Video Security - Securing Your Video

Creating streaming video content is becoming easier. Advances in software are producing more user-friendly applications which run faster and create stunning results on the smallest of budgets.

Unfortunately, stealing videos is also becoming easier, with the aid of specialised applications or ‘ripping’ software.

When streaming videos were first created, most people thought it would herald the end of rampant video copyright infringements since video streams are delivered via a server and not downloaded directly onto a user’s computer. However, this false sense of security was short lived.

Today, a whole array of software tools will allow almost any streamed content, whether video or audio, to be recorded whilst it is being played. And this software is growing increasingly sophisticated, able to create entire movies with amazing clarity.

So, how can you protect your streaming media investment in this digital age of piracy?

In theory, preventing unauthorised users from recording your streaming video content is impossible. But you can employ three methods that will make it very inconvenient for most would-be thieves:

Staying ahead of digital pirates is not easy. Even if you use obscure formats and protocols, updates in ripping software – software specifically created to recording streaming content - will eventually catch up. All data formats are susceptible to reverse engineering by their very nature.

So, video feeds which are sensitive in nature, or contain materials which you do not want reproduced, may require password protection. JavaScript, Flash and ActiveX are easy options to deploy and can help obscure your sensitive files from unauthorised viewers. Simply disabling right click functions will also prevent the majority of internet users from downloading your videos.

The advantage of password protection and software disguises is that you can control exactly who will see the digital videos you produce, but the downside is it can often be time consuming to maintain for more than a few users. And advances in URL finders – software which looks for hidden links on your website - can detect your files and bypass the best security efforts.

Another option, Digital Rights Management (DRM), is the most frequently used for paid subscriptions and downloads. You could create and implement your own system with some programming knowledge. Though, it is usually more prudent to employ an external company to manage your content for you, thereby leaving the day-to-day upkeep and records to those who specialise in this area. But DRM can be a costly solution and therefore not an option for casual video creators.

The oldest method of DRM for securing your audio and video content is by copyright.

Copyrighting your material will allow you to take action against those who steal your streaming content. The only drawback is it can only be enforced after an infringement and can be costly to follow-through to legal action.

The third method for securing your video and audio streams is time stamping. By setting a time limit for a user session, and not allowing it to renew, you can prevent most users from downloading your videos. But many savvy thieves have found ways to thwart this system as well.