Broadcast Cybersecurity: Defending IP Workflows from New Threats

The transition from SDI to IP-based broadcast workflows has revolutionized the media industry, enabling flexible, scalable, and cost-efficient video transport. But this shift also introduces new cybersecurity risks. As broadcasters adopt cloud, remote production, and virtualized infrastructure, their attack surfaces expand dramatically.

Cybersecurity is no longer an afterthought — it's a core requirement. This article explores the latest threats facing IP-based broadcast systems and how to defend against them with modern security principles, tools, and best practices.

Why Broadcast Systems Are Vulnerable

IP-based broadcast workflows are increasingly similar to IT infrastructures. They rely on standard network protocols, shared infrastructure, and often integrate third-party systems — all of which create potential security gaps.

Common vulnerabilities include:

• Lack of encryption in control or media paths
• Misconfigured devices and exposed services
• Absence of network segmentation
• Use of legacy or unsupported hardware
• Human error and lack of access controls

In the past, air-gapped SDI setups were immune to many cyber threats. Today’s IP-based environments are far more exposed.

Real-World Threats to Broadcast Systems

1. Ransomware and Malware Attacks

Broadcast stations are increasingly targeted by ransomware that locks access to production systems and demands payment. Malware can disrupt playout automation, streaming encoders, and even signal paths.

How can broadcasters protect playout servers from ransomware?
Implement endpoint protection, restrict internet access, ensure frequent offline backups, and enforce application whitelisting on automation servers.

2. Unauthorized Access and Insider Threats

Without proper authentication and access control, attackers (or even staff) can gain control over routers, encoders, or NRCS systems.

What’s the best practice for managing access to broadcast control systems?
Use role-based access control (RBAC), enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and log all user activity.

3. Stream Hijacking and Signal Interception

IP-based video streams can be intercepted or tampered with if not encrypted. This risks both confidentiality and integrity of content.

How do you secure video streams in IP-based workflows?
Encrypt transport streams using SRTP or SRT with AES, and segment the network to isolate sensitive paths.

Security Architecture for Modern Broadcast Systems

1. Zero Trust Architecture

A Zero Trust model assumes that no user or device is automatically trusted. Every request is verified based on identity, device health, and context.

Key principles:

• Authenticate every access request
• Apply least-privilege access policies
• Continuously monitor and verify network behavior

2. Network Segmentation

Separate control, media, and management traffic using VLANs or SDN-based segmentation. This limits lateral movement if a breach occurs.

Tools:

• Broadcast control layer (NMOS IS-04/IS-05) segmentation
• Media stream firewalls
• Virtual LANs (VLANs) or Microsegmentation (NSX, Cisco ACI)

3. Secure Device Configuration

All connected devices — encoders, switchers, servers — must be hardened:

• Disable unused services
• Change default passwords
• Update firmware regularly
• Enable logging and remote lockout

Secure Protocols for Media Workflows

• SRT (Secure Reliable Transport)
  SRT supports end-to-end encryption (AES 128/256) and packet loss recovery, ideal for secure contribution and distribution.
• RTP over SRTP
  For real-time broadcast environments, SRTP encrypts payloads while keeping timing and QoS intact.
• HTTPS & API Token Authentication
  Used to secure web interfaces and automation APIs.

Which encryption protocol is best for live contribution over the internet?
SRT is often the best choice due to its low-latency, encrypted transport and resilience to jitter and packet loss.

Security in Cloud and Remote Production

As broadcasters move to cloud-based playout and remote workflows, new security challenges arise:

• Misconfigured cloud storage (e.g., open S3 buckets)
• Insecure API keys
• VPN fatigue for remote teams

Mitigations include:

• Zero-trust access brokers (ZTNA)
• Secrets management (e.g., HashiCorp Vault)
• Monitoring with SIEM and UEBA tools

Compliance and Industry Standards

Broadcast environments must align with cybersecurity standards:

• ISO/IEC 27001 – Information security management systems
• ETSI TS 103 120 – Secure media contribution
• SMPTE ST 2022-7 – Redundancy, but relevant for signal integrity
• NIST SP 800-207 – Zero Trust reference architecture

Security Awareness for Broadcast Engineers

Cybersecurity is not just a responsibility of IT — engineers, operators, and vendors must all understand secure design principles.

Best practices include:

• Regular security training
• Incident response simulations
• Vendor security vetting
• Asset inventory and monitoring

What kind of training should broadcast engineers receive?
Training should cover secure device configuration, safe network practices, and how to recognize phishing or social engineering attempts.

Conclusion: Building Resilient IP-Based Broadcast Systems

Cybersecurity must be integrated into every layer of modern broadcast infrastructure — from media transport and device setup to remote access and cloud workflows. A proactive, multi-layered security approach helps prevent costly downtime, reputational damage, and compliance failures.

Broadcasters that invest in strong cybersecurity today ensure operational continuity, viewer trust, and long-term innovation.

Looking to secure your broadcast workflows? Promwad can help integrate robust security architecture into your IP-based media infrastructure.