The film industry is a goldmine of creative content. It revolves around compelling ideas like scripts, cinematography, music composition, and more. No one can underestimate the value of these factors, especially cybercriminals.
That is why in the past few years, the risk of cybersecurity threats in the film industry has increased. Malicious actors are using sophisticated ways to steal such valuable content. Currently, threats like malware and ransomware attacks are looming over this sector.
In addition to the above incidents, external stakeholders have become a substantial risk. Do you want to learn more about such issues? Keep reading the article, as it will illuminate the top cybersecurity threats in the film industry you must know.
6 Common Cybersecurity Threats in the Film Industry
Technological transformations define today’s age. The film production sector, particularly, cannot do well without the usage of digital tools. This over-reliance on computerized equipment has enhanced the risk of cyberattacks. Film studios also have to deal with multiple vendors, which can trigger various threats. With that said, a lack of sufficient cybersecurity measures further worsens the situation. Let’s focus on the six common cybersecurity threats in the film industry:
Malware Attacks
Malware is a type of infectious software that cybercriminals use to breach a company’s computer network. The risk of malware attacks has significantly increased in the film industry. It is mainly because of the usage of outdated software which is easy to manipulate by cybercriminals. Most film studios use video editing software without checking the source.
It is particularly a common practice in new ventures. This enhances the chances of using vulnerable software that can cause malware attacks. Seeking help from cybersecurity experts is mandatory to protect your production company from these threats. Businesses contact cybersecurity companies in Dubai to achieve the milestone.
Ransomware Threats
Ransomware is one of the most dangerous types of malware. It is a malicious tool that malicious actors use to hijack sensitive data. They lock the files and systems until the affected organization pays them the ransom that they demand. Ransomware threat is one of the six common cybersecurity threats in the film industry.
Such attacks can significantly endanger the financial health and reputation of a production company. It can also result in irreversible damages like intellectual property theft. Cybercriminals can also sell your valuable data to your competitors if you do not comply with their demands. Implementing network segmentation and using updated software can help you avoid such incidents.
External Stakeholders
An individual or a studio cannot make a movie on their own. They need to involve other stakeholders to complete the procedure. These include sound directors, special effects experts, distributors, and others. Such a wide range of partnerships can increase the risk of external threats.
You might not be able to keep an eye on all the participants. Checking the security measures of your partner is also a tough nut to crack. That is why even if your company’s network is protected, cybercriminals can locate weak links in your stakeholders’ systems. Only an external cybersecurity professional can help you in this regard.
Intellectual Property Theft
Intellectual property theft is a dark side of cinema that you must watch out for. If you have currently entered the landscape, protecting your IP can become a headache. Cybercriminals can steal your copyrighted material to wreak havoc on your production company.
There are potential IP violations that can damage your organization. These include piracy, counterfeiting, and plagiarism. Malicious actors can use several ways to get their hands on your intellectual property. These include manipulating rogue employees, using social engineering, and leveraging phishing attacks.
Enhanced Reliance on Digital Tools
In the past, the use of films and tapes was common in the film industry. There were no or fewer cyber threats to these tools. With the evolution of technology, the film industry started using advanced tools. Leveraging digital cameras, editing software, and cloud storage have become common. This enhanced reliance on such equipment has increased the following cyber risks:
- Enhanced vulnerability to hacking
- External data breaches
- DDoS attacks
- Unauthorized access
- Data and credentials theft
It is important to employ a cybersecurity expert if you want to prevent the above threats. You can reach out to professionals from cybersecurity companies Dubai to mitigate the risks associated with digital tools.
Lack of Sufficient Cybersecurity Measures
Last but not least, the lack of sufficient cybersecurity measures is one of the six common cybersecurity threats in the film industry. This negligence stems from the myth that the film industry is immune to cyberattacks. As a result, businesses do not pay attention to cybersecurity, facing the following dangers:
- Financial losses
- Loss of reputation
- Stolen copyrighted material
- Piracy and plagiarism
Implementing a robust cybersecurity policy can assist you in avoiding the above consequences. The lack of required expertise and skills might act as a big hurdle for you in this regard. You can outsource cybersecurity services to protect your production company from cyberattacks.
Conclusion
In short, the threat of different cybersecurity incidents constantly looms over film studios. These include ransomware attacks, malware incidents, and IP theft. Seeking help from experts in cybersecurity will be an informed decision if you want to avoid the abovementioned risks.
Leave a Reply