Unique content requires protection.
If the video is poorly protected, then it will be quickly copied or watched without payment. You’ll either never know about it, or you’ll be too late.
The types of video content that need protection the most are:
- Tutorials and webinars which are downloaded without payment or shared.
- Corporate videos that should be restricted to viewing by company employees only.
- Financial and analytical streams which might be published on other resources without attribution.
- Sports events that must have geo-restrictions to be broadcast on a certain territory only.
- Unique TV shows and movies which are be downloaded for illegal viewing and distribution.
Unauthorized access can jeopardize trade secrets or revenue-raising strategies. If a streaming service contains confidential or personal customer data, then its protection is always a priority for the business.
We’ll tell you about two effective ways to protect your video content: access control and encryption.
Content access control
The first block of our security options allows you to control access to your broadcasts and videos. With it, you can provide videos only for a fee or by using secret links.
These two options work in a similar way: you can either allow viewing (for example, only within your subnet), or the other way around, by prohibiting some IP addresses from watching broadcasts while allowing everyone else.
The video in this case can be viewed only on your resource or only in a certain country/region. Protected broadcasts or movies can’t be copied and downloaded.
Geo-blocking
Geo-blocking is blocking content by region. This solution will help if you have obtained broadcasting rights for certain countries only.
For example, football matches that can be broadcast only on the territory of China. If a viewer from another country tries to connect, they will be shown a dummy screen “Broadcast not available in your region”. Or, maybe you’re broadcasting the premiere of a film only available in select countries.
Access within a corporate network or blocking by IP address
For corporate events, such as training webinars, the security service may require that video access is only allowed within the office network. For such cases, you can restrict the broadcast to the corporate subnet.
Access from certain devices only
Paid online TV must work with OTT boxes so that only users who have purchased a subscription can watch the broadcasts. With our Streaming Platform, you can choose the types of devices from which viewers can watch.
Blocking by domain
Competitors may copy the player with the broadcast from your website to other pages. You can restrict the placement of the player to your domain only, and then it won’t be possible to embed it into other web resources.
How does it work?
All of the above protection methods work based on nginx configurations.
For blocking by country, we use the nginx geomodule in combination with the Maxmind IP base.
You can enable or disable protection in your personal account, in the settings of the CDN resource associated with streaming.
All these methods guarantee only basic protection against copying and unauthorized access.
For example, blocking by country will filter out most of the connection attempts from restricted countries, but a slightly more advanced viewer might use a VPN or other hacking methods.
Domain protection won’t allow embedding the player into other resources, but pirates can pull direct links to broadcasts from the player, even if it takes more time and effort.
You’ll find the guide for configuring content protection options in the dedicated “Security” section of our knowledge base.
Tokenization and signed URLs
Access to content via one-time links helps to exclude some unauthorized connections to broadcasts and videos.
You can only give content links to those who have purchased a subscription. If the link somehow falls into the wrong hands, then, after a certain time (you control this parameter), it will expire, and it will be quite difficult to find a new key to the link.
If your content is in the public domain and you want to prevent competitors from copying videos, this option will also help. You can generate very short lifespan links and automatically replace them in your application. Thus, it will be possible to play content outside the application for only a few minutes or seconds.
How does it work?
We use the nginx module to generate an MD5 token and add it to the links to a live stream or video after transcoding.
When generating a token, three parameters are included:
- Link lifetime.
- Original link to the file.
- Key.
The output is a unique link (with a unique key in it) that works only for a limited time. After the expiration date, it becomes irrelevant, and when it’s given to third parties, it will no longer be possible to access the content.
You can enable support for generating Secure Token in the settings of the CDN resource associated with streaming in your personal account.
You will need to generate unique links on your side using scripts.
Examples of scripts in several programming languages can be found in the article “Protecting live streams and VOD with token”.
AES-128 content encryption
AES encryption is suitable for any case when you need to provide access only for a certain group of viewers.
These are mainly views by subscription and premiere screenings of films, when fresh content should be leaked to torrents as late as possible and be available only to those who have paid for access.
This protection is more reliable than the methods described above, as it’s rather difficult for an ordinary viewer to intercept and decrypt the keys. For maximum protection, you can combine AES encryption with blocking by country or domain.
How does it work?
We deliver video using an HLS protocol, which means that the video is split into playlists consisting of fragments (chunks). To protect a video from interception in HLS format, there is a standard HLS AES encryption method (encryption using the AES-128 algorithm).
When using AES encryption, all video fragments are transmitted to viewers in encrypted form, and viewers receive a key to decrypt the video in a separate request. The customers decide for themselves (based on cookies and other session parameters) which of the viewers should be given the key, and who should be prohibited from viewing.
How to set up AES content encryption
Please contact us to configure AES encryption. We’ll enable AES support on our side and provide instructions for configuring the server for issuing keys.
Each request for viewing is sent to your server, and only you determine, according to your parameters, whether the viewer can see the video or not. If the viewer has access, your server must send a request to our API to obtain keys and give the viewer a key for decryption.
Premium content encryption using DRM technology
This is an option to protect premium content at the highest level.
