Irdeto’s Andrew Bunten Talks Securing Online Content Streams

As the demand for digital entertainment increases, streaming services have become a cornerstone of media consumption. However, this shift has brought with it a new set of cybersecurity challenges that are both complex and far-reaching.

As millions of users stream content daily, the platforms delivering this content have become prime targets for cybercriminals. From content piracy to data breaches, the threats are diverse and constantly evolving.

One major concern stems from the sheer scale of streaming operations. With billions of devices and streams to protect, the potential attack surface is vast. 

In theory, a single vulnerability could compromise millions of users' data or lead to significant content theft, causing substantial financial and reputational damage.

So how do companies keep this vast stream safe? And what are all the challenges that streaming service providers need to contend with?

To find out more, we spoke with Andrew Bunten, Chief Operating Officer at digital platform security company Irdeto, about the current and future capabilities needed to secure the streaming ecosystem.

Securing streaming

Irdeto protects over six billion devices globally and secures more than seven billion streams in a single month, so Andrew understands the task at hand.

Yet, why is providing cybersecurity for video so challenging? The answer lies in the complexity of the streaming ecosystem. 

Video content must be protected at every stage - from production to distribution to consumption. 

Cybercriminals can target vulnerabilities in content delivery networks, exploit weaknesses in user authentication systems, or attempt to circumvent digital rights management (DRM) protections.

Moreover, the sheer volume of data involved in video streaming presents a unique challenge, as does the need to ensure security without compromising user experience or streaming quality.

Andrew explains that the industry is facing a "perfect storm of challenges that impact demand." 

Traditional TV and telco operators are grappling with intense competition from direct-to-consumer streamers and smart TV manufacturers. This hyper-competitive market has shifted the focus from building platforms and market share at any cost to a "laser focus on revenue growth and profitability."

Irdeto as a result tries to balance protecting content and helping operators maximise their revenue. "The key now lies in carefully selecting technology solutions from trusted vendors that can accelerate competitive advantage and integrating them rapidly and flexibly," Andrew states.

Their approach to video security is multifaceted. The Irdeto Experience suite of solutions addresses six key areas, with security being a critical component. "Our solutions enable operators to streamline processes, reducing overhead costs and enhancing productivity," Bunten explains.

Security as a growth driver

This efficiency is crucial in an industry where operators need to "achieve more with less," as the challenges in video cybersecurity are continually evolving. As streaming technologies advance, so do the methods of potential attackers. 

This requires constant innovation and adaptation. "My biggest challenge is therefore making sure that we continue to adapt to the changing needs of our customers because the industry is undergoing significant transformation," Andrew acknowledges.

The future of video security seems to be intertwined with broader industry trends for growth: “security measures safeguard content, platforms, and subscriber data against piracy and cyber threats, ensuring the integrity of the content ecosystem and facilitating business growth.”

As operators seek to diversify revenue streams and enhance user experiences, security solutions must evolve to protect new services and technologies, with Andrew hinting at the challenges and opportunities things like IoT devices bring to the mix.

But by taking a security-focused view, companies can “securely monetise content, enhance user experience, and drive business success." 

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