With advancements in technology, audio-visual (AV) systems have become increasingly interconnected. From networked projectors and displays to wireless microphones and amplifiers, modern AV setups rely heavily on network connectivity. While this connectivity enables powerful functionality, it also introduces significant cybersecurity risks that could compromise system integrity and data privacy. As AV consultants, ensuring cybersecurity must be a top priority when designing and maintaining these systems.

In this blog post, I will explain why cybersecurity should be a focus for AV consultants and provide guidance on proactively safeguarding client systems from cyberthreats. I will discuss key areas of risk and recommended security practices under the following headings:

Understanding the Expanding Attack Surface

Securing Network Infrastructure

Managing Device Access and Authentication

Protecting Stored and Transmitted Data

Implementing Monitoring and Response Strategies

Educating Clients on Ongoing Security Best Practices

Understanding the Expanding Attack Surface

As networking capabilities have been integrated into AV equipment, the potential points of vulnerability, or attack surface, have grown exponentially. Every networked device presents new opportunities for hackers to infiltrate systems. Common attack vectors now include:

Projectors, displays, and signage with built-in streaming and BYOD capabilities

Wireless microphone systems that transmit audio over WiFi networks

Audio DSP processors that rely on internet-based programming interfaces

Hardware control systems connected to building management systems

Consultants must understand how each new technology expands the risk profile and identify ways to minimize exposure. It’s also critical not to overlook potentially vulnerable supporting devices like network switches, routers, and access points that don’t directly involve AV but could be exploited to compromise connected equipment. A breadth of expertise is required to uncover hidden cyber weaknesses.

Securing Network Infrastructure

Strengthening the underlying network infrastructure should be a foundational part of any cybersecurity strategy. Key measures include:

Segregating AV systems onto their own secure, dedicated VLAN to isolate them from other enterprise traffic

Implementing a firewall between the AV network and other internal/external networks

Encrypting all wireless networks using the most up-to-date encryption protocols

Changing all default router, switch and access point passwords

Enabling MAC address filtering to only allow approved devices onto the network

Ensuring all networking equipment receives regular firmware updates

These controls establish vital network segmentation and access restrictions that block unauthorized intrusions at the system level before threats can reach individual devices.

Managing Device Access and Authentication

With credentials, hackers can potentially control any internet-connected device. Consultants should advise setting strong authentication policies such as:

Requiring unique, complex passwords on all equipment that are changed regularly

Disabling remote access or cloud-based control interfaces when not in use

Enabling two-factor authentication wherever supported

Removing unnecessary open ports and restricting outbound traffic

Regularly auditing user accounts and access privileges

Implementing an approval process for third-party integrations

Adding layers of access controls and credential management significantly raises the bar for would-be cyber attackers.

Protecting Stored and Transmitted Data

Securing information flows is paramount given the sensitive data traversing AV networks. Recommended data security practices include:

Encrypting WiFi networks using WPA2 or higher for audio transmission

Enabling HTTPS/SSL on any web-based interfaces to encrypted programming and configuration

Restricting access to stored assets like project files, presentations, and media

Backing up critical data to external drives stored securely offline

Blocking or limiting uploads and downloads to only approved file types

Monitoring network traffic for anomalies that could indicate data exfiltration

Proactive policies protect both system integrity and customer privacy in the event of intrusions or stolen credentials.

Implementing Monitoring and Response Strategies

Even with thorough security implementations, vulnerabilities can be missed or new exploits uncovered. Consultants should develop strategies for:

Deploying network monitoring tools to detect irregular traffic and flag policy violations

Centrally logging entry points, access attempts, configuration changes for forensic review

Regularly running vulnerability scans to surface weaknesses and prioritize remediations

Establishing response plans outlining escalation procedures and contacts for security incidents

Providing initial and follow-up staff security awareness training

Conducting tabletop exercises to validate incident response preparedness

Continuous monitoring closes visibility gaps, while well-defined response facilitates containments if issues arise.

Educating Clients on Ongoing Security Best Practices

Consultants can empower long-term protection by educating clients to integrate security practices into daily operations. Key topics include:

Performing regular password changes/resets across systems

Restricting access to authorized personnel only

Monitoring for physical access to control rooms and AV closets

Maintaining an asset inventory and upgrading unsupported devices

Enrolling in ongoing maintenance/subscription services

Signing up for security notification lists from hardware vendors

Conducting phishing simulations and response training annually

Designating an IT liaison to implement new guidance when vulnerabilities emerge

By fostering a security-aware culture, clients can independently sustain defenses long after initial deployment.

Conclusion

As technology advancements converge AV and IP networks, cybersecurity considerations have become inextricable from system design best practices. Consultants play a vital role shielding clients by implementing comprehensive security architectures, processes and by developing long-term security strategies. A risk-informed, defense-in-depth approach is required to outmaneuver persistent cyber threats targeting these expanding attack surfaces. Prioritizing cybersecurity ensures AV systems operate dependably while enabling innovative new capabilities.

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