DRM guarantees one of the highest levels of protection for video content. The use cases are the same: restricting access to paid or exclusive content.
The disadvantage of DRM is that it’s a complex and expensive technology. However, it makes intercepting keys almost impossible. Usually, in the case of DRM, the viewing key is issued to the viewer and decrypted at the level of the operating system of their device. At the same time, copying or modifying content for the viewer using the received key remains impossible.
How does it work?
With AES-128 encryption, key interception is still possible. Keys are requested and transmitted by the browser, which means that, in theory, advanced viewers can decrypt the key and pass it on to a third party who doesn’t have authorization to access the content.
DRM negates this possibility, as the keys for viewing are requested and decrypted not by the browser, but by the operating system.
Which DRM platforms do we support?
Gcore ensures integration with all major platforms through DRM encryption: FairPlay Streaming (Apple), PlayReady (Microsoft) or Widevine (Google) for real-time live streaming and video on demand (VOD).
Our Streaming Platform offers simultaneous use of all official licenses so that viewers can purchase access to content from any device.
Want to protect your video content with advanced technology? Leave a request for a free consultation or try our streaming platform yourself.
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How gaming studios can use technology to safeguard players
Online gaming can be an enjoyable and rewarding pastime, providing a sense of community and even improving cognitive skills. During the pandemic, for example, online gaming was proven to boost many players’ mental health and provided a vital social outlet at a time of great isolation. However, despite the overall benefits of gaming, there are two factors that can seriously spoil the gaming experience for players: toxic behavior and cyber attacks.Both toxic behavior and cyberattacks can lead to players abandoning games in order to protect themselves. While it’s impossible to eradicate harmful behaviors completely, robust technology can swiftly detect and ban bullies as well as defend against targeted cyberattacks that can ruin the gaming experience.This article explores how gaming studios can leverage technology to detect toxic behavior, defend against cyber threats, and deliver a safer, more engaging experience for players.Moderating toxic behavior with AI-driven technologyToxic behavior—including harassment, abusive messages, and cheating—has long been a problem in the world of gaming. Toxic behavior not only affects players emotionally but can also damage a studio’s reputation, drive churn, and generate negative reviews.The online disinhibition effect leads some players to behave in ways they may not in real life. But even when it takes place in a virtual world, this negative behavior has real long-term detrimental effects on its targets.While you can’t control how players behave, you can control how quickly you respond.Gaming studios can implement technology that makes dealing with toxic incidents easier and makes gaming a safer environment for everyone. While in the past it may have taken days to verify a complaint about a player’s behavior, today, with AI-driven security and content moderation, toxic behavior can be detected in real time, and automated bans can be enforced. The tool can detect inappropriate images and content and includes speech recognition to detect derogatory or hateful language.In gaming, AI content moderation analyzes player interactions in real time to detect toxic behavior, harmful content, and policy violations. Machine learning models assess chat, voice, and in-game media against predefined rules, flagging or blocking inappropriate content. For example, let’s say a player is struggling with in-game harassment and cheating. With AI-powered moderation tools, chat logs and gameplay behavior are analyzed in real time, identifying toxic players for automated bans. This results in healthier in-game communities, improved player retention, and a more pleasant user experience.Stopping cybercriminals from ruining the gaming experienceAnother factor negatively impacting the gaming experience on a larger scale is cyberattacks. Our recent Radar Report showed that the gaming industry experienced the highest number of DDoS attacks in the last quarter of 2024. The sector is also vulnerable to bot abuse, API attacks, data theft, and account hijacking.Prolonged downtime damages a studio’s reputation—something hackers know all too well. As a result, gaming platforms are prime targets for ransomware, extortion, and data breaches. Cybercriminals target both servers and individual players’ personal information. This naturally leads to a drop in player engagement and widespread frustration.Luckily, security solutions can be put in place to protect gamers from this kind of intrusion:DDoS protection shields game servers from volumetric and targeted attacks, guaranteeing uptime even during high-profile launches. In the event of an attack, malicious traffic is mitigated in real-time, preventing zero downtime and guaranteeing seamless player experiences.WAAP secures game APIs and web services from bot abuse, credential stuffing, and data breaches. It protects against in-game fraud, exploits, and API vulnerabilities.Edge security solutions reduce latency, protecting players without affecting game performance. The Gcore security stack helps ensure fair play, protecting revenue and player retention.Take the first steps to protecting your customersGaming should be a positive and fun experience, not fraught with harassment, bullying, and the threat of cybercrime. Harmful and disruptive behaviors can make it feel unsafe for everyone to play as they wish. That’s why gaming studios should consider how to implement the right technology to help players feel protected.Gcore was founded in 2014 with a focus on the gaming industry. Over the years, we have thwarted many large DDoS attacks and continue to offer robust protection for companies such as Nitrado, Saber, and Wargaming. Our gaming specialization has also led us to develop game-specific countermeasures. If you’d like to learn more about how our cybersecurity solutions for gaming can help you, get in touch.Speak to our gaming solutions experts today
How to choose the right technology tools to combat digital piracy
