Company contribution
Company contribution
Digital Fortress: Navigating Content Security in the AI Era
Content security has become critical due to the transformative shift in consumption driven by OTT platforms and AI-enhanced mobile access. As content creators and distributors work to protect their assets, they face the constant challenge of keeping ahead of digital pirates who leverage the very technologies designed to protect content.
In this Q & A, OTT platform provider
Backscreen explores how AI and emerging technologies shape content security, the threats and opportunities they create, and how companies are navigating this ever-evolving landscape.
How has the rise of OTT platforms and apps changed the landscape of content distribution? OTT platforms, exemplified by services such
16 EUROMEDIA as Netflix( with over 300 million global subscribers as of Q4 2024) and Amazon Prime Video, have democratised content distribution, eliminating traditional barriers such as cable subscriptions. This accessibility, particularly via mobile apps favoured by younger demographics, has driven unprecedented consumption. However, this surge in digital access has simultaneously amplified content security risks, including piracy and intellectual property theft, demanding robust protection strategies.
The key advantage of OTT platforms is that they cater to diverse viewing preferences, from live TV to ondemand content, offering viewers control over their entertainment. Additionally, apps have made content even more accessible, particularly to younger, mobile-first audiences. However, the expansion of OTT access has led to a surge in sophisticated piracy methods, including stream-ripping and credential sharing, and the creation of fake apps that mimic legitimate services. This not only undermines the revenue models of content providers but also exposes them to cyberattacks targeting databases and user information.
Moreover, the multi-device access enabled by OTT services and the global demand for instant content create a new level of complexity in securing content. For instance, pirated streams can be accessed across multiple devices, making them harder to trace and block. Streaming giants are continually battling these threats, using technologies such as watermarking, encryption, and anomaly detection, but the rise of new, more advanced tools used by pirates— including AI— has made staying ahead of these threats more difficult.
According to Akamai’ s Defender’ s Guide 2025, the ease of access to online streaming has been counterbalanced by a rise in sophisticated digital piracy that exploits brand-new software vulnerabilities. Akamai has shown that there is a rise in link sharing, and token harvesting, that contribute to large scale piracy.
What unique security challenges arise from the increasing use of streaming apps on mobile devices? Mobile streaming introduces distinct security risks due to device portability and varied networks. Unauthorized app modifications, OS fragmentation, and credential theft via phishing are significant threats. Public Wi-Fi use further exposes users to man-in-themiddle attacks. Robust app integrity checks, multi-factor authentication, and mobiletailored encryption are essential mitigations. Continuous monitoring and user education are also crucial for secure mobile streaming.