
The threat of ransomware is a reality for broadcasters, whether local or national, radio or TV, individual stations, station groups, or broadcast networks. With several high-profile incidents making the news over the past year, cybersecurity resources for broadcasters are in high demand. A single attack can be extremely expensive, both in terms of lost revenue and the expense involved in restoring/replacing compromised hardware and software.
And with Next Gen TV moving the industry closer to IP delivery, digital content protection takes on even added urgency. Concerns around cybersecurity for broadcast networks and local stations alike are top-of-mind.
While nothing can guarantee 100% protection, there are several things you can do to help reduce the likelihood of an attack. Below is a list of 10 relatively easy - and (mostly) free - things you can do right now to help better protect yourself.
Install Antivirus Software on All Servers
This may seem obvious but it's surprising how often it's overlooked. There is a cost involved in purchasing antivirus software but it's money well-spent. And once the software is installed, be sure you keep it up to date. Any reputable software will issue updates regularly to address newly identified threats - threats you will be susceptible to if you don't install the updates.
Whitelist Network Traffic on Critical Servers
Whitelisting is the process of allowing only network administrator-approved traffic across your network. This could be allowing access between offices for a specific application and trusting only the specific port across which the traffic travels. Alternatively, you could specify that only communication from a specific IP address or range or IPs is allowed.
Backups
Establish a routine for creating regular backups. Real-time backups are ideal, if possible, but if they're not, think about the maximum age you'd want your backup files to be if you went off the air right now. That's how frequently you should be creating backup files. You should also follow the 3-2-1 standard - 3 copies of every backup, stored in 2 locations, at least 1 off-site.
Air Gap Your Backups
This could probably be included under Backups but it's extremely important, so we're mentioning it on its own. Air gapping means making sure at least one copy of an up-to-date backup is stored in a secure location that is offline, completely isolated from both the internet and your internal LAN. A backup file that has no connection cannot be remotely accessed, and therefore cannot be hacked.
Create a Disaster Recovery Plan
Identify your critical applications and create a defined process for restoring them. Having a plan in place before you need one will save you time - and money - should the unthinkable ever happen.
Patch Management
Make sure all systems and software are up to date, running the latest versions, and that all patches and security updates are installed. Keeping everything up to date will help keep you protected as new vulnerability exploits are identified.
Perform Annual or Semi-Annual Penetration Tests and Intrusion Detection Scans
A penetration test is an intentional attempt to actively exploit weaknesses in a system, to determine the ease (or difficulty) a hacker might face trying to do the same. An intrusion detection scan is a test of your system's ability to identify a potential intrusion and appropriately log the event, as well as alert you, when something suspicious is found.
Deploy Single Sign-On and Multi-Factor Authentication
Single sign-on is the process by which employees access multiple systems and applications by signing on once, with a single username and password. This improves security by allowing those credentials to be stored in a single database, rather than in a separate database for each application, each with varying degrees of security. Single sign-on also reduces the risk of lost, stolen, and even just weak passwords.
Multi-factor authentication is a process requiring additional verification factors beyond the typical username and password combination. A common example is a password used in combination with a verification code sent to a mobile device. Multi-factor authentication significantly improves security because access is granted only if the user provides or has access to at least two of the following: something only the user possesses (i.e. an external token generator or mobile phone); something only the user knows (i.e. a password or a PIN); something only the user is (i.e. biometrics such as a fingerprint or iris scan); and/or somewhere the user is (i.e. connected to a specific network or in a specific GPS location).
Implement and Enforce Strict Password Requirements
A strong password is one that is more than 12-14 characters long, contains a combination of numbers, special characters, both upper and lowercase letters, and includes no real words (not even one with a $ substituted for an s). You can avoid an office full of passwords-on-post-it-notes by employing a good password manager.
