Cybersecurity in AVSI: Why It’s a Growing Concern

Have you ever wondered how secure your audio-visual systems really are?

With the rise of AI-powered technologies, AVSI firms are becoming increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals. According to research, 62% of organizations experienced AI-driven cyberattacks in the past year, with 44% involving audio deepfakes and 36% using video deepfakes.

How can integrators ensure their systems are protected against these sophisticated threats?

Are legacy devices and outdated firmware making AV systems more vulnerable to exploitation?

A single breach can lead to service disruptions, data leaks, and reputational damage. With cyber threats constantly evolving, AVSI firms need to adopt robust security measures proactively.

In this blog, we explore the unique challenges faced by AVSI with the reasons for concern and best practices that can be followed for dealing with such challenges.

Unique Cybersecurity Challenges Confronting AVSI

AVSI faces a distinct set of cybersecurity challenges that creates unique vulnerabilities which can lead to service disruptions, data breaches, reputational harm, and even financial losses.

• Legacy Devices and Outdated Firmware

Many AV devices rely on proprietary or outdated firmware that receives delayed updates which makes them vulnerable to exploits. In fact, default credentials and weak interfaces add further risk that gives attackers easy entry. Even one neglected device can compromise entire networks which leads to downtime, data breaches, and significant reputational damage.

• Hybrid and Distributed Deployments

AVSI firms often manage multiple client sites with on-premises hardware, remote access and cloud platforms. This distributed nature increases complexity and raises the risk of misconfigurations or overlooked updates. Therefore, maintaining consistent security becomes difficult, and even minor oversights can allow cybercriminals to disrupt operations across interconnected systems simultaneously.

• Overlooked by IT Teams

AV systems are often treated as “just equipment” rather than critical IT assets which means they are excluded from regular audits and monitoring. This disconnect creates gaps between integrators, facility managers, and IT security teams. As a result, attackers exploit these neglected systems to bypass stronger defenses and gain access.

• Supply Chain and Third-Party Risks

AV solutions combine hardware, software and APIs from various vendors which introduces hidden vulnerabilities. In fact, attackers are increasingly exploiting these supply chain weaknesses by targeting manufacturers or embedding malicious code in software updates. As a result, a single compromised vendor can impact multiple clients which causes operational failures, service interruptions, and long-term reputational harm for AVSI.

• Physical Exposure and Insider Risk

AV equipment like control panels or USB ports is often accessible in classrooms, offices, or meeting rooms. This physical exposure allows technicians, contractors, or users to introduce threats, such as malware through infected drives unintentionally. Ultimately, insider or physical risks can disrupt operations, damage systems, and compromise sensitive client information.

What to Watch For?

AVSI firms must stay vigilant against evolving cyber threats, as early detection can prevent operational disruptions, data breaches and reputational damage.

• Malware & Ransomware

Malicious software can infiltrate AV systems to steal data, install backdoors, or spread laterally across networks. In fact, ransomware may encrypt critical files to demand payment for their release. Even a single infected device can disrupt operations and compromise sensitive client information which results in downtime, financial loss and long-term reputational damage.

• Phishing & Social Engineering

Attackers utilize AI-generated phishing emails and social engineering tactics to deceive users into disclosing passwords or other sensitive information. These techniques are increasingly sophisticated and more complex to detect. In fact, falling victim can give cybercriminals access to AV systems which enables data theft, system manipulation, and potential network-wide compromises.

• DDoS / Service Disruption

Distributed denial-of-service attacks aim to overwhelm AV devices, streaming paths, or control systems, rendering services unusable. Even brief outages can disrupt meetings, events or broadcasts. Such interruptions damage client confidence, interrupt operations, and may lead to financial losses or contractual penalties for AVSI firms.

• Weak Authentication & Poor Credential Hygiene

Default passwords, shared accounts, and the lack of multi-factor authentication create easy entry points for attackers. In fact, weak credentials allow unauthorized access to AV networks and connected devices. Compromised accounts can result in stolen data, altered configurations and extended downtime for undermining system reliability and client trust.