One of the biggest challenges facing the media and entertainment industry is digital piracy, where stolen content is redistributed without authorization. This issue causes significant revenue and reputational losses for media companies. Consumers who use these unregulated services also face potential threats from malware and other security risks.Governments, regulatory bodies, and private organizations are increasingly taking the ramifications of digital piracy seriously. In the US, new legislation has been proposed that would significantly crack down on this type of activity, while in Europe, cloud providers are being held liable by the courts for enabling piracy. Interpol and authorities in South Korea have also teamed up to stop piracy in its tracks.In the meantime, you can use technology to help stop digital piracy and safeguard your company’s assets. This article explains anti-piracy technology tools that can help content providers, streaming services, and website owners safeguard their proprietary media: geo-blocking, digital rights management (DRM), secure tokens, and referrer validation.Geo-blockingGeo-blocking (or country access policy) restricts access to content based on a user’s geographic location, preventing unauthorized access and limiting content distribution to specific regions. It involves setting rules to allow or deny access based on the user’s IP address and location in order to comply with regional laws or licensing agreements.Pros:Controls access by region so that content is only available in authorized marketsHelps comply with licensing agreementsCons:Can be bypassed with VPNs or proxiesRequires additional security measures to be fully effectiveTypical use cases: Geo-blocking is used by streaming platforms to restrict access to content, such as sports events or film premieres, based on location and licensing agreements. It’s also helpful for blocking services in high-risk areas but should be used alongside other anti-piracy tools for better and more comprehensive protection.Referrer validationReferrer validation is a technique that checks where a content request is coming from and prevents unauthorized websites from directly linking to and using content. It works by checking the “referrer” header sent by the browser to determine the source of the request. If the referrer is from an unauthorized domain, the request is blocked or redirected. This allows only trusted sources to access your content.Pros:Protects bandwidth by preventing unauthorized access and misuse of resourcesGuarantees content is only accessed by trusted sources, preventing piracy or abuseCons:Can accidentally block legitimate requests if referrer headers are not correctly sentMay not work as intended if users access content via privacy-focused methods that strip referrer data, leading to false positivesTypical use cases: Content providers commonly use referrer validation to prevent unauthorized streaming or hotlinking, which involves linking to media from another website or server without the owner’s permission. It’s especially useful for streamers who want to make sure their content is only accessed through their official platforms. However, it should be combined with other security measures for more substantial protection.Secure tokensSecure tokens and protected temporary links provide enhanced security by granting temporary access to specific resources so only authorized users can access sensitive content. Secure tokens are unique identifiers that, when linked to a user’s account, allow them to access protected resources for a limited time. Protected temporary links further restrict access by setting expiration dates, meaning the link becomes invalid after a set time.Pros:Provides a high level of security by allowing only authorized users to access contentTokens are time-sensitive, which prevents unauthorized access after they expireHarder to circumvent compared to traditional password protection methodsCons:Risk of token theft if they’re not managed or stored securelyRequires ongoing management and rotation of tokens, adding complexityCan be challenging to implement properly, especially in high-traffic environmentsTypical use cases: Streaming platforms use secure tokens and protected temporary links so only authenticated users can access premium content, like movies or live streams. They are also useful for secure file downloads or limiting access to exclusive resources, making them effective for protecting digital content and preventing unauthorized sharing or piracy.Digital rights managementDigital rights management (DRM) refers to a set of technologies designed to protect digital content from unauthorized use so that only authorized users can access, copy, or share it, according to licensing agreements. DRM uses encryption, licensing, and authentication mechanisms to control access to digital resources so that only authorized users can view or interact with the content. While DRM offers strong protection against piracy, it comes with higher complexity and setup costs than other security methods.Pros:Robust protection against unauthorized copying, sharing, and piracyHelps safeguard intellectual property and revenue streamsEnforces compliance with licensing agreementsCons:Can be complex and expensive to implementMay cause inconvenience for users, such as limiting playback on unauthorized devices or restricting sharingPotential system vulnerabilities or compatibility issuesTypical use cases: DRM is commonly used by streaming services to protect movies, TV shows, and music from piracy. It can also be used for e-books, software, and video games, ensuring that content is only used by licensed users according to the terms of the agreement. DRM solutions can vary, from software-based solutions for media files to hardware-based or cloud-based DRM for more secure distribution.Protect your content from digital piracy with GcoreDigital piracy remains a significant challenge for the media and entertainment industry as it poses risks in terms of both revenue and security. To combat this, partnering with a cloud provider that can actively monitor and protect your digital assets through advanced multi-layer security measures is essential.At Gcore, our CDN and streaming solutions give rights holders peace of mind that their assets are protected, offering the features mentioned in this article and many more besides. We also offer advanced cybersecurity tools, including WAAP (web application and API protection) and DDoS protection, which further integrate with and enhance these security measures. We provide trial limitations for streamers to curb piracy attempts and respond swiftly to takedown requests from rights holders and authorities, so you can rest assured that your assets are in safe hands.Get in touch to learn more about combatting digital piracy
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