Why Commercial AV is the Next Cybersecurity Frontier

As our world becomes more connected, every device that is connected to the internet is a possible target for cybercriminals. IT departments work hard to protect servers, workstations, and traditional network infrastructure, but many companies have a serious security hole that is often ignored: commercial audio-visual (AV) systems. These systems, which include digital signage and meeting room technology, are quickly becoming part of IT networks. This creates a big “hidden cyber risk” that can have terrible effects that go beyond just operational problems.

Not paying attention to AV cybersecurity can have huge effects. Think about the recent cyberattack on a hospital that caused MRI results to be delayed by more than a month and shut down important computer systems. Scott Tiner of AVNation pointed out that this incident clearly shows how deeply technology is woven into essential operations and how a breach can paralyze an entire organization—even if an AV system wasn’t the direct target. In a lot of cases, though, an AV device could easily be the first step in such an attack.

The Overlooked Frontier: Why Commercial AV is a Prime Target

In the past, AV systems were separate, often analog, and not connected to the main IT infrastructure. This made an organizational silo that still exists today. AV teams often work on their own or without being directly connected to larger cybersecurity strategies. This split between IT and AV departments is actually a big hole in cybersecurity that makes it easy for advanced attacks to get in through a backdoor. AV equipment is an easy target when it doesn’t get the same level of security as other IT assets.

Specific AV Devices: The Vulnerable Entry Points

As AV systems move to AV-over-IP architectures that use standard network protocols, they become just as vulnerable as any other connected device. But their special features come with their own set of risks:

• Smart Cameras & Microphones: Smart cameras and microphones are often used for video conferencing or surveillance. However, they can also be used to eavesdrop on private meetings, gather sensitive information, or even watch someone in person. Protocols like RTSP and ONVIF that don’t protect streams are especially easy to intercept.
• Digital Whiteboards & Interactive Displays: These devices often have full operating systems (like Android or Windows), store private meeting notes, and can connect to internal networks. Attackers could get into internal files or use the device as a pivot point to move laterally across the network if the software is out of date or the authentication is weak.
• Video Conferencing Units: These specialized devices can have exposed management interfaces, default credentials, or unpatched firmware, in addition to simple “Zoom bombing.” A hacked unit could record and steal whole meetings, add malware to presentations, or let people into the internal network.
• Digital Signage: Digital signage players may seem harmless, but they are often connected to the internet. If there are security holes here, they could let ransomware or malware attacks spread through an organization’s network, or they could let malicious content show up on the screen.
• Control Processors & Matrix Switchers: These devices are like the brains of many AV systems because they handle commands and connections. If hacked, an attacker could control whole AV setups, stop important presentations, or get into connected devices and data streams. It’s easy to intercept or brute-force protocols like Telnet or unencrypted HTTP for control.

Common Cyberattack Vectors and Security Gaps

A closer look at AV vulnerabilities reveals consistent patterns that cybercriminals frequently exploit:

• Firmware and Software Vulnerabilities: Like any computing system, AV devices run on software. Manufacturers regularly release updates to patch security flaws. Failing to apply these updates leaves systems exposed to known exploits.
• Weak Authentication & Access Control: Default or reused passwords, simple PINs, and the absence of multi-factor authentication (MFA) on AV control interfaces are easy targets for attackers. If you can access a device remotely, a hacker likely can too, especially with credentials compromised through social engineering.
• Network Vulnerabilities & Lack of Segmentation: When AV systems aren’t isolated from the main data network, a breach in one AV device can compromise the entire corporate network. Even “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) policies for AV, if not properly secured, introduce significant risks.
• The Human Factor: Alarmingly, human error contributes to as much as 95% of all cyber incidents. Social engineering tactics, such as phishing emails masquerading as meeting invites or IT update notifications, are commonly used to obtain user credentials, which can then be used to access AV systems or related networks. A lack of cybersecurity awareness among both AV and IT staff remains a critical vulnerability.
• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The hardware and software comprising AV systems often come from various vendors. A compromised firmware update from a manufacturer or insecure third-party software embedded in an AV product can introduce backdoors into your system before it’s even out of the box.
• Insufficient Physical Security: While less dramatic, physical access to AV equipment in server rooms, meeting rooms, or equipment racks can lead to tampering, data theft via direct port access, or the installation of malicious hardware.

The True Cost of Insecurity: Beyond Downtime

The financial and operational impacts of an AV cyberattack stretch far beyond simple system downtime. The “true cost of AV insecurity” often includes:

• Loss of Intellectual Property (IP): Eavesdropping on confidential board meetings or R&D discussions can result in the theft of trade secrets, product designs, or strategic plans.
• Reputational Damage: A high-profile data breach or operational disruption can severely harm an organization’s brand and erode customer trust.
• Regulatory Fines & Non-Compliance: If sensitive data (e.g., personally identifiable information, healthcare records) is handled or exposed through compromised AV systems, organizations could face substantial penalties under regulations like the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) or CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act). Compliance with security frameworks such as NIST Cybersecurity Framework or ISO 27001 is becoming increasingly vital for AV deployments.

