Improve IT Security & Reduce Risk with Centralized Digital Signage Management

It’s hard to overestimate the explosive growth of digital signage and how it’s become one of the most impactful communication mediums in so many aspects of our work and personal lives.

It’s everywhere—in shops, hotels, airports, factories, on public buildings—and the market in the US alone is predicted to surge from being worth $25.5bn this year to $32bn by 2029.

The digital signage industry is a phenomenal success story that’s part of the communications strategy for millions of businesses in so many sectors.

But, unfortunately yet predictably, those big dollar figures can be a magnet for cybercriminals continually on the lookout to exploit vulnerabilities in extended network infrastructures. In simple terms, the bigger the roll-out of any digital technology—whether it’s the Internet of Things, AI, or anything in between—the greater the risk of cyberattacks unless robust security measures are in place.

Poppulo’s leading digital signage platform has a security framework based on the ISO 27001 Information Security Management System and the SOC 2 Type 2 Trust Service Principles of Security and Availability, which is why it is trusted by many of the most security-conscious companies in the world, including Northrop Grumann and some of the largest airlines and banks in the world.

The inarguable case for increasing tech security could not be starker: According to Statista’s Market Insights, the global cost of cybercrime is expected to surge in the next four years, rising from $9trn (about $28,000 per person in the US) in 2024 to $13.82trn (about $43,000 per person in the US) by 2028. But the good news regarding digital signage is that there is a straightforward way to improve security and reduce risk, and that is by switching from a decentralized system to a centralized system of operation.

Centralized digital signage creates a night-to-day difference for large organizations, in terms of security and governance, and is increasingly the operation of choice for large enterprises.

So, what is decentralized digital signage compared to centralized? Why is it so inferior in terms of IT security and risk? And what is it about centralized digital signage that makes it a must-have and not just a nice-to-have?

Decentralized Digital Signage: Practical Implications and IT Security Risks

First, what is it? Decentralized digital signage refers to a setup where individual digital signage displays are managed independently, often by local teams or personnel at each display location. This decentralized approach creates a security nightmare for the organization, with numerous access points and potential vulnerabilities.

This contrasts with a centralized system where all displays are controlled from a single platform such as Poppulo’s digital signage, which significantly enhances IT security and reduces risk by providing a unified control platform, ensuring consistent security protocols, and enabling swift responses to threats.

In practical terms, decentralized digital signage involves:

Local Control:

Each digital signage unit can be managed and updated by personnel on-site. This means different teams or individuals are responsible for content management and system maintenance at their respective locations. And while local content management is beneficial, it prevents brand and security governance which are required by large organizations

Inconsistent Updates:

Since each display is managed independently, software updates, security patches, and content changes might not be uniformly applied across all units. This can lead to inconsistencies in the information displayed.

Security Risks and Impact from Decentralized Digital Signage

Inconsistent Security Measures:

With different personnel managing each display, security measures such as password policies, software updates, and antivirus protections can vary widely. This inconsistency creates vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. If one display is not properly secured, it can serve as a gateway for cybercriminals to access the broader network.

Delayed Security Patches:

In a decentralized setup, rolling out security patches and software updates can be slow and uneven. Some units may remain unpatched for extended periods.

Cyber attackers often exploit known vulnerabilities in software, so delays in applying patches increase the risk of such vulnerabilities being exploited.

Weak Access Controls:

Local control means multiple individuals may have access to the system, often with varying levels of technical expertise. Poor access control can lead to unauthorized access. Cyber attackers can use social engineering tactics to exploit weaker security practices at less controlled locations.

Data Interception and Tampering:

Decentralized systems often transmit data over public or unsecured networks. This data can include sensitive information such as login credentials or financial data. Attackers can intercept and manipulate this data, leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, and tampered content being displayed.

How Centralized Digital Signage Improves IT Security and Reduces Risk

As we’ve seen, while decentralized digital signage offers flexibility and local autonomy it also introduces significant IT security risks, and this risk increases as companies grow their digital signage network on a decentralized basis. The greater the number of screens on a decentralized system, the bigger the target for would-be attackers.

This is why large companies, including globally recognized brands that partner with Poppulo, insist on centralized digital signage networks for optimum security and greater governance, without sacrificing the flexibility of localized content management. A centralized system enables this through:

Unified Security Protocols:

Centralized management allows organizations to implement and enforce uniform security protocols across all digital signage displays. This ensures that all devices adhere to the same security standards, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities due to inconsistent security measures.

Efficient Software Updates and Patches:

With a centralized system, software updates and security patches can be rolled out simultaneously to all devices. This minimizes the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities, ensuring that all signage systems are protected against the latest threats.

Access Control and Monitoring

Centralized management platforms offer advanced access control features, allowing only authorized personnel to manage content and settings. Additionally, these platforms provide robust monitoring and logging capabilities, enabling IT teams to detect and respond to suspicious activities in real-time.

Rapid Incident Responses:

In the event of a security breach, centralized management facilitates a swift response. IT teams can quickly isolate affected systems, deploy countermeasures, and restore normal operations, minimizing the impact of the breach

The Advantages of Centralized Digital Signage Don’t End There

While enhanced IT security, reduced risk, and greater governance are critical advantages of centralized digital signage over decentralized systems, they don’t stop there. Among the other significant pluses include:

Lower Operational Costs:

By centralizing the control of digital signage, you can reduce the number of personnel needed to manage the system. Instead of having separate teams or individuals at each location, a single, smaller team can manage all displays from a central hub.

Scalability:

Centralized systems can scale more efficiently than decentralized ones. Adding new displays or locations can be done without significantly increasing management costs, as the existing centralized infrastructure can handle additional units.

Content Efficiency and Consistency:

With a centralized system, content updates can be pushed simultaneously and consistently to all displays. This eliminates the need for local updates at each site, reducing labor and time costs.

Remote Management:

This enables digital signage managers to monitor and troubleshoot displays remotely, eliminating the need for on-site visits, saving time, and delivering faster responses.

In summary, implementing a centralized digital signage management system provides a robust security framework while streamlining content management, creating efficiencies, and reducing costs. It's a win-win for any business seeking to leverage the immense power of digital signage, at scale, with minimal risk.

Poppulo’s digital signage platform is a favored partner of many of the world’s most successful organizations. If you would like to find out more about how we can power your customer or employee communications needs, you can contact us here. We’d love to tell you more!