In today's increasingly interconnected world, audio-visual (AV) systems are more than just isolated components; they are integrated into an organization's larger IT infrastructure, requiring robust cybersecurity practices. From conference rooms and digital signage to sophisticated audio systems and video conferencing solutions, AV devices are essential in both communication and operations. However, the networking capabilities of these systems also introduce potential vulnerabilities. As such, it is crucial for AV professionals to adopt a comprehensive approach to AV networking security.

I will try to list the essential best practices—both basic and advanced, that AV departments should follow to ensure cybersecurity without compromising AV system performance.

Basic Security Best Practices for AV Networking

While advanced security measures are important, some of the most significant impacts on cybersecurity can be achieved by implementing relatively simple best practices. Here are key foundational steps that every AV professional should prioritize:

1. Change Default Authentication Credentials
One of the most common security oversights is failing to change the default username and password settings on AV devices. Many devices ship with default credentials such as "admin" or "password," which are publicly available and commonly known. By not updating these settings, organizations leave themselves exposed to easy access by malicious actors.

The first step in securing AV devices is to change default authentication credentials immediately upon installation. This simple action significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and is a critical step in AV cybersecurity.

2. Upgrade Firmware Regularly
Manufacturers frequently release firmware updates for AV devices that address performance issues and, more importantly, security vulnerabilities. In many cases, these updates close exploitable loopholes that hackers can use to gain access to systems.

Regularly checking for and installing firmware updates is essential for ensuring that AV devices are running the latest security protocols. AV integrators should establish a routine maintenance schedule to check for updates and ensure that all devices remain up-to-date.

3. Physically Secure AV Technology
Cybersecurity is often discussed in terms of software and network defenses, but physical security plays an equally important role. AV equipment should be stored in locked racks or housed in secure rooms to prevent unauthorized personnel from tampering with devices. If a malicious actor gains physical access to AV equipment, they can bypass digital security measures, manipulate devices, or even inject malicious software directly into the system.

4. Subnet Devices for Improved Traffic Management
One effective way to reduce security risks is by segmenting AV devices into a separate subnet. Subnetting groups devices into smaller, controlled sections of the network, limiting their access to critical IT systems. This practice helps isolate traffic from AV systems and minimizes the spread of any potential security breach. By subnetting, AV departments can also improve traffic management and performance, ensuring that audio and video data streams are prioritized over less critical tasks.

Advanced Security Best Practices for AV Networking

As AV systems become more complex, more advanced security practices are required to safeguard these technologies. Working closely with the IT department is critical in implementing these measures.

1. Disable Unnecessary Ports and Services
Many AV devices come with various open ports and services enabled by default, some of which are not necessary for the system’s operation and may expose vulnerabilities. For instance, Port 80 (HTTP) and Port 23 (Telnet) are commonly used by AV devices but are known to be insecure. These ports can be exploited by attackers to intercept unencrypted data or gain access to devices.

To reduce the attack surface, AV professionals should disable any unnecessary ports or features and ensure that only secure protocols, such as HTTPS and SSH, are used. This practice prevents attackers from exploiting outdated or unsecured ports.

2. Integrate Security into the Design and Planning Process
Security should not be an afterthought in AV network design. Instead, it needs to be integrated from the very beginning of the project. AV teams should collaborate with IT and cybersecurity experts during the design phase to ensure that the right security controls are in place. This includes identifying potential security risks, establishing protective measures and ensuring the system’s architecture is built with cybersecurity in mind.

By planning for security at the outset, organizations can avoid costly retrofits and ensure that their AV systems are designed to meet both performance and cybersecurity goals.

3. Manually Vet Devices and Collaborate with Security Teams
Not all AV devices are created with security in mind and some may come with vulnerabilities that can compromise an organization's network. AV professionals should work closely with IT and security teams to manually vet and research all devices before deployment. This includes assessing the security credentials of manufacturers and ensuring that devices meet the organization's cybersecurity standards.

Researching vendor security practices and selecting devices that offer robust security features (e.g., encrypted communications, secure boot) can prevent vulnerabilities from being introduced into the network.

4. Isolate AV Devices on a Dedicated IP Network/VLAN
Placing AV devices on their own IP network or virtual LAN (VLAN) ensures that AV traffic is isolated from critical business operations. This practice not only improves performance by reducing network congestion but also enhances security by restricting access to AV systems.

AV systems should only communicate with other necessary systems (e.g., control systems, user interfaces) and access to the AV VLAN should be restricted to authorized personnel. This measure limits the chances of an attacker moving laterally across the network if they manage to compromise an AV device.

5. Use VLAN Tagging on AV Switch Ports
VLAN tagging on switch ports is another advanced technique that helps segregate traffic and ensure that AV devices are correctly assigned to their respective network segments. By tagging the ports that AV systems are connected to, organizations can create isolated network paths and limit communication to predefined devices. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized traffic reaching the AV systems and helps ensure data privacy.

6. Enable Encryption for Data in Transit
Encryption is a critical layer of defense that ensures data transmitted between AV devices cannot be intercepted or manipulated by attackers. For AV systems handling sensitive information, encryption protocols like TLS (Transport Layer Security) or AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) should be employed.

Ensuring that all communication between AV endpoints—whether for control signals, video streams, or audio data—is encrypted protects the system from eavesdropping and unauthorized access.

7. Include AV Devices in Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)
Organizations often use IDS and IPS to monitor their networks for suspicious activity and block potential threats. However, AV devices are sometimes left out of these security systems, leaving them vulnerable. By integrating AV devices into the broader IDS/IPS infrastructure, organizations can detect and respond to threats targeting their AV systems in real-time.

Including AV devices in the security monitoring strategy ensures that any anomalies or security breaches are detected early, preventing potential damage to the larger network.

Finally, AV networking security requires a multi-layered approach, blending basic cybersecurity practices with more advanced techniques. Changing default credentials, upgrading firmware and physically securing AV devices are foundational steps that provide a strong baseline for network security. On the other hand, advanced measures—such as isolating AV devices on dedicated VLANs, disabling unnecessary ports and encrypting communication—offer additional protection against sophisticated attacks.

Collaboration with IT and security teams is essential in designing secure AV systems. As AV technologies continue to evolve and integrate with larger IT infrastructures, following these best practices ensures both optimal AV performance and robust security.