A network from AVIXA
Josh Braun, AVI’s Vice President of Information Technology, wants you to know there are several concerns to keep in mind as you implement or manage networked AV technologies used to support collaboration.
“I want everyone to know that cybersecurity, network segmentation, and Day 2 support are just as important for AV solutions as they are for your broader IT environment,” says Braun.
These tips may feel like table stakes if you're an IT executive. And they should. This list is aimed at a broad audience with limited experience selecting, implementing, and networked AV solutions.
You don’t need to be an IT pro to know that hackers and nefarious actors are getting better at their craft and using new tools like AI to find ways to exploit systems. In addition, new equipment with new vulnerabilities and attack vectors constantly emerges that require continuous adaptation and vigilance – including AV tools.
“It's critical to have the governance in place to ensure you stay one step ahead of the bad guys. At AVI Systems, we spend more on information security than most other areas of our IT budget,” says Braun.
When (not if) you have an exploit or vulnerability, you’ll want to quickly deploy a security update or patch to ensure your environment remains protected. A trusted partner can make this easier by continuously monitoring on your behalf, potentially preventing cyberattacks before they happen.
Networked AV technologies should be treated with the same level of security as any other critical infrastructure. In other words, you should segment your AV tech on a separate network where it can talk to itself, but other services or devices on your broader network can’t get to it. And vice versa.
“I recommend that you focus on network firewalls and monitoring tools that include features like network intrusion detection and prevention. You always want a clear view into your AV traffic,” cautions Braun.
This strategy is essential because you can’t add antivirus software to most AV peripherals like conference room cameras or interactive whiteboards. So, you want to establish a baseline of what normal traffic looks like to identify anything out of the ordinary quickly.
For example, AVI offers a remote monitoring tool called AVI Insight that provides visibility into the health of your AV and Unified Collaboration infrastructure. We monitor your systems 24/7 and can proactively assist when anomalies are detected.
To maintain consistent and secure configurations across all network devices and applications, it’s important to choose a trusted AV partner. Specifically, you should look for repeatable processes that have been vetted, address security, and yield predictable results. And, of course, a robust Day 2 offering should be non-negotiable.
“We don’t just sell you a product and install it – we research, test, and engineer it. We choose components from a security mindset and enable strategies like network encryption to ensure no one can eavesdrop on the collaboration taking place,” says Braun.
In addition, it’s critical that any peripherals are certified for the collaboration platforms you use (e.g., Microsoft Teams). This not only improves your security but also makes it easier from a usability perspective.
Finally, ensure your integration partner tests their solution for compatibility with your current hardware, software, security, and network encryption standards.
Many companies had to evolve their AV platforms quickly during the pandemic and may have needed more time to fully consider the security implications of every decision. Now that hybrid arrangements are the norm, it’s essential to address gaps, be proactive about security going forward, and stay vigilant as potential threats evolve.
If you’re a mid-sized company without dedicated AV staff, consider partnering with AVI Systems to ensure your AV solutions are secure today – and tomorrow.
Our solutions architects, certified design engineers, and professional installation teams help you plan for, implement, and manage a broad range of AV solutions – from building a few conference rooms to implementing a companywide unified collaboration platform. Visit www.avisystems.com for more information.
We’re not satisfied with the status quo, nor are our customers. Our goal is to move beyond where AV integrators have traditionally lived – focusing more on outcomes and moving your businesses forward.
For customers across industries and geographies, FORTÉ delivers next-generation visual collaboration solutions built with a people-first approach.
The employee-owners of FORTÉ leverage unrivaled technical experience, talent, and commitment in delivering customized AV solutions that empower you to seize opportunities and imagine new possibilities.
Founded in 1974 by Joe Stoebner, FORTÉ has grown from one office location in North Dakota to 42 locations in the United States and four locations in Europe. FORTÉ is also the only employee-owned communications and collaboration company with more than 1,500 employees as of August 2025. The company serves customers in all 50 states and, as the Regional Business Unit of GPA, FORTÉ assists multinational enterprises, providing design, delivery and installation services in 170 cities around the world.
FORTÉ's unique approach with its customers includes providing subject matter expertise in enterprise audiovisual solutions, unified collaboration solutions, Microsoft services, digital media, mission critical solutions, and broadcast solutions. In addition, FORTÉ delivers a complete suite of managed services to ensure every solution remains up-to-date and functioning as it should.
In 2024, FORTÉ announced the addition of its Velocity Logisitics Center in Dallas, Texas. This center enables FORTÉ to develop and deploy pre-engineered meeting room solutions anywhere in the United States within days, not months. An industry first!
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