Train Employees on Cybersecurity
It's important not to overlook one of the most easily exploited vulnerabilities in any organization: your people. All employees, in all roles, should be thoroughly trained on cybersecurity. They should be instructed on how to recognize a phishing email, how to recognize and avoid clicking suspicious links, and the risks associated with writing down passwords, client credit card or bank account numbers, or other sensitive information.
Your staff should also be trained on how to recognize and avoid falling prey to social engineering, tactics such as pretexting (creating a credible but false pretext, either virtually or in-person, to build trust and obtain confidential information), tailgating (following an authorized person through a controlled entrance
North America Stories
15/07/2025
L3Harris put its CORVUS-RAVEN counter-small UAS capability into the hands of soldiers at VANAHEIM, showcasing its ability to provide passive signal detect, enha...
15/07/2025
Netflix Viewing Up 13.5% vs. May, Represents 42% of Monthly Gain for Streaming
...
15/07/2025
SAN FRANCISCO and BENGALARU, India Sangeeta Chakraborty has been named chief revenue officer at Amagi, a cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology pro...
15/07/2025
As part of its mandate, the Advanced Television Systems Committee the U.S. organization tasked with developing advanced broadcast TV standards promotes ATSC 3.0...
15/07/2025
QuickLink, the leading global provider of multi-camera video productions and remote contributions, announces the launch of two innovative control panels Studi...
15/07/2025
Chris Kontopanos has joined leading high-quality microphone solutions manufacturer, DPA Microphones, as the company's new Regional Sales Manager for the Mid...
15/07/2025
Magnifi by VideoVerse, a global leader in AI-powered video automation, has launched a major platform upgrade built to simplify live and archival video editing f...
15/07/2025
Telestream, a global leader in media workflow technologies, will preview its latest innovations at IBC2025, Stand 7.B21. This year's showcase highlights how...
15/07/2025
IBC2025 is set to transform the onsite experience for its global attendees with the launch of a pioneering new feature: full integration of Amsterdam's GVB ...
15/07/2025
Music, sport and technology collided in spectacular fashion as ASB GlassFloor powered the debut of Beats N Buckets, Germany's first Basketball meets Hip-Ho...
15/07/2025
The Collectv, the Emmy award-winning broadcast solutions and workflows consultancy - and winner of Broadcast Tech's Team of the Year is delighted to announc...
15/07/2025
SipRadius, the expert in secure, low latency media transport, will showcase how broadcasters and media companies can take control of fragmented IP workflows at ...
15/07/2025
Appear, the global leader in live production technology, today announced its strategic partnership with beIN ASIA PACIFIC, a leading multi-platform sports media...
15/07/2025
Company marks 15 years of innovation at the show
Broadpeak, a leader in streaming and monetization at scale, will return to IBC (Hall 1, Stand F83. RAI, Amster...
15/07/2025
New software solutions extend trusted timing measurement across broadcast, venue, and professional AV applications
Hitomi Broadcast, the market leader in audi...
15/07/2025
SHENZHEN, China Telycam has added control options for its portfolio of pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras with a new plug-in for Elgato's Stream Deck family of con...
15/07/2025
MELVILLE, N.Y. Chyron said its Chyron LIVE cloud-native live production solution has successfully completed the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Foundational Technical...
15/07/2025
PHILADELPHIA The Xumo streaming platform joint venture between Comcast and Charter has announced the nationwide launch of a new line of Xumo TVs from Westinghou...
15/07/2025
LONGMONT, Colo. DPA Microphones said Chris Kontopanos has joined the microphone solutions provider as its new regional sales manager, Mid-Atlantic....
15/07/2025
News Corp Authorizes New $1 Billion Stock Repurchase Program and Intends to Acce...
15/07/2025
Back to All News
Netflix Announces the Start of Production of Los secretos de l...
15/07/2025
Submissions for NVIDIA's Plug and Play: Project G-Assist Plug-In Hackathon a...
