Bangkok, Thailand – July 24, 2025 – VEGA was invited by InfoComm Asia to lead a panel discussion on “The Role of AV Solutions in Cybersecurity for Work Environments.”
The session took place on the second day of the InfoComm Asia show, featuring Max Davies, Country Manager of Australia at VEGA; Piers Craven, AV Specialist at ING; and Lex Strauss, Workplace Technology Consultant at EY. The discussion, moderated by Rebecca Ng, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at VEGA, focused on strategies for safeguarding sensitive organizational content.
Key Points from the Discussion
Sensitive Information & Vulnerability
Representatives from EY and ING emphasized that nearly all information transmitted through AV systems in meeting rooms is sensitive. This includes tax details, business strategies, investment plans, consulting discussions, and personally identifiable information. Such data is vulnerable to being overheard, leaked, or misinterpreted. The panel highlighted that AV devices, being network-connected, must be treated as IT devices, as they can represent a potential “weakest link” for external hackers.
Security Measures & Challenges
Organizations like EY implement stringent security protocols, including setting standards for approved equipment, ensuring timely firmware updates, restricting administrative rights, changing default passwords, and conducting thorough assessments with their information security teams before connecting devices to the network. ING follows a similar approval process for devices and adheres to European standards, ensuring data is hosted onshore.
Evolution of AV Security
Historically, AV systems were managed by facilities departments; however, they are now increasingly integrated with IT infrastructure. While IT departments initially overlooked AV security, there is growing recognition of its importance, leading to the adoption of “secure by design” principles. Nonetheless, challenges persist in implementing these security measures, particularly the need for flexibility in dynamic environments, which often contrasts with IT’s preference for stability.
AV-IT Collaboration
Effective collaboration between AV and IT teams is essential, despite their differing primary objectives—AV focuses on communication and presentation, while IT prioritizes stability. It was noted that AV is essentially a “cog in the IT machine,” necessitating ongoing education for local IT staff to treat AV devices with the same respect as other IT assets.
Impact of Remote Work & User Behaviour
The shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the emphasis on “on-device security,” making every employee responsible for maintaining and adhering to security protocols. Despite established policies—such as prohibiting the use of Google Drive, Dropbox, or USB drives—human behaviour often leads to attempts to bypass rules, including accessing personal websites or emails on work devices. This highlights inconsistencies in policy enforcement and the critical need for thorough monitoring.
Governance & Standards Gaps
A significant challenge identified was the lack of strong governance and standardized auditing processes for AV systems across the industry. While some organizations comply with specific regional standards (e.g., European standards for ING), there is no universal standard akin to ISO 9001 that is widely adopted for AV. The relatively small size of the AV industry compared to IT also hampers the adoption of comprehensive cloud-based security solutions in certain regions.
Physical Security Considerations
In addition to network security, physical aspects of meeting rooms, such as construction and acoustics, are vital to preventing sensitive conversations from being overheard. Ensuring proper soundproofing and preventing microphone interception are critical design considerations. The panel also emphasized the importance of turning off recording features in sensitive meetings.
In conclusion, integrating AV solutions within cybersecurity frameworks is essential for protecting sensitive information in today’s work environments. As both remote work and technology continue to evolve, organizations must prioritize security measures that address the unique challenges at the intersection of AV and IT. Effective collaboration between AV and IT teams, transparent governance, and the adoption of standardized processes all play crucial roles. Partnering with an experienced AV integrator is essential for success at every stage—from selecting the proper hardware and designing secure systems to providing regular maintenance and timely updates that help protect environments from emerging threats. VEGA has been trusted by organizations worldwide to support and manage highly sensitive facilities, including banks, courts, and other critical infrastructure, reflecting our rigorous standards and commitment to security. By drawing on VEGA’s expertise, clients are empowered to make informed decisions and maintain the integrity of their security environments. Through careful planning, ongoing support, and a collaborative approach, businesses can better safeguard their data and communications in an increasingly interconnected world.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Ng
Marketing and Public Relations Manager | VEGA
852 5228 6015
[email protected]