Audiovisual (AV) systems are an integral part of how businesses operate. Whether it’s a conference call with a client, a digital presentation in the boardroom, or video content streaming across your office, AV technology helps teams connect and collaborate. However, while we rely on these systems to keep things moving, many businesses overlook a critical blind spot: cybersecurity threats.
It might look sleek and modern on the outside, but behind the scenes, there could be a hidden cyber risk in your audiovisual system. Running outdated software or firmware is more than a minor inconvenience; it may be an open door for hackers.
AV Systems: An Overlooked Target
Because they don’t always consider AV equipment “business critical,” many companies manage it separately from the rest of their IT infrastructure. It might even be on its own network or left out of routine security updates altogether.
Unfortunately, that’s where the real danger lies. Because it seems unlikely that hackers would go after a projector in a conference room, your business may have a false sense of security that creates network exposure. When your AV tools are actually connected to each other and the network in ways you don’t realize, they’re vulnerable to attack.
For instance, many AV devices operate on older versions of software packages and don’t always get the necessary patches and security updates. The result? An increasingly outdated system that becomes a perfect target for system hacking.
Why Your AV System Needs Attention Today
Cybercriminals love easy targets, and every piece of equipment from smart cameras to digital whiteboards can serve as an entry point. If they aren’t updated regularly and you neglect endpoint security, they become a weak link in the security chain. Once inside, attackers can move laterally through your network, gaining access to sensitive data or internal systems.
What You Can Do About It
To address the hidden cyber risk in your audiovisual system, you must first stop treating AV equipment like it's separate from your core technology infrastructure. Your IT and AV teams need to work together to ensure every device is secure and receives regular updates.
This security-first approach should include:
- Auditing your AV systems regularly for outdated software and firmware.
- Updating devices immediately when patches become available.
- Integrating AV into your broader cybersecurity plan to make sure it’s not left out of policies or monitoring.
- Limiting access to AV tools and setting permissions carefully to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Don’t Let Convenience Become a Threat to Security
We rely on technology more than ever, but this reliance comes with responsibility. The convenience of AV systems should never outweigh the need for security. Overlooking AV vulnerabilities today could lead to serious consequences tomorrow.
By taking a proactive approach to addressing the hidden cyber risk in your audiovisual system, you can keep it working just as hard as the rest of your technology without concerns about the potential of a devastating cybersecurity incident.
Remember, your AV system isn’t just a communication tool. It’s part of your network, and it deserves the same protection.
