server Service) Reproduce the steps that lead to the crash Leave the Windows crash dialog open Run the corresponding batch file for creating a single dump: *_SingleDump.bat. E.g. run OperatorClient_SingleDump.bat to create a single dump of the Operator Client process. Provide support with the resulting .dmp file a description of the steps to reproduce the problem ConfigCollection Note: attached you can find a configured example for this scenario and application Operator Client - BVMS_OC_dump_onException.zip Dump creation for reproducible memory or handle leaks Run the affected application/service (Operator Client, Configuration Client or Management Server Service) Run the corresponding batch file for creating two dumps: *_TwoDumps.bat. E.g. run OperatorClient_TwoDumps.bat to create two dumps of the Operator Client process. Note that by default, the delay between the two dumps is set to one hour (3600 seconds). Depending on the magnitude of the memory leak, you might want to increase/decrease the delay. To do that, edit file *_TwoDumps.bat: replace value "3600" by a value that fits your needs e.g. a value of "7200" will create two dumps with a delay of two hours. Reproduce the steps that lead to the memory leak. Wait until the second dump was created. Provide support with the resulting two .dmp files a description of the steps to reproduce the memory leak a ConfigCollection Dump creation for crashes/hangs/freezes that are hard to reproduce Deactivate the restarting option for Operator Client / Configuration Client: To deactivate the restarting option for Operator Client / Configuration Client: edit ..\Bosch\VMS\bin\ConfigClient.exe.config or ..\Bosch\VMS\bin\OperatorClient.exe.config. Navigate to section <appSettings> add a new entry <add key = "DisableExceptionHandling" value="TRUE" />. Run ActivatePostmortemDebugging.bat Run the affected application/service (Operator Client, Configuration Client or Management Server Service) As soon as the issue appears, check whether the dump was created. Provide support with the resulting .dmp file description of the steps to reproduce the crash ConfigCollection Note: attached you can find a configured example for this scenario and application Operator Client - BVMS_OC_dump_Just-In-Time-Debuger.zip

The attached document describes the settings you must perform after having installed BIS and BVMS on the different computers. Ensure that the installations of BIS Server and BVMS Management Server were performed successfully on separate computers. Additionally you must have purchased and activated an OPC Server License for BVMS.   The document can be found in the attachments section on the bottom of the page or the right side of the page.  Please look for the attachment icon.

Symptoms During the introduction of BVMS 10.0 the BVMS Plus unmanaged site expansion licenses were not introduced, even though this functionality was announced to be available. Solution The LIF file attached to this article (in the zip archive) can be imported in BVMS Plus 10.0 installations using the license manager (the license manager can be found in the "Tools" menu of the BVMS Configuration Client). Once imported, the purchased licenses (MBV-XSITEPLU-100) can be activated.

BVMS Installer - Windows Pending Restart Message Issue:  The pop-up dialog window message: "Setup has detected a pending restart.  Please reboot the system and rerun the installation"  appears when attempting to run the valid BVMS windows installer package. BVMS Installer Pending Restart Message   Cause:  This is a known Windows specific problem when another (non-BVMS) installer does not properly manage its creation and deletion of the “PendingFileRenameOperations” registry key. The most common user created way for this key value to be left resident in the system is when an installation prompts for a restart, yet the system is not expeditiously restarted.     Resolution:  A. Restart the affected workstation B. If the issue still persists, delete the orphaned "PendingFileRenameOperations" registry key value Open a registry editor, such as Regedit.exe or Regedt32.exe.   Navigate to "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\" In the right navigation pane, right-click the "PendingFileRenameOperations" key value and select delete Close Registry Editor. Run the software Installer again as Administrator   Note:  This message is not a Bosch product failure message. This is a problem within windows and it's registry clean-up handling.  This is a Windows work around. 

