This appeared as the cover story in the April 2026 print edition of SECURITY TODAY.Amid rising geopolitical tensions and recent reports questioning the integrity of surveillance systems, the global CCTV industry is confronting a growing trust deficit. Allegations of vulnerabilities and potential misuse, whether verified or not, have accelerated the shift toward zero-trust frameworks. Governments worldwide, including India, are tightening regulations to prioritise secure, auditable, and sovereign