Zixi Security Best Practices

Stream Encryption

3min

Streams can be encrypted end-to-end, using fixed-key AES encryption. There are multiple options for encrypting the stream payload:

  • Zixi Feeder output – Zixi Feeder can encrypt outputs using a fixed key (AES 128, AES 192, AES 256) which can be entered into the output settings or automatically generated.
  • Zixi Broadcaster input – input streams can be encrypted by Zixi Broadcaster using a fixed key (AES 128, AES 192, AES 256), which can be entered into the input settings or automatically generated.

Zixi Broadcaster can be configured to decrypt contribution streams using a matching key, or to securely forward encrypted streams to Receivers. This enables you to transmit the stream end-to-end with only the edge applications being able to see or analyze the traffic.

To encrypt an output stream in Zixi Feeder:

1

In the Zixi Feeder navigation, click Outputs.

2

Click + New Output.

3

In the Type field select Push to Broadcaster.

4

Fill in the output details as needed.

5

At the bottom, select the Show all Settings checkbox.

6

Select the Advanced Properties checkbox.

7

In the Encryption Type field, select AES 128, AES 192, AES 256 for fixed key or Automatic for automatically system-generated encryption.

8

If you have selected one of the fixed key encryptions, enter your own encryption key into the Key field or click Generate to have the system automatically generate a key. The identical key should be used to decrypt the stream on the other end.

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9

Click OK.

To encrypt an input stream in Zixi Broadcaster/ZEC:

1

In the Zixi Broadcaster navigation, click Inputs.

2

Click + New Input.

3

Select the desired input type (Push, Pull etc.).

4

Fill in the input details as needed.

5

At the bottom, select the Enable Encryption checkbox.

6

In the Encryption Type field, select AES 128, AES 192 or AES 256 for fixed key encryption.

7

In the Encryption Key field, enter your own key or click Generate to have the system automatically generate a key. The identical key should be used to decrypt the stream on the other end.

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8

Click OK.

To decrypt an input stream in Zixi Broadcaster/ZEC:

1

In the Zixi Broadcaster navigation, click Inputs.

2

Click + New Input.

3

Select the desired input type.

Decryption is only supported for Zixi protocol Push or Pull inputs.

4

Fill in the input details as needed.

5

At the bottom, in the Decryption type field, select from the drop-down list AES 128, AES 192 or AES 256 for fixed decryption or None if no decryption is needed.

6

In the Decryption Type field, select AES 128, AES 192 or AES 256 for fixed key decryption.

7

In the Decryption key field, enter the exact same key that was used to encrypt the stream.

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8

Click OK.

To decrypt a stream in Zixi Receiver:

1

In the Zixi Receiver navigation, click Inputs.

2

Click + New Input.

3

Select Pull.

4

Fill in the input details as needed.

5

At the bottom, in the Decryption type field, select from the drop-down list AES 128, AES 192 or AES 256 for fixed decryption or None if no decryption is needed.

6

In the Decryption key field, enter the exact same key that was used to encrypt the stream.

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7

Click OK.