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Cybersecurity for Broadcast & Events

Protecting critical media infrastructures, live productions and digital workflows from cyberattacks

Challenges of Cybersecurity in Broadcast & Live Events

Why digital media infrastructures are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks

 

Signal

Growing Risks

Cybersecurity is critical in the broadcasting industry and live events, as these sectors rely heavily on digital networks, real-time transmissions and cloud technologies. A successful cyber-attack can disrupt broadcasts, interrupt streams or even steal confidential content, resulting in severe financial and reputational damage. Companies in the broadcasting industry have already fallen victim to ransomware attacks. These incidents highlight the growing threat of ransomware in this sector. Although the companies affected rarely disclose the exact financial losses, it is assumed that these are significant.

Julia Kirk, an employee of RIEDEL Networks, stands in front of a white background. She is wearing a light gray top with a collar.

Protection for Your Broadcast Streams

Secure, robust and media-optimized.

RIEDEL Networks operates dedicated, secure networks for TV broadcasters, production companies and major sports and live event organizers. End-to-end encryption, DDoS protection, firewalls and redundant, latency-optimized connections ensure that video, audio, intercom and control data are transmitted reliably at all times. The RIEDEL Enterprise Defense [R.E.D.] Suite provides integrated EDR/XDR, SIEM and SOC services that are GDPR and NIS-2 compliant and can be flexibly adapted to broadcast and streaming applications.

For remote event productions, RIEDEL Networks offers efficient, scalable and media-optimized managed WAN and SD-WAN solutions worldwide with 24/7 support and clearly defined SLAs, so that live productions can be implemented securely and smoothly at all times. Simply contact us - we will develop the right network solution for your production requirements.

As an active member of the Security 4 Media Association (security4media), we are also committed to the highest security standards in media production across the industry.

Julia Kirk, Teamlead Media at RIEDEL Networks

Real Cyberattacks on Broadcasters

Three examples that show the vulnerability of the industry

 

TV Broadcasters & Providers Production Companies

DDoS attacks: streaming services or live television broadcasts can be disrupted.

Manipulation of video content: False or manipulated broadcasts.

Ransomware attacks: Critical production systems and broadcast signals can be encrypted.

Theft of copyrighted material: premature publication or resale.

Signal hijacking: Hackers could infiltrate illegal content or fake news.

Attacks on remote productions: IP-based workflows are particularly vulnerable.

Data breaches: Customer data or subscription information could be stolen.

Datenverstöße: Kundendaten oder Abonnementinformationen könnten gestohlen werden.

Sporting Events Are Increasingly the Target of Cyber Attacks

Here are some notable examples:

Broadcast

Olympic Games

Pyeongchang 2018: During the opening ceremony, a cyberattack disrupted the Games' IT infrastructure and led to internet and transmission system outages.

Tokyo 2021: The Olympic Games saw a wave of cyberattacks with a total of 4.4 billion registered incidents - 20 times more than at the 2012 Games.

Rugby

French Rugby Federation (FFR) 2023: In June 2023, the FFR was the victim of a cyberattack in which sensitive information was threatened with publication.

Soccer

Champions League match PSG vs FC Barcelona 2024: Two days before the quarter-final first leg, Paris Saint-Germain's ticketing system was the victim of a cyber attack.

French Football Federation 2024: A similar attack led to data exfiltration and highlighted the vulnerability of sports organizations.

Why is Cybersecurity Particularly Important Here?

The broadcast and events industry needs to use advanced security solutions such as EDR/XDR, Zero Trust, SIEM and DDoS protection to defend against cyber attacks. Specialized security services for media companies are particularly important for the protection of live streams, digital content and production networks.

 

CameraTime-Critical

Live broadcasts and streaming are time-critical - every second counts. If a cyber attack occurs during an event, there is no second chance. Even minor interruptions can disrupt proceedings, affect the viewer experience and jeopardize trust in the broadcaster.

Process optimizationRemote Workflows

Modern digital workflows and IP-based remote productions enable flexible, global transmissions. At the same time, this increases the attack surface, as more and more systems and endpoints are online and can potentially be exploited by cyber criminals.

Illustration eines Smartphones mit einer Textansicht. Über dem Gerät befindet sich ein schützendes Schildsymbol. Die Darstellung steht für Sicherheit und Schutz digitaler Inhalte oder Daten.Protecting Content

Media content and copyrights are valuable resources. Theft or manipulation of video, audio or graphic material can lead to financial losses, legal problems and loss of reputation. Effective protection is therefore crucial for any broadcast production.

computer securityCompliance

Data protection and regulatory requirements demand secure IT and production systems. Violations of regulations such as GDPR or NIS-2 can lead to high penalties, reputational damage and business interruptions - security is not optional here, but mandatory.

Icon mit einem dreieckigen Warnsymbol und einem Ausrufezeichen in der Mitte. Das Symbol steht für Risiko, Warnung oder potenzielle Gefahren.General threat situation

Rights holders lose millions every year through illegal live streams and content piracy. According to the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), over 70% of the sports organizations surveyed experience at least one cyberattack per year. Digital infrastructures such as ticketing systems, LED walls and Wi-Fi networks are a particular focus. Real-time data for analysis or betting can also be manipulated and entail considerable financial and operational risks.

RIEDEL Networks for Broadcast Cybersecurity

RIEDEL Networks is not a traditional cybersecurity provider, but offers highly secure network and managed security solutions that are especially relevant for the broadcast and media industry. For live productions, sporting and cultural events or critical media infrastructures.

RIEDEL Enterprise Defense [R.E.D.]

Is a comprehensive managed cybersecurity solution that can be used across all industries and can be flexibly adapted to the requirements of different companies. For media companies, streaming services and broadcast productions, [R.E.D.] is specifically tailored to the needs of live broadcasts, digital workflows and sensitive content. The solution combines integrated EDR and XDR technologies with powerful SIEM and SOC services to detect threats at an early stage and respond to them in a targeted manner. Hosting and data processing are carried out in accordance with EU standards, including GDPR and NIS-2, and ensure uninterrupted, secure transmissions even for time-critical live broadcasts.

Security-oriented Network Services

RIEDEL Networks offers network services specifically tailored to media and live production environments with a clear focus on security and availability. End-to-end encryption protects broadcast streams across the entire transmission path. In addition, DDoS defense mechanisms and firewalls ensure reliable protection for media and live streaming applications. Redundant, latency-optimized networks also ensure stable and uninterrupted transmission for time-critical live broadcasts.

IT Examination

Our IT audits are not only aimed at medium-sized companies, but also specifically at broadcast, film and media productions. It combines technological analysis with a legal audit and ensures the efficiency and compliance of your IT infrastructure. With a systematic comparison in accordance with NIS-2, ISO and GDPR, we identify security gaps and assess the maturity level of your systems. Prioritized reports and audit documentation provide concrete recommendations for action to strengthen security and compliance standards. This ensures that your production and broadcast infrastructures remain reliable, protected and future-proof - even in a dynamic, regulatory environment.

Our Customers and Their Experiences

Experience our innovative solutions in action. Take a look right here or discover more in our detailed case studies!

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