Are there too many streaming tools?
Do the amount of streaming tools increase attack surface?
As a fan of Twitch, YouTube, and streaming in general, one thing I’ve noticed is the sheer number of tools, platforms, and applications marketed toward streamers. As the saying goes: sell shovels during the gold rush.
It’s a pretty solid business idea to sell all of these tools at a time when the world is falling in love with streaming, but…
How do all these tools affect a streamer’s attack surface?
Note: If you’re not familiar with the term attack surface, it describes the total set of ways and avenues an attacker or hacker could use to compromise your system.
Let’s Cover Some Tools
I’m a fan of many of these tools and platforms—some new, some old:
- OBS
- StreamElements
- Restream
- Streamlabs
- XSplit Broadcaster
- Twitch
- Kick
- TikTok
- YouTube
Some of these tools work in a more automated fashion, while others require manual authentication using things like stream keys. It’s wonderful that we have so many choices and options as streamers and fans, but if we’re being honest, it’s pretty difficult to properly manage all of these platforms and tools without a professional team.
Handling things like stream keys, browsers, devices, passwords, and accounts becomes complicated very quickly. In addition, the more tools you use, the larger your attack surface becomes—regardless.
A compromise of a single platform, whether it’s Twitch or YouTube, puts you at risk. A vulnerability in a single open-source OBS plugin could potentially put your entire internet presence at risk.
Pretty crazy to think about.
Reducing the Attack Surface
In theory, it may be best to stream on as few platforms as possible while still reaching the largest portion of your audience.
For example, if you project that only three people (hypothetically) will watch you on Kick, it may be reasonable to skip that platform. Doing so could save energy, reduce operational complexity, and minimize your overall attack surface.
Of course, this depends on conducting proper threat modeling of the risks associated with each platform and understanding how those risks interact.
In any case, do your best to stay safe online and enjoy your streams.
I’ll probably hop onto Juliakins’ stream and watch some World of Warcraft.