Efficiently securing media networks
05-09-2024The media and entertainment industry faces significant cyber-attack risks due to its reliance on interconnected networks. From live audio systems like Dante, TV studios with SMPTE 2110 to post-production agencies running tools like Adobe Premiere and ProTools, secure interconnection is crucial. Plus the pandemic has accelerated remote work, making robust network security even more essential.
However, interconnected systems expose vulnerabilities to hackers, malware, and data leaks. With networks now running at blazing speeds—40GbE, 100GbE, or even 400GbE—standardized firewall solutions often become impractical or costly. Additionally, media professionals are not always network security experts.
The viable approach to securing media networks is based on the Purdue model from the industrial sector. This involves logical network segmentation into four security zones:
1. Media Streaming Technology: Devices carrying media data like NDI-mixers and SMPTE 2110 gateways.
2. Control Connections: Systems like mixing surfaces and editing systems.
3. Management Network Connections: Tools for managing and configuring devices.
4. Other Connections: Office networks, home workers, and general internet access.
Zones 1 and 2 are critical; losing them halts production. They need robust security but also seamless inter-device communication. Zones 3 and 4 carry management risks and external threats, requiring strict access controls.
Next to a good network segmentation, following points are also key takeaways in your network design:
Network Architecture and Documentation: A well-documented network prevents shadow IT issues. Knowing the network's layout helps in decision-making and troubleshooting.
Access Control: Implement logical segmentation and workgroups to limit access. This prevents easy lateral movement within the network by potential intruders.
Monitoring and Logging: An alarm system for your infrastructure is vital. Monitoring alerts you to suspicious activities and helps in disaster recovery and uptime management by predicting and addressing issues proactively.
In summary, securing media networks involves strategic segmentation, strict access controls, thorough documentation, and continuous monitoring to ensure resilience against cyber threats while maintaining operational efficiency.
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