14/07/2025
The Royal Moroccan Air Force hosted a C-130 award ceremony with L3Harris Technologies President of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Jason Lambert a...
14/07/2025
UK launch set for September, following on from recent US and Germany releases
London - UK, July 14, 2025 - Nielsen, a global leader in audience measurement, da...
14/07/2025
SHENZHEN, China Telycam has added control options for its portfolio of pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras with a new plug-in for Elgato's Stream Deck family of con...
14/07/2025
The awards are open to IBC2025 show exhibitors and offer a valuable platform for companies to raise awareness for the new products and solutions they will be la...
14/07/2025
Clear-Com is excited to announce a significant expansion of the award-winning Arcadia Central Station with new software updates. Together, these releases dram...
14/07/2025
Grass Valley and Daktronics today announced a strategic technology partnership that unites Grass Valley's live production expertise with Daktronics' lea...
14/07/2025
Cloud playout solutions provider, Veset, and swXtch.io, provider of cloud-based multicast and reliable networking solutions, are partnering to deliver multicast...
14/07/2025
Tintri , a DDN subsidiary and leader in AI-powered data management solutions, today announces a game-changing and award-winning refresh to its global Partner P...
14/07/2025
HighField AI, the broadcast industry's first agentic and multimodal AI platform for automating graphics production, is now commercially available. Developed...
14/07/2025
Encompass Digital Media has today announced that it has been delivering a complex global services project for DAZN, the world s leading sports entertainment pla...
14/07/2025
MASV (massive.io), the fastest, most reliable large file transfer platform trusted by over 10,000 global organizations, announced today it will showcase its nex...
14/07/2025
Calrec is introducing a series of usability, customisation and system enhancements across the entire range of Argo consoles at IBC 2025, on Stand 8.C47. Look ou...
14/07/2025
Fincons Group, IT business consultancy and systems integrator company with more than 40 years of experience in the market, is proud to announce a new engagement...
14/07/2025
Intinor returns to IBC to present the latest updates to its Direkt series. A key development on show is Intinor Direkt Management (IDM), a web-based interface f...
14/07/2025
Back to All News
Trailer Out Now! Netflix and YRF Entertainment's Mandala ...
14/07/2025
Back to All News
25 Former Athletes Seek Redemption in Final Draft,' Japan...
14/07/2025
This month, NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang promoted AI in both Washington, D.C. and Beijing - emphasizing the benefits that AI will bring to business and s...
14/07/2025
Sony's New Coach's Headset Was Designed in Collaboration With the NFL Featuring a custom dynamic boom mic, the headset will debut in the fall By Dan Da...
14/07/2025
Live From MLB All-Star 2025: MLB Network's Marc Caiafa and Tom Guidice on th...
14/07/2025
Back to All News
Netflix ISP Speed Index for June 2025
Product
14 July 2025
Global
Link copied to clipboard
One percent of Internet Service Providers (ISP...
14/07/2025
Back to All News
Netflix Begins Filming The Map of Longing With Al cia Falc , P...
14/07/2025
This July marks 100 days since I officially stepped into the role of CEO at Grass Valley, a milestone not of abrupt change, but of confident continuity.
Unlike...
13/07/2025
Back to All News
Netflix Expands B&B Universe' with Yu Jae Seok's B&B ...
13/07/2025
Live From MLB All-Star 2025: MLB Network Marks Five Straight Years of Onsite MLB...
12/07/2025
Ryan Coogler accepting the 2013 Vanguard Award. Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez.
Editor's Note: In honor of Fruitvale Station s 12th anniversary, we're d...
12/07/2025
Key Code Education, the professional training division of Key Code Media, proudly announces a major update to its Adobe Premiere Pro Engineering and Advanced Op...
12/07/2025
Key Code Education, a leader in instructor-led post production training for over...
12/07/2025
As the death toll continues to mount, with at least 120 killed and more than 170 people still missing on July 10 from devastating Texas floods, a number of broa...