Information security threats and solutions in digital television: The service developer's perspective

This report examines the information security challenges brought about by digital television and their potential solutions from the service developer's perspective. Emphasis in the report is not only on technological solutions but also the service development process, the related network of values and the various stages of service development and threats related thereto. Research methods employed include literature searches, expert opinions, interviews with enterprises and extensive rounds of commentary. Digital convergence is introducing more diverse services to the world of digital television. The return channel, which enables interactive television, is key to this development and may be considered the most vulnerable element of the terminal device in terms of information security. Accordingly, its protection from threats brought about by Internet use, such as malicious programs, is of the essence. The special characteristics of digital convergence - value networks and the secure linking of different infrastructures - need to be taken into consideration in service development processes. Special emphasis in this report is given to Multimedia Home Platform (MHP), as alongside the return channel it is one of the most important technologies enabling interactive television. The information security threats related to it are examined from the viewpoint of the service developer. MHP information security solutions are discussed and their maturity and suitability assessed with regard e.g. to signature practices currently being developed.