How a Boardroom Mic can Become a Breach Vector

In today’s hyper-connected enterprise environments, the humble boardroom microphone, once just a tool for better audio, can quietly evolve into a potential cybersecurity threat.

AV/IT endpoints are not passive, they’re now potential attack surfaces.

As AV and IT systems converge, AV endpoints like microphones, cameras, and DSPs are now fully networked. But here’s the problem: they’re routinely overlooked, dangerously under protected, and wide open to exploitation.

Modern AV systems are no longer isolated. They’re embedded, IP-enabled, and deeply integrated into enterprise networks. And they’re riddled with vulnerabilities:

• Default credentials—or no authentication at all
• Outdated firmware with known exploits
• Flat network architecture that enables lateral movement
• Zero logging, zero monitoring, zero visibility

A boardroom mic running Dante or AVB may look harmless. But if it’s IP-addressable and unsegmented, it’s not just a device—it’s an open door.

Here’s how attackers exploit AV endpoints:

• Reconnaissance: They scan the network and find an AV device with open ports—like a mic with a web interface.
• Exploitation: The firmware is years out of date. The attacker uses default credentials or a known exploit to gain access.
• Persistence: A lightweight backdoor is installed. The attacker now has a foothold.
• Lateral Movement: AV devices often share VLANs with sensitive systems. The attacker pivots—harvesting credentials, accessing data, even hijacking AV feeds.
• Exfiltration or Sabotage: Audio streams are intercepted. Meetings are recorded. AV systems are weaponized to disrupt or leak confidential operations.

AV systems are typically managed by facilities, not InfoSec. That’s a critical failure. The consequences are: 

• No patching protocols
• No endpoint detection or response
• No network segmentation
• No threat modeling

AV has become the weakest link in otherwise secure environments—and attackers know it.

AV devices must be treated as high-risk, high-value assets. Here’s the governance checklist:

• Inventory every AV endpoint—mics, DSPs, codecs, control panels
• Segment AV networks—use VLANs and firewalls to isolate traffic
• Patch firmware regularly—work with vendors to stay current
• Disable unused services—no web interfaces, SSH, or Telnet unless essential. 
• Enforce access controls—strong credentials, Role Based Access Control (RBAC) Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Monitor AV traffic—deploy tools that detect anomalies in AV protocols
• Integrate AV into GRC—governance, risk, and compliance must include AV systems

The boardroom mic is no longer just a microphone—it’s a networked device with direct access to sensitive systems, data, and conversations. If it’s on your network, it’s in scope. If it’s unmanaged, it’s a liability. If it’s ignored, it’s already compromised.

Cybersecurity must evolve with AV/IT convergence. Treat AV endpoints as part of your threat surface. 

Retrieved from https://xchange.avixa.org/posts/how-a-boardroom-mic-can-become-a-breach-vector?channel_id=ai-in-av by Benedict Onodu. CTS.MBCS – AV Governance. Risk and Compliance (GRC) Consultant, Experian