When it comes to AV systems security, hearing the phrase "set it and forget it" should raise eyebrows, and rightly so. We all love the idea of plugging in new equipment, sitting back and letting it do its thing. But there’s a catch. The AV technology landscape - much like everything else in IT - evolves quickly. Today’s cutting-edge system is tomorrow’s vulnerability. That’s why we need to talk about the concept of keeping AV systems evergreen (a fancy way of saying "let’s keep everything up to date so we don’t get hacked!")
In AV security, just like in life, cleanliness matters. In this case, we’re talking about system hygiene, the regular maintenance and updating of software, firmware and other components. It’s about applying patches, conducting routine tests and keeping an eye on the future. Because just like you wouldn’t neglect to take your car for an MOT when it’s due, you can’t afford to ignore security updates for your AV systems.
Patching cadence
One of the most important practices for keeping AV systems secure is having a consistent patching cadence. Think of patching as your system’s doctor’s appointment. It’s necessary, it can get in the way of your daily routine, but it’s essential for long-term health.
Every piece of software on your system, from your operating systems to that obscure plugin, is a potential entry point for attackers if left unpatched. Trust me, cybercriminals don’t sit around waiting for us to catch up. As soon as a vulnerability is identified, they’re ready to capitalise.
By establishing a regular patching cycle, you ensure your AV system is up to date with the latest security fixes. Patching can feel like a chore, especially when systems are working fine. But remember, fine is temporary if a vulnerability is left exposed. Regular patching keeps things ticking along, smoothly and securely.
A structured but flexible change process
Of course, you can’t just throw patches into production willy-nilly (unless you enjoy the chaos of system outages). You need a change process. A structured, documented way to roll out updates with minimal disruption.
This process should be flexible enough to handle varying levels of urgency, but strict enough to ensure nothing important falls through the cracks. I like to think of change management as the seat belt for your security updates. It’s there to keep you safe, even when things get bumpy.
Ownership: Who’s at the wheel?
It’s crucial to establish ownership over your AV security and updates. Who is in charge of ensuring systems are patched on time? Who coordinates testing? Having a dedicated person or team prevents that all-too-common scenario where everyone assumes someone else has handled the updates, but no one has.
Ownership doesn’t stop at assigning names to tasks. It’s about empowering people to take responsibility for proactive system hygiene. Make it clear. This is not just an IT job or an AV problem, this is a shared responsibility and it’s seriously important, even if it’s not the most glamorous job in the world.
Testing: Try before you fly
After applying patches, the last thing you want is for something critical to break. That’s where testing comes in. Always have a process in place to test updates in a controlled environment before rolling them out across your systems. Test early and often. You’d much rather discover a conflict in a sandbox than in the middle of an important conference call.
Common sense: Timing is everything
There’s a time and place for everything, including patches. Common sense should guide you here. Are you really going to apply that big security update the day before a major client demo? I didn’t think so.
You don’t want to risk downtime or unexpected system behaviour at mission-critical times. Schedule your patches for off-peak hours. Avoid updating the day before, or worse, during major events. But don’t use this as an excuse to procrastinate either. Planning ahead will save you from the awkward “Sorry, we’re experiencing technical difficulties” speech.
Horizon scanning and planning: The long view
Security doesn’t stop with today’s patch. A good CISO always has an eye on the future. Horizon scanning is the practice of looking ahead to anticipate emerging threats, new vulnerabilities and future updates. You’ve got to stay on top of what’s coming down the line and plan accordingly.
Out-of-band and emergency patching: For when It really hits the fan
Sometimes, you won’t have the luxury of waiting for the next scheduled patching cycle. Out-of-band and emergency patching is like calling in a plumber when your pipes burst. Necessary, urgent, but hopefully, rare. When a critical vulnerability is discovered, drop everything and patch immediately. Have a plan in place for these situations and be ready to act quickly when the time comes. A word of warning though – read the notes for the vulnerability. The Log4J fixes didn’t need to be as bad as they were, as there was a lack of understanding about the conditions needed for the vulnerability to be in play. We can’t run around screaming that the sky is falling all the time – we need to save that for when it really does matter.
Stay evergreen, stay secure
An evergreen approach to AV security isn’t just about staying current with patches. It’s about creating a culture of proactive system hygiene, accountability and planning. It’s also understanding that the status quo isn’t enough. Your systems need continuous attention to stay secure.
By maintaining a solid patching cadence, having a clear change process, assigning ownership and using common sense, you ensure your AV systems are not only functioning but protected from today’s evolving threats.
So, remember: Don’t let your AV systems fall behind. Keep them evergreen, keep them secure and avoid last-minute updates before an important sales call.
