ONVIF has announced that it will end support for ONVIF Profile S, and is recommending the use of its successor, Profile T.
Profile S, the first 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.
“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.”
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 today 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 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 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.