BVMS Mobile Video Service - Creating a Self-Signed Certificate to establish a trusted connection Some sites may request or require that the connection to the Mobile Video Service is a trusted connection.  The following procedure will allow you to create a self signed certificate to allow a trusted connection between a web browser and MVS. -Navigate to the Microsoft Management Console Run command mmc.exe Go to File ---> Add/Remove Snap-in… Highlight Certificates and Add for Computer Account You should see certificates listed for Local Computer Save a copy of this console to the Desktop -Run Windows PowerShell ‘as administrator’ on the MVS Server Run the following commands in Windows Power Shell to create the self-signed certificate including the IP address of the MVS and the DNS name so both will work when accessing from a web browser. $todaydt = Get-Date $20years = $todaydt.AddYears(20) New-SelfSignedCertificate -DnsName "mvsIPaddress",”DNSname” -notafter $20years If creation was successful, you will see a thumbprint with a hash as well as the subject CN=ipaddress -Navigate back to your saved MMC console Find the newly created certificate under the Personal  ---> Certificates directory Copy the Certificate to Trusted Root Certification Authorities ---> Certificates directory -Navigate to the IIS Manager Highlight the server machine name on the top-left and then double-click Server Certificates Double-click the created certificate and verify that a private key corresponds to the certificate and that the certificate is OK under the Certification Path Expand the server machine name on the left to reveal the Sites Highlight BoschIVS Select Bindings… on the far right-hand side Edit the Binding for 443 Select the newly created certificate under the SSL certificate dropdown Select OK Click Yes that you want to change the binding Add… new binding Type: https Port: 444 Choose BoschVms in the SSL certificate dropdown Click OK -Navigate to the BVMS Config Client to edit the MVS URL Change the MVS URL to reflect port 444 Example:  https://mvsIPaddress:444/mvs Red X should go away Save/Activate  (BVMS will be bound on the new port and still be able to communicate with the MVS server -Open Internet Explorer (as administrator) and navigate to the MVS URL using the IP address or the DNS Name Continue to the site with the certificate error Click on the certificate error in the navigation bar Click View Certificates and then Install Certificate Install for the Local Machine Place certificate in the Trusted Root Certification Authorities store Click Finish and close out the browser Open IE again and navigate back to the MVS.  There should be no more error.   *The reason behind changing the port to 444 is to make browser access for basic users easier.  This way basic users only have to enter the IP address or DNS name and do not have to enter a special port in the URL.    

Related Products: BVMS, Operator Client This article describes the initial information needed to start troubleshooting Operator Client Crash. Needed information and logs from the customer: 1. Note down the events that lead to crash 2. Classify the crash reproducible crashes that trigger Windows Error Reporting crashes/hangs/freezes that are hard to reproduce, or take long before repeating 3. Provide the following logs: Dump file from the crash – refer to the following article ( https://community.boschsecurity.com/t5/Security-Video/How-To-create-BVMS-memory-dump/ta-p/7326 ) ConfigCollection from the machine where the crashing Operator Client is running.

This article provides you with information related to the Windows Firewall, how to access, configure and adjust it.   Firewall A firewall is a program installed on your machine or a piece of hardware in your network, that uses a rule-set to block or allow access to a computer, server or network. It seperatres dedicated network segments, likly your LAN from the Internet. Firewalls can permit traffic to be routed through a specific port to a program or destination, while blocking all other traffic.   Windows Firewall The Windows Firewall interface can be accessed multiple ways. The  way we will look during this TB is via the Windows search function. Click the Windows icon and type in “firewall“.  Then, click on the “Windows  Firewall with Advanced Security” icon.   The GUI provides you a general overview, about the basic function of the software. Displaying the current status of the firewall also which profiles are currently set up. By default the firewall should be enabled. We strongly recommend that the Windows Firewall is enabled on all your Bosch devices featuring a Windows Operating System.   Firewall profiles There are 3 different profiles within your Windows Firewall, which are simply groups of different firewall rule-sets, depending where your machine is currently connected. Public Profile: This profile is used when the computer is connected directly to a public network like a restaurant, library or airport. This profile should be the most restrictive because security is usually not well controlled in public places. Private Profile: This profile is used if your are only connected to  a private network, not directly to the Internet. In these cases, your device is located behind a router or hardware firewall. Which allows to set this profil less restrictive. Domain Profile: This profile is used when the machine is connected to a domain controller, which in turn is controlling a windows domain. This profile should be the least restrictive of the other  profiles because security is usually very well controlled within a domain.   Standdard rule-set by default the Windows Firewall behavior is the following:  Windows Firewall never blocks outgoing traffic. Any requests sent out from the server will not be hindered in any way. Windows Firewall blocks all incoming traffic, except for traffic that is in responses to a request. This means that if you make a request to Google, Google’s inbound reply to your outbound request will not be blocked. Windows Firewall blocks all other traffic. This means that any traffic that is not explicitly allowed is blocked in the firewall. In the Windows Firewall we can filter connection in two different kinds: port exceptions (rule assigned to a dedicated port number)  and program exception (rule assigned to a dedicated program)   In general we need to distinguish between the inbound (frome somewhere to your machine) and outbound (from your machine to somewhere) rule-set.   Open a port in the firewall (inbound rule) In the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security window, right-click "Inbound Rules", and then click "New Rule..." in the action pane. "Rule Type" dialog box, select "Port" depending on your need and then click "Next". In the "Protocol and Ports" dialog box, select "TCP". Then select "Specific local Ports", and then type the port number and then click "Next". In the "Action" dialog box, select "Allow the connection" and then click "Next". In the "Profile" dialog box, select any profiles that apply and then click "Next". (We have allowed all three for demonstration purposes, your selection may vary.) In the "Name" dialog box, type a name and description for this rule, and then click "Finish". At this point, you will now see a new rule in the main firewall rules in the center section, as well as a new listing in the right window panel.   Open a program in the firewall (inbound rule) Click on the "Inbound Rules" option on the top left of the firewall interface. Then, click on the "New rule…" Under "Rule Type" dialog box, select the option "Program" and then click "Next". Select the option "This Program path" browse to the path/location of the program  and click "Next". Next, we select the option “Allow the connection” and then click “Next”. Select the "Profile" the rule will be applied to and click "Next". (We have allowed all three for demonstration purposes, your selection may vary.) Select a "Name" and "Description" for this rule and then Click “Finish”. At this point, you will be dropped back to the main firewall screen. You will now see a new rule in the main firewall rules in the center section, as well as a new listing in the right window pane   Edit a port / program in the firewall Right-click on the rule which will open a context menu. Then click  "Properties" and adjust the rule according your needs .   Close a port / program in the firewall Right-click on the rule which will open a context menu. Then click  " Delete".       Adjust program rule after BVMS upgrade In case you upgraded your current BVMS up to BVMS10, refering to the article TSG-Upgrading-VRM-from-32bit-to-64bit you need to adjust the inbound + outbound rule "Bosch VRM Server" and  "USB Transcoder". Therefore right-click on the rule which will open a context menu. Then click "Properties" and adjust the programs path to: Bosch VRM Server: "C:\Program Files\Bosch\Video Recording Manager\VRM Server\bin\rms.exe" USB Transcoder: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Bosch\Video Recording Manager\VRM Server\bin\usbsvc.exe" Keep in mind, that you need to perform this action on all four rules (inbound and outbound) Alternatively download the attachment set_fw_rules.zip (1 KB) locally to your device, extract the archive and run the PowerShell script "set_fw_rule_trancoder.ps1" as administrator. The script will adjust all necessary rules.