• Supply Chain / Vendor Compromise

AV hardware, software modules, or firmware updates from third-party vendors can carry hidden vulnerabilities. Attackers often exploit these supply chain weaknesses to insert backdoors or malicious code. A single compromised vendor can impact multiple clients which leads to operational failures, service disruptions, and severe reputational damage.

• Behavioral / Anomaly Signals

Unexpected activity such as unauthorized configuration changes, abnormal streaming patterns, or sudden device reboots may indicate an ongoing attack. In fact, monitoring for these behavioral anomalies allows early detection. But ignoring these signals can allow attackers to move laterally, escalate privileges and cause widespread system disruptions or data loss.

Best Practices & Defensive Measures

Implementing robust security practices is crucial for AVSI firms to protect their systems and maintain client trust. Such best practices involve:

• Network Segmentation & Zero Trust for AV

AV systems should be placed on dedicated VLANs with strict firewall rules and controlled access. In fact, applying a zero-trust approach ensures that every device and user is verified before accessing network resources. Additionally AI for AVSI Business can help detect unauthorized activity and enforce dynamic segmentation across multiple sites.

• Patch & Update Management

Regularly applying firmware updates and vendor security advisories is crucial to closing known vulnerabilities. In fact, tracking end-of-life devices ensures outdated hardware is replaced or isolated promptly. AI for AV Systems Integration can help identify unpatched systems and schedule updates automatically to maintain consistency across all client deployments.

• Encryption & Secure Protocols

All communications should utilize secure protocols, such as TLS, while unnecessary services and ports should be disabled. Continuous scanning for misconfigurations ensures that data and media streams remain protected. These measures help prevent unauthorized access and maintain the confidentiality of client information.

• Logging, Monitoring & Threat Detection

Forwarding AV system logs to centralized monitoring platforms allows for comprehensive oversight. In fact, correlating events with IT telemetry can help identify unusual patterns such as configuration changes or abnormal traffic. Moreover, automated detection tools enhance response times and decrease the likelihood of threats going undetected.

• Incident Preparedness & Backups

Maintaining immutable backups of system configurations and media files enables rapid recovery in the event of disruption. In fact, incident response playbooks guide staff through restoration procedures. Also, automated verification of backup integrity ensures that recovery plans can be executed reliably when required.

• Security by Design & Automation

Security should be integrated into every stage of deployment, from initial provisioning to ongoing maintenance and support. Automation templates and standardized workflows reduce human error to ensure consistent protection across devices and sites. This proactive approach strengthens security while streamlining operational efficiency for AVSI teams.

How OfficeHub Tech Supports Secure AVSI Deployment

OfficeHub Tech provides AVSI firms with comprehensive solutions that enhance both security and operational efficiency. In fact, they help prevent overlooked vulnerabilities by maintaining detailed inventory and lifecycle tracking in Zoho including firmware versions, end-of-life devices, and system configurations. Furthermore, secure provisioning and credentialing are automated which reduces human error and ensures consistent security standards across all deployments.

Additionally, monitoring outputs are integrated with Zoho Desk and Zoho CRM to enable real-time alerts and automated ticketing to allow for prompt addressing of potential issues. OfficeHub Tech also offers reporting and dashboards that provide clear visibility into compliance and overall security posture to enable AVSI teams to make informed decisions. Our solutions, including AI Powered Workflow Automation and IT Security Tools for AVSI Companies, help optimize operations and ensure secure deployment across all sites.

FAQs

How often should AVSI firms conduct security audits?

At least quarterly, or whenever significant system changes occur.

Can IoT-enabled AV devices pose security risks?

Connected devices can serve as entry points for cyberattacks if they are not adequately secured.

Do software updates guarantee complete security?

No, but regular patching reduces vulnerabilities and exposure to attacks.

Can AVSI use automated alerts to prevent breaches?

Alerts enable teams to respond promptly to suspicious activities.