Digital signage systems have become increasingly popular for businesses to display information and advertisements in public spaces. However, with the rise of digital signage has come an increased need for security.
You may be wondering why digital signage security is so crucial. A digital sign, after all, is merely a screen in the store's foyer or window, right? In the first place, there is the matter of your reputation. It's common for hackers to get access to digital signs and displays. Areas with a lot of foot activity are ideal for digital signage screens. So, if you're looking to hack "for the lulz" (as it's known in certain parts of the internet) or if you want to deface a company, a digital sign is the way to go. None of us probably want to chat with our employer about how pornographic content or ransomware alerts ended up on our screens.
The second reason isn't as visible but important. If your digital signage player is linked to your network, then an attacker might compromise additional devices by targeting the player. In 2018, for instance, hackers in North America used a fish tank linked to the internet as a springboard to penetrate a casino. The fish tank with internet access might have just as well played digital signs. As a result, hackers should see the digital signage player as a potential entry point to other, more valuable systems, even if that system is not their primary objective. So, how do you find the most secure digital signage system on the market? Here are a few factors to consider:
Instantaneous upgrades
Most people know that it's important to always have the most recent software installed on their devices, yet some still choose not to. It would help if you had a completely automated software-update mechanism to keep your devices safe against exploits; therefore, it's important to always install the most recent updates. Your devices should seamlessly download and install the most recent security and software updates each night at midnight (local time). Because updates might introduce new security holes (an attacker could push a malicious update), they must be cryptographically verified and instantly rejected if they don't match. If an update fails at 95%, the device will revert to its last "known good state" until the next update is performed. These updates are also "transactional."
When it comes to protecting your digital signage system, some vendors insist that all you need to do is put it on its own virtual local area network (VLAN). They claim that by doing so, you will never again have to bother about software upgrades or routine upkeep. The security community generally does not agree. One poorly configured switch is all it takes to put your unpatched digital signage player in contact with an unfriendly network and open it up to compromise. Because of this, treat the surroundings as though they were hostile and take precautions appropriately (this is often referred to as zero trust networking)—increased safety results from using this procedure.
Make sure everything is encrypted
This is common sense to anybody working in the IT sector. In contrast, this is not the case with most digital signage service providers. Plain text messaging is still widely used today (such as ancient protocols like File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Man-in-the-middle (MiTM) assaults, in which an attacker replaces a picture with either an attack payload or compromising material, are possible when participants use technologies like FTP. Ensure that your supplier can encrypt all data sent between the server and the devices since this is a standard procedure in the business. No one can eavesdrop on the conversation, and if someone attempts to interfere, the connection between the client and the backend is immediately terminated.
Secure foundation
Looking for a secure foundation is an important step when finding the most secure digital signage system on the market. It includes researching the security measures taken by the manufacturers, such as authentication protocols, encryption, firewalls, virus scanning and other security solutions. It would help if you were looking for digital signage systems certified by trusted organizations, such as Common Criteria, ISO, and FIPS. Also, ensure the system is regularly updated with the latest security patches and bug fixes.
In addition, check the operating system that they are using. It helps if you choose a provider with the latest and most secure system perfect for Internet of Things devices. With these steps, you can be sure that your digital signage system is as safe as possible.
Access control
Access to a digital signage system should be restricted to authorized personnel only. It can be achieved through role-based access control, where different users have different system access levels. It is also recommended to use two-factor authentication for verifying the users.
Data backup
A digital signage system should also include a data backup feature in case of system failure or other issues. It ensures that your data is not lost in case of an emergency. Regular backups should also be scheduled to ensure that all new data is backed up regularly. The data backup feature should include restoring lost data easily and securely storing data in a separate location. Furthermore, the data should be encrypted for added security and to protect against data loss or theft.
Why choose a secure digital signage system
Choosing a secure digital signage system is important for several reasons. Firstly, the system will protect your data from unauthorized access, which can prevent data breaches and other security incidents.
Secondly, it will protect your digital signage players from hacking and malicious attacks. It can prevent your digital signage players from being used to spread malware or other malicious software.
Lastly, a security system will ensure that your digital signage system is reliable and can be trusted to work as intended. It is especially important for businesses that rely on digital signage to communicate important information to their customers.
When looking for a secure digital signage system, it's important to consider the available security features. Look for a system that includes encryption, authentication, access control, regular updates, and data backup. Additionally, consider why you need a secure digital signage system and what benefits the system will bring to your business. Remember, the most secure system on the market is the one that fits your needs and budget.
