Companies in the audiovisual sector are increasingly connected: networked equipment, videoconferencing solutions, remote control systems and streaming platforms have become an essential part of its operation. However, with this connectivity also come risks that are often overlooked.

Here are 5 uncomfortable truths about cybersecurity that almost no one mentions, but that can save your AV business from an attack.

1. Your displays and AV systems are also gateways.

It is not only servers or computers that are vulnerable. A video wall, a PTZ camera or even a digital signage system connected to the Internet can become a weak point if they are not protected. Attackers know that many AV devices have default passwords or lack regular updates, making them an easy target.

Tip: change the factory passwords and keep the firmware of all your equipment always up to date.

2. Attacks do not always seek to steal money

In the AV sector, a cyber attack can be aimed at disrupting a live event, manipulating content on digital screens or even spying on private meetings. The damage to your company's reputation can be as serious as a direct financial loss.

Example: imagine that during a corporate event a hacker projects unauthorized messages on the LED screens. The impact on your client's image would be immediate.

3. Social engineering is more dangerous than viruses.

Many cybersecurity incidents start with a simple email. A technician on your team may receive a fake email requesting remote access to an AV system "for maintenance". Trust and urgency are the hooks most commonly used by attackers.

Tip: train your AV staff to detect phishing attempts and establish clear protocols before granting access.

4. Security is already part of the bidding documents and contracts.

More and more corporate and government clients are demanding that AV providers comply with basic cybersecurity standards. Ignoring this point not only exposes your systems, but can also keep you out of tenders or strategic projects.

Tip: review standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 or AV manufacturers' security guidelines. Complying with them can be your competitive edge.

5. The cost of not investing is higher than the cost of protecting oneself.

Many AV companies think that implementing cybersecurity measures is expensive. But an attack can cost anything from loss of critical information to cancellation of contracts due to breach. The financial, legal and reputational impact is often far greater than the investment in prevention.

Tip: start with basic steps: firewalls, automatic updates, network segmentation and staff training.

Want to know more?

The audiovisual industry is experiencing a moment of accelerated growth thanks to digitization and connectivity. But that same scenario forces to put cybersecurity at the center of the strategy. The question is not if your AV company will be attacked, but when. Preparing today can make the difference between leading projects with confidence or facing irreparable losses.

This will be one of the topics within the educational program of InfoComm Latin America. On October 24 at 14:00 pm, Claudia Rodriguez Sosa, WOMCY, will present the conference "Cybersecurity: Current Challenges and Future Trends".

In it, Claudia will learn more about the complex challenges facing cybersecurity in an ever-evolving digital environment. This session will address the main threats and trends that are redefining protection strategies around the world. 

Innovative approaches and emerging technologies that are being applied to ensure information security in an increasingly interconnected and sophisticated landscape will be explored.

Did you find it interesting? Register now and come and learn more about the latest news in this sector in CDMX.