Protecting video content from piracy
Each year, digital piracy costs the TV and movie industry billions of dollars in lost revenue. So it’s not surprising that content producers and distributors take content security very seriously. Each partner must ensure their technology and operations are world-class to maintain trust and avoid becoming the weakest link.
Our content security services support businesses that are seeking to establish a secure environment for content distribution. We engage and collaborate with leading broadcasters, Hollywood Studios, and industry associations to promote and apply the highest standards and best practices.
Trusted and recommended by the major Hollywood studios, Cartesian is one of a select few companies worldwide that offer an auditing service that meets their rigorous standards, including the MovieLabs Enhanced Content Protection specification for Ultra HD and 4K content. Our Farncombe Security™ Audit provides confidence in the overall security of digital media content systems through an in-depth, independent review.
Working with industry, Cartesian has also developed Farncombe Security™ Watermark Robustness Testing to assess watermark technology. Digital watermarking of video content is now considered a best practice for content security because of its role in deterring and prosecuting piracy.
Alongside these services, we offer training, implementation, and monitoring to protect from piracy in all its forms.
Our range of Content Security services cover:
- Content protection strategy, design, and implementation
- Content security reviews, including the industry-recognized Farncombe Security™ Audit
- Technology testing, including watermark robustness testing and geo-blocking-circumvention testing
- Anti-piracy and fraud investigation and management
We work with studios, broadcasters, service providers, and security technology vendors worldwide.

Why Cartesian?
We serve as the independent third-party for product verification and certification. Clients count on us for unbiased product testing and insight. We can also help develop product requirements.
Project example: Conducted an audit for a digital rights management (DRM) vendor for premium content distribution so that the client could show compliance with security obligations
With over 30 years of experience assessing and delivering solutions for the media and entertainment sector, we offer a holistic approach to content security. From training to implementation, review to audit, and monitoring of systems and services, we offer a complete solution for content owners, Pay TV operators, and security technology providers.
Project example: Provided security-as-a-service for a telecommunications provider who was launching a new Pay TV platform and lacked the in-house security knowledge and skills for governance policies and processes.
We use a range of equipment for testing and monitoring, and have in-house security specialists, strategists, data analysts, and developers to build and administer security defenses.
Project example: Investigated suspected illegal streaming issues for a service operator and created a targeted and cost-effective anti-piracy strategy
Our security audits adhere to industry guidelines and were developed through consultations with key stakeholders in the video distribution chain.
For example, our Farncombe Security™ Audit which was developed in line with the standards set by MovieLab and Hollywood and broadcasting studios is trusted by the TV and digital video sector.
Project example: Investigated suspected illegal streaming issues for a service operator and created a targeted and cost-effective anti-piracy strategy