Media Industry Faces Rising Cybersecurity Threats, Vulnerabilities Remain High

Cybersecurity in the Media Industry: Why Vulnerability Rates Are Twice as High as Other Sectors

As more industries confront cyber threats, media companies are emerging as some of the most vulnerable targets. According to a recent study by BlueVoyant, the likelihood of a media company facing a compromise is twice that of other sectors. For an industry highly reliant on content delivery and maintaining public trust, this revelation underscores a serious cybersecurity gap that must be addressed.

Analyzing the Findings: A Deep Dive into Media Industry Vulnerabilities

BlueVoyant’s cybersecurity analysis spanned 485 organizations in the media industry and revealed a startling gap in their defensive capabilities. Some of the most significant findings include:

• Double the Vulnerability Rate: Media organizations are twice as susceptible to attacks compared to other industries.
• 60% Remain Unprotected: Despite identified threats, 60% of detected vulnerabilities remained unfixed six weeks after identification.
• Supply Chain Weaknesses: Over 50% of top media vendors showed exploitable security flaws, creating broader points of entry for attackers.

Why Media Companies Are Highly Prone to Cyberattacks

The high rate of cybersecurity vulnerabilities in media stems from several factors that make this sector especially attractive to attackers.

Media companies operate in a fast-paced environment that prioritizes rapid content distribution and real-time updates. Security improvements, like thorough security awareness training, can often lag as companies focus on production timelines and deadlines, putting security on the back burner.

Media companies handle vast amounts of intellectual property, from news and entertainment content to sensitive information about upcoming releases. These assets can attract bad actors aiming for ransomware attacks or content theft, as stealing or disrupting high-value content could mean considerable profit for attackers.

Media companies often rely on external vendors for content management and distribution. BlueVoyant's analysis found that half of the major vendors providing content management solutions for the media industry have exploitable vulnerabilities in their own systems. This interconnectedness, combined with limited control over third-party security practices, creates a web of potential weaknesses.

Vulnerabilities in Public Internet Resources

The BlueVoyant study highlights that 30% of analyzed media companies have public internet resources with severe vulnerabilities. These weak spots can expose organizations to a range of security issues, including service outages and data breaches.

Common Cyber Threats Affecting Public Resources

• Phishing and Spear Phishing Attacks: Email-based attacks that target media professionals can lead to compromised user accounts, potentially resulting in unauthorized access to sensitive information. Tools like Phishing Simulators can help companies train employees to recognize these threats.
• Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks: By flooding a media organization’s network, attackers can take down live broadcasts, hinder access to content, and damage brand reputation.
• Zero-Day Exploits: Since media companies often have complex legacy systems, they’re especially susceptible to zero-day exploits—vulnerabilities unknown to the vendor and thus unpatched—making them prime targets for sophisticated attackers.

Tackling the Threats: Recommendations for Media Companies

1. Adopt a Proactive Threat Management Strategy

Media companies should establish a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to cybersecurity. Regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments can identify weak spots before attackers do. Solutions like the Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform can help organizations manage human-related security risks and provide essential insights into employee behavior.

2. Implement Security Awareness Training for All Employees

To effectively counter threats like phishing and malware, employees must be well-informed about cybersecurity best practices. Security Awareness Training programs tailored to media professionals, who frequently interact with the public, can reduce the risk of accidental disclosures or phishing attack success.

3. Strengthen Supply Chain Security

For media companies, securing the supply chain means ensuring that every third-party vendor meets strict security standards. Conducting regular assessments, partnering with cybersecurity vendors that offer threat intelligence, and using security incident response tools to detect and neutralize threats are essential steps.

4. Increase Speed and Efficiency in Remediating Vulnerabilities

One of the report's key findings is the six-week delay in fixing detected vulnerabilities. By implementing automated security solutions, media companies can significantly reduce this delay and secure weak points faster. Cybersecurity platforms that offer automated incident response provide a streamlined way to address vulnerabilities as soon as they are detected.

5. Leverage Industry-Specific Cybersecurity Tools

The specialized needs of the media industry require cybersecurity solutions that cater to its unique challenges. For example, a quishing simulator can train employees to recognize phishing attacks delivered through QR codes in media-related environments, like event promotions.

Challenges in Cybersecurity Implementation for Media Companies

Despite awareness of the risks, media companies face challenges in fully implementing cybersecurity protocols. Among these challenges:

• Resource Allocation: Media organizations often operate on tight budgets, with revenue going directly into content creation rather than security infrastructure.
• Talent Shortage: Finding cybersecurity professionals with media-specific expertise can be challenging, particularly given the demand for such skills across all sectors.
• Legacy System Complexity: Many media organizations rely on older systems that are difficult to upgrade and protect due to compatibility issues.

The Path Forward: Building a Resilient Media Cybersecurity Strategy

To ensure a resilient cybersecurity strategy, media companies must continue evolving their incident response and cyber risk management tactics. Focusing on employee training, investing in cybersecurity resources, and maintaining control over third-party vendors can go a long way toward securing media organizations from today’s cyber threats.

As the threat landscape evolves, so too must the cyber defenses of an industry that so many people rely on for information and entertainment. Addressing these vulnerabilities proactively can make a real difference in mitigating risk and protecting valuable content.

Editor's Note: This blog was updated on November 15, 2024.