The Role of Cybersecurity in Music Distribution and Copyright Protection

Technologies still have vulnerabilities. Dependence on technology means you take risks. What will you do with them? Just accept or take action to minimize the dangers. The more we rely on technology, the more significant these risks become. Account hacking can even lead to the theft of all funds from the card. From phishing to malware, the potential dangers for musicians are vast. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of cybersecurity in the music industry and provide practical tips for musicians to safeguard their music and brand.

Music Industry Revenue Statistics

According to the RIAA, the music industry witnessed a notable 9.2% growth in revenue statistics for the year 2020. This marks the fifth consecutive year of growth in the industry. The surge can be attributed to paid subscriptions and on-demand streaming services contributing to the overall increase.

Moreover, full-service paid subscriptions experienced a remarkable growth of 14.6% in 2020, while limited-tier paid subscriptions saw a rise of 13.4% when compared to previous years. The RIAA also reported an increase in the number of subscriptions, with 75.5 million subscribers in 2020 as opposed to 60.4 million subscribers in 2019.

The Internet has emerged as an effective platform for the music industry to generate revenue in the United States. Being renowned as the home to the world’s largest music market, the United States serves as evidence of the expanding market for music enthusiasts.

However, alongside the positive growth, the internet has also become a double-edged sword. The threats of illegal distribution, premature leakage of music files before the official release, and other security concerns have led to a decline in monetization for various artists and groups.

Cyber Security Recording Studios

Recording studios are filled with digital media, some of which may be unfinished or embargoed. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent any leaks. Traditionally, music producers and studio managers have followed an unwritten rule to keep studio devices disconnected from the internet. However, in recent years, due to the increasing need for regular updates to audio software, this rule is frequently broken. There are two ways to work around this:

• Keep the devices offline, but transfer updates via USB from another device that undergoes regular antivirus and malware checks.
• Limit internet connectivity and perform regular virus and malware scans.
• Use VPN. For copyright protection, free music distribution, and data protection from interception, it is worth activating a VPN. Here is a good service – VeePN. By the way, if the music song is not available in your region, you can also bypass the error through a VPN. Just change your region and you will be able to listen to digital music even with regional restrictions.

Cyber Security for Your Music Brand

As a musician, it’s not just about protecting your music, but also your brand. Cyber threats have the potential to damage your reputation and your bottom line. Ensure you follow best practices, such as using strong passwords, implementing two-factor authentication, and keeping secure backups. These methods can help safeguard against potential hacks. Also, use digital rights management (DRM), install watermarking, and take anti-piracy measures. Remember, cybersecurity is not solely about technology, but also about creating an organizational culture of awareness and best practices.

Cyber Security at Home

Running a business from home poses several challenges for artists. For example, when musicians first start out, they might be tempted to use pirated software to create their products. However, this is not only illegal but can also expose personal details, income, and the product itself to the risk of trojan viruses and malware.

In order not to expose your work studio to various cybersecurity risks, pay attention to a VPN. There are various forms of software distribution, for example, you can install the Microsoft Edge VPN extension and use an encrypted connection only in the browser. A more global and secure approach is to install a VPN on the router, then all connected devices will be protected. You will also benefit from access to blocked services and songs. This is a great source of inspiration.

Conclusion

The music industry continues to experience growth, with revenues and markets projected to rise in the foreseeable future. As a result, the frequency of cybersecurity incidents is also expected to increase. It is now more crucial than ever for professional artists and emerging talents to prioritize safeguarding their artistic content from potential attacks. Your music is an embodiment of yourself, the people around you, and the intangibles that make you unique. Therefore, it is vital to take all necessary measures to protect your music and the story it tells. By implementing robust cyber security measures, you can confidently elevate your career and embark on a journey of self-discovery, inspiring others with your music along the way.