Cybersecurity Risks Can Abound in AV Systems: How to Secure These Back Doors

Your AV Tech Might Be Smarter Than You Think... But Is It Safe?  

Video conferencing gear, digital signs and room control panels aren’t just nice-to-haves anymore in the world of audio-visual systems. They’re the backbone of how modern offices communicate, collaborate, and function.

But there’s a catch: once they’re connected to your network, they’re also connected to your risks.

If it’s online, it can be hacked. That includes everything from the camera in your meeting room to the touchscreen on your wall.

And if those systems aren’t secure? They could give cybercriminals an easy way into your company.  

The Overlooked Entry Points Hackers Love

Walk into most office buildings today, and you’ll find AV equipment everywhere. Lobby screens, wireless presentation tools, booking panels on doors—every one of them likely connected to the same network that runs your business.

But while your servers, emails, and apps are probably locked down tight, AV systems often get left wide open.

Common AV Security Gaps:

• Cameras or microphones that anyone can access online
• Default usernames and passwords still in place
• Devices running old, unpatched software
• Control panels with no access restrictions

Think of them as digital “back doors.”. They are easy for someone to walk through if no one’s watching.  

AV and IT: It’s Time to Work Together

AV and IT used to be in two different realms. Not anymore. Now, AV devices rely on the same networks as your computers, phones, and cloud apps.

That means AV and IT teams need to be on the same page when it comes to security.

A Few Ways to Lock Things Down:

• Put AV gear on its own part of the network (so it doesn’t mix with everything else)
• Require passwords and permissions to access systems
• Encrypt audio and video data
• Keep shared documentation between teams
• Stay on top of updates and security patches

It’s all about treating AV devices with the same care and caution as the rest of your tech.  

Why Most AV Devices Are Cybersecurity Afterthoughts

Many AV devices weren’t designed with strong cybersecurity in mind, especially older ones. And when new systems are installed quickly (which often happens during office upgrades or moves), security steps get skipped.

That creates easy targets for hackers or even internal misuse.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring update reminders from your AV system
• Leaving unused connections open
• Using cloud-connected AV tools without two-factor authentication

In short: AV systems often get forgotten after installation, but they’re still running, still connected, and still at risk.  

How to Build Cybersecurity into AV Projects from Day One

Cybersecurity shouldn’t be something you "add on" later. It should be part of the plan from day one, just like fire alarms or door locks.

When AV systems are designed and installed with security in mind, the chances of a breach go way down.

A secure AV setup should include:

• Careful planning of how devices connect to your network
• Setting strong passwords and user access rules from the start
• Ongoing support for keeping software and hardware up to date
• Collaboration between whoever is installing the AV gear and your IT or security team

Proactive AV Security Starts with the Right Integration Partner

A secure AV ecosystem includes more than good hardware. It includes:

• Proper network planning and traffic isolation
• Secure device configurations and user permissions
• Full lifecycle support for updates and patches
• Transparent, collaborative processes between AV integrators and IT staff

As an example, at  Immedia, we prioritize cybersecurity in every AV project. That means more than just providing compliance, it means giving security peace of mind to all our clients.

Final Takeaway: Don’t Let AV Be Your Weakest Link

Your AV gear might not look like a security risk, but if it’s online, it absolutely is.

The good news? With the right planning, and the right people involved, you don’t have to choose between innovation and security. You can have both.

So, before your next AV project goes live, or before another system gets overlooked, ask the big question:

Is it secure?

If the answer is  anything but yes, it’s time to fix that.

Got questions about AV security? Reach out to your Immedia representative and they’ll be happy to help answer any questions or concerns.