Digital Display Security Best Practices

Computer and Network Security for Digital Displays

• Ensure all networks are protected by a firewall configuration or within a secure VPN network to restrict inbound and outbound internet traffic – only allowing specific IP addresses access to your network. For example, limit traffic to known source addresses and only allow traffic through known, required ports.
• Segment computer networks to protect critical assets and mitigate cyberattacks.
• Consider how internet users or those with network privileges could gain access to your digital display network and develop a mitigation strategy.
• Close unused ports and implement inbound IP filters.

Physical Hardware Security Recommendations

• Secure and manage access to the physical location of the equipment and computer network.
• Use security cameras to monitor physical site activity within the area.

Software and Device Updates

• Update both the user interface software and device software (typically referred to as device firmware – your player, video processor, and networking equipment). This is the best way to ensure you have the latest security patches and updates on your devices.
• Ensure that any obsolete or unsupported control or network devices are replaced with current supported models.

Password Strength Best Practices

• Immediately change the default password.
• Use at least 12 characters, including upper-case, lower-case, numbers, and symbols in no logical order.
• Do not use common dictionary terms or predictable word or number patterns.
• Implement a process for routinely changing passwords.
• Use long, random, and unique passwords on all systems and hardware devices that are designed with password protection features.

How to Protect Against Insider Unauthorized Access

• Maintain an internal security plan for your organization.
  • Track a list of everyone who has access to the display and control system.
• Implement procedure for employee status change
  • Employees who are no longer with your organization, or move to a position that no longer requires access to your system, should immediately have access removed
  • If your company has keys or pass codes to access the physical space where the display or computer network can be physically accessed, ensure those are collected or changed upon employee status change.

These guidelines apply to scheduled LED display systems, such as digital billboards and signage applications. 

If you feel your display system may have been compromised or need assistance with security related questions, please contact your Daktronics representative, call the Daktronics Help Desk at 1-800-325-8766 or visit www.daktronics.com/support.

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