Which Bosch encoders and decoders are compatible with BVMS? Up until some years ago, new released cameras, encoders, domes and decoders that are introduced into market after a BVMS release could not be connected to an existing BVMS version because these cameras where not known to the BVMS. In the BVMS 4.5.1, a new concept was introduced. This concept treats Bosch video encoders and decoders as generic devices, and automatically recognizes specific device functionality (for example the number of streams, relays and inputs). Based on this information the, at that time, unknown device is added to the system and can be used by the operator. The attached document provides a detailed description of this functionality.

Question What is the decoding performance of BVMS? How many cameras can I open on the screen before the systems is overloaded (and frames are being dropped)? Answer The BVMS client performance overview is attached to this article and shows, based on several workstation configurations and a specific BVMS version, how many cameras can be opened before the workstation is overloaded.

The attached document aims to provide concerned parties, such as customers, users, operators or consultants, with an overview of data privacy and protection related features of BVMS Person Identification. Moreover, this document describes how data, as processed during the Person Identification steps, can be classified. Finally, this document lists technical measures for data protection in the context of BVMS Person Identification.

As video surveillance use grows in commercial, government and private use cases, the need for low-cost storage at scale is growing rapidly. BVMS, Bosch cameras, HPE hardware and SUSE Enterprise Storage provide a platform that is an ideal target for recording these streams. There are numerous difficulties around storing unstructured video surveillance data at massive scale. Video surveillance data tends to be written only once or become stagnant over time. This stale data takes up valuable space on expensive block and file storage, and yet needs to be available in seconds. With this massive scale, the difficulty of keeping all the data safe and available is also growing. Many existing storage solutions are a challenge to manage and control at such scale. Management silos and user interface limitations make it harder to deploy new storage into business infrastructure. The solution is software-defined storage (SDS). This is a storage system that delivers a full suite of persistent storage services via an autonomous software stack that can run on an industry standard, commodity hardware platform. Bosch, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and SUSE have partnered to deliver the benefits of SDS to the video surveillance industry. Using SUSE Enterprise Storage™ on HPE ProLiant DL and Apollo servers in a Bosch video surveillance environment simplifies the management of today’s volume of data, and provides the flexibility to scale for all enterprise storage needs. The full description can be found in the attached whitepaper.

Question How can I protect my security system, from an IT security perspective? Answer The attached document explains how the security system can be hardened. Additionally the BVMS - Network Design Guide includes best practices for desgning a secure network.  

Trying out the BVMS Lite is easy! Download BVMS Lite from the downloadstore and use the quick installation guide to set-up the system. BVMS Lite contains 8 video channels, 2 workstations, 1 DVR, 2 keyboards, and 1 intrusion panel and can be used without a time limit. BVMS Lite can be expanded to 42 channels using license extensions. A step-by-step instruction on how to install the BVMS Lite license can also be found as an attachment to this page.