As broadcasters increasingly adopt cloud-based workflows and remote production environments, cybersecurity is a top priority. The annual Broadcast Engineering and IT Conference at the NAB Show will feature dedicated sessions addressing this critical issue. The rapid transition to software-based and cloud-driven production has introduced new vulnerabilities, demanding immediate attention from broadcasters and vendors.
“Cybersecurity will be a major talking point, especially as broadcasters continue shifting and experimenting with software-based and cloud-driven production workflows,” said Simon Hawkings, director of sales strategy and business acceleration at Ross Video. “Security vulnerabilities in media systems have already led to several major hacks, and there’s a growing need for secure-by-design solutions.”
This concern is heightened by the increasing reliance on remote and cloud production capabilities. “Over the past few years, the industry has seen a tremendous uptake in remote workflow demand, in turn increasing the need for cloud-based production capabilities,” said Martins Magone, chief technology officer at Veset. “The rise in remote workflows has also kickstarted a rising concern for security among content providers, with many looking for ways to ensure reliability in their cloud-based workflows while also keeping flexibility and scalability at the forefront.”
The Trusted Partner Network (TPN) will showcase expanded offerings, focusing on solutions for securing content throughout its lifecycle. “As the industry continues to evolve, ensuring the integrity and security of valuable content across global supply chains has never been more critical,” said Terri Davies, president of TPN. “We are particularly thrilled to highlight our expanded suite of program offerings and to demonstrate how TPN is strengthening support for the industry with a focus on zero trust, application security, a solution for service provider outsourcing, and free resources available to the industry at no extra cost.”
The adoption of zero trust security frameworks signifies a shift towards verifying every access request, regardless of origin. The complexity of modern security needs is pushing broadcasters towards partnerships with specialized providers. “The complexity of modern media distribution remains a top challenge as media companies strive to enhance content experiences while maximizing reach and revenue,” said Venugopal Iyengar, chief operating officer of digital at Planetcast. “However, a clear trend across all these areas is the move toward managed services. Technology on its own doesn’t solve the challenge of operational complexity. Many broadcasters are looking to service providers that offer not just software, but fully managed, end-to-end solutions.”
Managing the increasing size of high-resolution files presents another significant challenge. “The explosive growth in content resolution and complexity is pushing traditional file sharing infrastructure to its limits,” said Ned Pyle, enterprise storage technical officer at Tuxera. “We’re seeing broadcast operations struggling with 4K/8K workflows and virtual production that demand real-time access to massive files across distributed teams. What’s really driving conversations is how to eliminate these technical bottlenecks without compromising on quality or security.”
The need for both high performance and strong security is paramount. “We’re closely watching the industry’s shift toward more flexible and scalable infrastructure solutions that can support both traditional and cloud-based workflows,” Pyle added. “We’re also seeing increased focus on technologies that enable real-time collaboration across global teams while maintaining the highest security standards.”
The security of cloud storage infrastructure is crucial as it becomes the foundation of media workflows. “While embracing innovation, we’ll also see tools that are fortifying fundamental workflow needs: security, high-performance reliability, scalability, and cost efficiency,” said Laquie TN Campbell, product marketing manager for media and entertainment at Backblaze. “Cloud storage will be foundational for these emerging workflows because it enables seamless collaboration between global teams and increased monetization with content that is more accessible,” said Campbell.
The NAB Show in Las Vegas this April will see discussions reflecting an industry navigating digital transformation while prioritizing audience and partner trust.