With the regular increase in video streaming, there is an increasing concern for security in the market. Video encryption becomes quite important here to deliver secured content. The market is expected to reach $184.27 billion by 2027. Technological advancements are regularly enhancing the quality of video. Yet industries are getting into threats due to rampant hacking, digital attacks, and piracy-related issues and the online market is also getting trapped in this endless loop of threats. All this makes things worst for the video streamers and the creators to monetize their content online. In this scenario, encryption has a big role to play. Let us understand how it can help and the best practices of the market.
Video Encryption And Its Best Practices
Video encryption helps in converting video content into ciphertext and decrypting it to only an authorized person. In short, any unauthorized person cannot access the videos. It makes sure a safe and secure streaming of online content. When talking about encryption, there are two major encryption types are known namely AES and DRM.
From the initial upload of the video to the delivery of the content to the viewer, there are three major stages where the video needs to be encrypted.
At Rest
When video content is at rest, it needs to be kept in a decrypted form. If any unauthorized person tries to access the video, he/she will not be able to do so because of the encryption at rest.
In Transit
Wherever there is any request to watch the video content, it is likely to be shared over the internet. It all needs to be shared under a TLS or SSL connection. In this scenario, if the unauthorized user gets access to the video content, they will not be able to get the video content but only get the gibberish.
During Playback
A secured platform provides a secured video that will make sure decryption under an authorized player. Encryption during playback will a reliable option to get a fully secured delivery of the content.
Different Ways To Get Video Encrypted
Protection Using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
AES-based video encryption allows owners to encrypt the content using a cryptographic key either 128-bit or 256-bit. The end-user also requires a similar key to play that video. Anyone without access would not be able to access the content. It is a fool-proof way to get encrypted content.
However, it is secured till the time the keys are safe. Safety becomes an issue when any hacker gets access to the keys. And that’s why one needs to keep the keys safe.
Protection Using Digital Rights Management (DRM) Solution
DRM (Digital Rights Management) is a technology system where the owners can define rules to provide content access to the end-users. It also gives the owner the ability to determine the usage of the content. It is not a separate mechanism but is an addition to the present AES video encryption. It is usually provided by a third party that makes sure the inability of downloading and recording the video content.
Difference Between AES And DRM
AES is a fool-Proof for streaming video to an integral audience where one can manage access using IAM systems such as Azure AD Okta etc. while on the other hand DRM is the option to stream to the public. There are several areas where these two differ which are listed below:
Key Security
The cryptographic keys, in terms of AES, are provided and maintained by video CMS (Content Management System) and IAM (Identity and Access Management System). A reliable content management system will ensure the safeguard of the keys with several necessary mechanisms.
These systems, in terms of DRM, are configured to maintain and share these cryptographic keys with the dedicated rules that make sure the transmission is secured. In other words, they transmit licenses that have all details of identity and permissions.
Use Case
AES is secure when the platform is integrated with an IAM system. AES video encryption provides software-level security. The decrypting key will be accessed by users with permission to watch the content.
DRM, a mature security technology, validates the hardware devices based on the permits assigned to that device. It allows owners to stream their content with specific quality and on a specific device.
In all, DRM is a better option when going for public streaming use cases like movies, and series while AES is a better option when going for a limited audience.
Offline Playback
AES-based video encryption requires decrypting the key and might be an issue when the user is offline. While for DRM systems, licenses are maintained per device, allowing the owner to track the usage even when the user is offline.
In the present time of rampant cybercrimes, video security becomes an issue. Video encryption has become a basic need for streamers so to deliver secure video content to the end-users.
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