Early Mitigation Strategies: Fortifying Your AV Defenses

AV cybersecurity that is proactive shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be a key design principle. This change, which puts “security-by-design” first, means that security measures should be built into the planning, buying, and installing of AV solutions from the start.

Here’s a comprehensive approach to fortify your commercial AV infrastructure:

1. Secure AV System Design & Procurement:
   • Prioritize Security from Day One: Make security features a mandatory requirement in RFPs for new AV equipment.
   • Vendor Vetting: Thoroughly assess AV vendors and integrators for their cybersecurity practices, including their supply chain security, software development lifecycle, and patching policies.
   • Default Security Posture: Configure all new AV equipment with strong, unique passwords immediately upon deployment, disabling any unnecessary services or open ports.
2. Robust Network Segmentation and Isolation:
   • Dedicated AV Networks: Implement a network segmentation strategy that isolates AV devices from your core IT data network. This contains potential breaches and prevents lateral movement.
   • Firewalls & IDS/IPS: Deploy firewalls with strict rules, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to monitor and control traffic to and from AV segments.
   • VLANs: Utilize Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) to logically separate AV traffic, even if physically sharing network infrastructure.
3. Strong Authentication and Access Control:
   • Unique, Complex Passwords: Every AV device and management interface must have a strong, unique password. Use a password manager to facilitate this.
   • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA wherever possible, especially for remote access to AV control systems, administrator accounts, and critical video conferencing platforms.
   • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Limit user privileges to only what’s necessary for their role, preventing unauthorized access or accidental configuration changes.
4. Regular Software and Firmware Updates:
   • Patch Management: Establish a consistent schedule for applying security patches and firmware updates to all AV equipment. Manufacturers frequently release these to address vulnerabilities.
   • Automated Updates: Where feasible, leverage automated update processes to ensure timely application of patches.
5. Vulnerability Management and Audits:
   • Regular Assessments: Conduct periodic vulnerability assessments and penetration testing specifically targeting your AV infrastructure. Identify security weaknesses and promptly remediate them.
   • Configuration Audits: Regularly audit the configurations of AV devices to ensure they adhere to security policies and best practices.
6. Comprehensive Monitoring and Logging:
   • Real-time Monitoring: Implement robust network and system monitoring tools to continuously oversee AV infrastructure for anomalous behavior.
   • Centralized Logging: Aggregate logs from AV devices, control systems, and network equipment into a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system for real-time analysis and alerting.
7. Cybersecurity Awareness Training for All:
   • Unified Training: Develop a joint cybersecurity awareness program for both IT and AV teams, emphasizing their shared responsibility.
   • Targeted Education: Train staff on identifying phishing attempts, recognizing social engineering tactics (especially those targeting meeting invites or remote access), and reporting suspicious activity immediately.
8. Robust Physical Security Measures:
   • Secure Access: Restrict physical access to AV control rooms, equipment racks, and other critical AV infrastructure using locks, access control systems, and surveillance cameras.
   • Tamper-Evident Seals: Use tamper-evident seals on ports, access panels, and control units to detect unauthorized physical manipulation.
   • Secure Mounting: Securely mount AV devices to prevent easy removal or tampering.
9. Develop a Comprehensive Incident Response Plan:
   • AV-Specific Protocols: Create a detailed incident response plan that includes specific protocols for AV-related cyber incidents. This should define command centers, communication flows, and decision-making processes.
   • RTO/RPO for AV: Establish clear Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) for critical AV systems to minimize downtime and data loss during a breach.
   • Post-Incident Analysis: Conduct thorough post-incident reviews to identify root causes and improve future security posture.
10. Partnering with Expert AV Integrators:
    • Beyond Installation: Recognize that skilled professional audiovisual integrators are more than just installers; they are crucial partners in establishing and maintaining a secure AV environment.
    • Specialized Services: Many integrators now offer specialized AV cybersecurity services, similar to Telefónica Servicios Audiovisuales (TSA) offering CISO as a Service (CISOaaS), which provides strategic security management, monitoring, and compliance for the audiovisual sector. Leveraging their expertise can help assess system needs, implement best practices, and advise on ongoing AV cybersecurity posture.

Commercial AV systems are no longer separate parts in today’s interconnected business. They are an important part of the digital infrastructure, and their safety can’t be an afterthought anymore. Organizations can turn their AV systems from possible weaknesses into securely integrated assets by encouraging strong collaboration between IT and AV teams, adopting a proactive “security-by-design” mindset, and putting in place strong mitigation strategies. It’s time to strengthen this “silent network.”