AV over IP stands for “Audio-Visual over Internet Protocol”. Essentially, it is the transmission of audio-visual data over a network such as a LAN, WAN, or the internet. As opposed to traditional AV environments, AV over IP (also known as AV/IP) refers to the use of standard network equipment to transmit and switch video and audio.
The concept of “Video over IP” has existed a long time. It encompasses everything from internet-based live or on-demand video streaming, to professional video distribution infrastructures in production and broadcast studios. What is being discussed in the professional AV (facilities AV) space over the last few years is the gradual replacement of traditional AV infrastructures with IP-based infrastructures—hence the term AV over IP. For some people, the idea of using IP in the facilities AV space is quite new, while for others, it is familiar territory.
In the past, audiovisual systems were typically contained within an isolated network. Today, countless devices connect to and communicate over IP networks to enable the exchange of data — including audio and video — in a wide array of applications. Highly inter connectable, scalable, and user friendly, AV over IP comes with many advantages, but it also can present an increased potential for security breaches. To make full use of the benefits of AV-over-IP systems, follow these seven best practices for AV-over-IP security.
1. Staff Education:
Thoroughly educate staff on how to use your network equipment. Without a thorough introduction to the AV-over-IP network there exists a greater chance of inadvertently creating issues that could lead to damage or outages and resulting downtime.
2.Secure Your Devices
Ensure your devices are properly locked down with no open ports — such as VNC, SSH, TeamViewer or internal services — that could be exploited by hackers. Limit physical ports via your management platform to help prevent unauthorized access via USB or other hardware devices. Back-rack critical equipment, through AV/KVM extension systems, and use lockable cables to physically secure devices. Act quickly if a device vendor announces a vulnerability and apply appropriate patches immediately to close potential hackers’ window of opportunity.
3. Data encryption
This best practice is short and sweet: Encrypt all of your data using SSL/TLS. Supporting data privacy, integrity, and authentication, encryption should ensure that communications between any two known “peers” remain secure.
4. Choose Secure Credentials
Change default credentials and update passwords regularly. Never leave the default password on a new system or device unchanged. Use strong passwords and take steps to encourage staff members to do so as well. You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: Strong passwords should have at least eight characters, including numerals, punctuation marks, and a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters.
5. Network Segmentation
A dedicated AV network (with a separate power source) can bring an added level of security to mission- critical display systems. With out-of-band (OOB) management capabilities, you can maintain access and control even if the primary data network goes down. You can also deploy a software-based site-to-site virtual private network (VPN) and use its dedicated connections and encryption protocols to securely display content on one or many displays from a single location.
6. Customize Your Approach
Consider how sensitive the data is and whether remote access is worth the added security risk and/or precautions necessary to protect that data.
7. Proactive Monitoring against Threat
The combination of intrusion detection system and deep package inspection can help you identify unusual traffic on your AV-over-IP network. Together these systems can monitor various types of activity and automatically provide real-time alerts and alarms in the event of irregularities or attempts at network infiltration.
Security is largely a matter of common sense, backed up by best practices. Use these seven suggestions for securing your network and devices so that you can focus on the benefits of AV over IP.
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