In today’s interconnected world, audio-visual (AV) equipment is part of the Internet of Things (IoT) phenomenon, making things easier and better. But smart AV systems can be very risky for security if they are not protected. You need to use strong security features for Securing IoT-Enabled AV Devices to protect your organization’s network and sensitive information.

How to protect AV systems connected to the internet?

In order to add safe audio-visual (AV) equipment to your Internet of Things (IoT) network, you need a smart security plan. New AV devices, like smart TVs and video conferencing equipment, are basically smart computers with operating systems. Because of this, they are very attractive targets for cyber attackers wanting to breach your network.

IoT security checklist for AV equipment:

• Firmware is regularly updated on every AV device, which eliminates known vulnerabilities.
• Change default administrator passwords at installation
• Isolate IoT AV devices from each other with various network segments using VLANs.
• Implement strong encryption techniques for every data transmission.
• Deployed all av equipment’s behind secured firewall

Device List and Control

Monitoring all the devices that are plugged into your AV is your starting point so you won’t have any potential issues. You need to understand what is plugged into your network so you can defend it effectively.

Deploy persistent monitoring technologies that help in the monitoring of devices within the infrastructure of your organization. The smart solution provides security teams with the ability to detect malicious traffic and respond automatically to potential attacks. Automated management of IoT devices that help find, authenticate, and monitor all AV endpoints across your network are a great idea to implement.

Encryption and Data Protection Strategies

Data protection must always be the priority when securing IoT devices. The devices usually process and exchange valuable information, from company presentations to personal meetings, and as such, encryption must be done at all levels of data processing.

Have a strong security plan in which your business and service providers work together to ensure confidentiality. Use common encryption algorithms like AES-256 to exchange data and secure communication protocols like TLS or DTLS to protect data in transit.

Particularly for video calling systems:

• Implement end-to-end encryptions for all communication sessions
• Have secure authentication mechanisms for meeting entry.
• Regularly examine access logs for improper join attempts
• Implement automatic session expirations to prevent unauthorized use.

Handling Vendor Security Risks

The majority of organizations overlook the security risks that third-party vendors who might have access to their AV systems for updates or maintenance pose. Set stringent security protocols for any vendor and incorporate them in your contract documents.

Before you deploy any IoT-based AV products, thoroughly review the vendors’ AV solutions from a security point of view. Inspect how they secure data, software update policies, and authentication procedures. Select vendors with established security records and open policies regarding data handling and informing you when a breach happens.

Developing a comprehensive security plan.

Developing an organizational IoT security plan ensures consistency across all devices, even AV-specific equipment. The framework should address the unique issues of audiovisual technologies to the extent that it is aligned with overall cybersecurity procedures.

The most effective security solutions combine human vigilance with technology. Train all employees in the proper use of IoT-capable AV equipment, including what to do if they encounter suspicious behavior or equipment failure. Have regular awareness workshops on IoT threats and prevention.

Also, put in place continuous monitoring systems that can alert you to suspicious network traffic or unusual device activity that may suggest an issue. These systems must have a secure AV integration into your existing infrastructure to give you end-to-end visibility for all your connected devices.

Conclusion

In order to make smart AV devices secure, you must have a good plan. That plan must include safety at the hardware level, using encryption, proper network configuration, and periodic checks. With these best practices, organizations can enjoy the benefits of smart AV technology with minimal security risks. Don’t forget that IoT security is an ongoing process with regular updates and strict monitoring. Would you like to enhance your organization’s IoT AV security? Get in touch with our security experts today for an in-depth review for securing IoT-enabled AV devices and customized recommendations for improvement.