Secure Your AV System and the Heart of Your Business Operations

With the technological landscape evolving rapidly, prioritising security for audio-visual (AV) systems is critical. These systems, serving as vital channels for daily operations and communication, are increasingly prime targets for cyber threats. Yet, despite their significance, AV security is often an afterthought.

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Proactively addressing AV system vulnerabilities safeguards data, maintains system integrity, and mitigates risks of unauthorised access and data compromise.

The Importance of AV System Security

Enterprise AV systems extend beyond displays and microphones. They encompass networks, devices, computers, and software - from video conferencing tools to digital signage. These interconnected systems are essential for effective collaboration and information sharing within your team and with customers. Naturally, this interconnectedness presents a prime gateway for cyberattacks and information leaks.

Unauthorised access can lead to confidential information being intercepted or manipulated. Malware can disrupt operations, and recent real-world breaches illustrate the severe consequences of neglecting cybersecurity. Threats like this place the heart of your business operations at risk.

Working alongside security-conscious vendors, network engineers, and leveraging experiences from some of our highly secure clients in the corporate, banking, and defence sectors has given us insight into how proactive teams lead their organisations' AV security. They systematically assess potential threats and implement robust AV security solutions to protect their systems and data.

AV Evolution & Convergence

Audio Visual and Information Technology convergence refers to the integration of traditionally separate AV systems with IT systems. This convergence has become increasingly prevalent as AV technology is brought onto networks. This has many advantages; it also introduces new vulnerabilities to the AV industry that require awareness.

Most AV devices today must or can connect to a network, ranging from displays, microphones, amplifiers, sensors, and even speakers. Some common vulnerabilities these devices, along with recommendations to address them, include:

Unsecure Protocols:

AV devices, like IoT devices, are often connected to networks without adequate security protocols. These protocols are either unavailable on the device or left in their default configuration. Protocols such as Telnet (plain text) and HTTP are frequently left on. Protocols such as 802.1x are standard in the IT industry but are not always implemented in AV devices.

Recommendation:

Identify and secure vulnerable devices within your network. Through design, planning, and choosing commercial products from security-conscious vendors, secure implementations are possible.

Outdated Software:

Unpatched or outdated software poses a significant risk to all organisations as it can contain known or zero-day vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. Regular firmware updates are crucial but often overlooked due to complexity and compatibility issues. Implementing a process for timely updates and using automated tools can mitigate this risk.

Recommendation:

Develop a comprehensive AV system update strategy and implement automated update tools to ensure your systems are always up to date with the latest security patches. Additionally, choose manufacturers that regularly release firmware updates for enhanced security at the planning stage.

Weak Access Control:

Many AV systems suffer from weak, default, or reused passwords. These types of passwords make them susceptible to unauthorised access and successful brute-force attacks.

Historically, many AV devices come with default passwords or no authentication, allowing unauthorised access and control. For instance, some touch panels and media processors can be accessed through web interfaces without any login credentials.

Recommendation:

Establish strong authentication protocols, including enforcing the use of complex passwords or multi-factor authentication (MFA). Limit access to AV system configurations to authorised personnel and ensure secure storage of these passwords.

Segmented or Converged Network?

A segmented network separates groups of networked devices either physically or logically by software. A converged network combines these devices into a network where they can communicate with each other. Both designs have advantages, though AV systems connected to the same physical network as other critical systems without proper security protocols or segmentation can provide an attack pathway. As an example, some AV and IoT devices have a very basic network stack and lack security protocols such as 802.1x, which is standard in the IT industry.

Recommendation:

Consult network and AV design experts to implement a robust network design strategy to secure your converged network or isolate your AV systems and minimise the attack surface. Investigate the devices you plan to put on your network to inform your network design strategy.

Physical Security Weaknesses:

AV equipment racks often house routing and control devices that can be physically accessed by unauthorised individuals if not secured properly. Some AV devices also have courtesy network ports that are physically accessible and often not disabled.

Recommendation:

Ensure your AV equipment racks are located in secure areas and properly locked to prevent physical tampering and unauthorised recording or duplication of signals.

Inadequate User Controls:

Over-permissive user access can lead to security breaches.

Recommendation:

Seek to implement strict access controls and the principle of least privilege, granting users only the access level required for their roles. To further minimise risk and maintain security integrity, practice regular password updates and consistent review of user permissions.

Building a Robust AV Security Posture

Here are some essential security measures enterprises can proactively implement:

• Regularly update and patch AV software and firmware by developing and implementing an update strategy
• Implement strong authentication and access controls to prevent unauthorised access. Establish strong authentication protocols and implement the principle of least privilege.
• Use the correct network design, isolation, and firewalls to limit the spread of attacks within networks. Leverage network security experts to help you design and implement a network segmentation strategy.
• Conduct employee training to raise awareness of potential security threats and best practices.
• Carry out vulnerability assessments, establish continuous monitoring, and build an incident response plan to quickly address any breaches.

Maintaining Compliance and Continuous Improvement

Adhering to cybersecurity standards and compliance requirements is crucial. Aligning your enterprise AV system security with your broader IT security policy and best practices outlined in ISO/IEC standards or specific industry guidelines ensures not only security but also regulatory compliance.

By understanding the threats, acknowledging vulnerabilities, and implementing proactive security measures, particularly for AV systems will help your organisation establish a robust defence against cyber-attacks.

Rapid technology evolution requires vigilance. Agile adaptation to the cyber threat landscape is essential. To ensure your organisation meets these critical security standards during implementation and beyond, partner with a capable, security-focused AV integrator like Programmed. For useful recommendations and expert insights, please reach out to the team at Programmed at any time.

Graham Wands, Programmed Electrical Technologies

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