What Every IT Director Should Know About AV Network Security

If you’re responsible for the health of your company’s network, you already know the pressure that comes with every new device that touches it. AV has become one of the biggest blind spots in modern IT environments, and the fear is real: all it takes is one unmonitored codec, one poorly secured display, or one unmanaged AV-over-IP endpoint to introduce a vulnerability that puts your entire organization at risk. And when a breach happens, it’s rarely the vendor who gets blamed. It’s you.

But here’s the part most leaders never see coming: the biggest risks often don’t start with malicious actors. They start with rushed deployments, shadow IT decisions, half-documented systems, or an AV integrator who installs hardware without aligning it to your security policies. And somewhere in that chaos, someone in the C-suite wants the install done fast, Facilities wants it to "just work," and your team is expected to secure it all.

There’s a moment every IT leader encounters, a moment when a seemingly harmless AV upgrade exposes a gap no one anticipated. What happens next depends entirely on what you put in place long before that moment arrives.

Why AV Network Security Is Critical for Modern Enterprises

Modern AV solutions aren’t standalone systems anymore. They’re fully networked, integrated, and constantly communicating with corporate infrastructure. That means every display, camera, DSP, touch panel, or BYOD-connected laptop becomes:

• A potential ingress point for cyber threats

• A device requiring regular patches and updates

• A system that must meet the same standards as every IT asset

For IT Directors, CIOs, and Facilities Managers, securing AV is no longer optional. The risk surface is expanding, and the organizations that ignore it face increased downtime, higher IT burden, and measurable cybersecurity exposure.

Key AV Network Security Pain Points for IT Directors, CIOs, and Facilities Managers

1. Fear of Being Held Responsible for an Avoidable Breach

When AV systems are not aligned with IT standards, the responsibility still lands on the IT leader. This is especially critical for IT Directors who manage day-to-day operations and systems availability​.

2. Shadow IT Decisions from Non-Technical Departments

Facilities Managers often initiate AV projects to fix operational problems​​, and CIOs may approve strategic upgrades without deep technical review. Without tight alignment, risky devices can hit the network.

3. Limited Time and Resources to Secure Every Device

Even the best teams can’t manually manage dozens or hundreds of AV endpoints, especially when those devices fall outside traditional IT asset tracking processes.

4. Vendors That Overpromise and Underdeliver

Facilities Managers frequently face this frustration​. When AV integrators cut corners, IT inherits the long-term risk.

Essential AV Network Security Principles IT Leaders Should Follow

1. Standardize AV Network Architecture

A secure AV environment starts with standards. IT Directors and CIOs rely heavily on established frameworks that reduce operational risk.

Key practices include:

• Segmented AV VLANs

• Zero Trust alignment

• Enforced device authentication

• Standardized naming conventions

• IP addressing schemes defined by IT

This reduces unknown variables and simplifies long-term system management.

2. Prioritize Vendor Selection Based on Security Maturity

Facilities Managers value reliability, responsiveness, and trust​, but CIOs and IT Directors require proof that an integrator follows security-first processes.

Look for:

• Vendor certifications

• Secure configuration standards

• Documented hardening steps

• Clear network and device documentation

• Post-install monitoring capabilities

3. Implement Device-Level Hardening

Every AV device should follow strict baselines before deployment:

• Disable unnecessary ports and protocols

• Enforce strong credentials and MFA on supported systems

• Ensure firmware and software are current

• Remove default accounts

• Apply secure logging and audit trails

Without this, AV gear becomes low-hanging fruit for attackers.

4. Enforce Regular Firmware and Patch Cycles

This is where AV environments commonly break down. Many AV devices require manual updates, and neglected updates are a major threat vector.

A strong security process includes:

• Quarterly patch assessments

• Managed service monitoring

• IT-approved firmware policies

5. Adopt Continuous Monitoring for AV Systems

CIOs and IT Directors value data-driven visibility​. Continuous monitoring gives teams real-time insight into:

• Device failures

• Offline systems

• Unauthorized access attempts

• Firmware drift

It also reduces operational burden on Facilities Managers who simply want systems to work without crisis.

Operational Best Practices for Strengthening AV Network Security

Create a Unified AV Security Policy

This ensures that:

• IT, CIO leadership, and Facilities are aligned

• Vendors follow a consistent standard

• All future AV deployments follow the same secure blueprint

Implement AV Asset Inventory Tracking

Treat AV hardware like every other IT endpoint:

• Track MAC addresses

• Track IP assignments

• Document firmware versions

• Maintain configuration backups

Require Security Documentation from All Integrators

This includes:

• Network diagrams

• Port requirements

• Firewall rules

• VLAN assignments

A secure AV implementation always comes with complete documentation.

Integrate AV Into Incident Response Plans

AV gear can trigger events that look like network anomalies. Your team needs playbooks covering:

• Device lockouts

• Compromised firmware

• Unauthorized access from AV endpoints

Strategic AV Network Security Guidance for CIOs

CIOs often evaluate AV through the lens of:

• Productivity gains​

• Operational efficiency​

• Risk mitigation​

• Alignment with broader IT roadmaps

To secure buy-in from a CIO, AV systems must demonstrate:

• Clear security controls

• Long-term cost savings

• Reduced downtime and support burden

• Compatibility with collaboration and UCC standards

Link to your AV government and enterprise solutions pages here.

Why AV Network Security Matters to Facilities Managers

Although Facilities Managers are not the primary drivers of cybersecurity, they often initiate AV upgrades and select vendors​. A lack of alignment with IT can unintentionally introduce major risks.

Facilities leaders should look for:

• Integrators with strong security processes

• Systems that reduce support burden

• Vendors who provide documentation and training

Real-World AV Network Security Example

Link to your case studies:

• City of Surprise Council Chambers

• Real-Time Crime Center

These deployments are proof that AV systems can be both operationally reliable and secure when designed strategically.

Conclusion: AV Network Security Is Now a Priority for IT, CIO, and Facilities Teams

AV systems are no longer harmless peripherals. They are active, connected devices that require the same level of protection as every other IT asset. IT Directors must enforce operational discipline, CIOs must champion strategic alignment, and Facilities Managers must partner with integrators who take security as seriously as they do.

The organizations that put these controls in place now will be the ones who avoid the costly "wake-up call" that comes when an unsecured AV device becomes ground zero for a breach.

Next Steps

If you want AV that is fully aligned with IT security policies, operational requirements, and enterprise strategy, Level 3 Audiovisual can help.

Contact Us for a security-first AV approach.