Irdeto expands portfolio with High-Frequency Key Cycling

Irdeto Control’s latest feature delivers a streamlined, scalable solution to evolving DRM demands, solving one of the most pressing challenges in sports streaming

AMSTERDAM – September 10, 2025 – Irdeto, the global leader in digital video platform experiences and security, has unveiled a new scalable feature to address key rotation requirements mandated by leading sports rights holders for the protection of high-value sports leagues. This innovative enhancement to Irdeto Control enables streaming service providers to meet the most stringent security standards without requiring changes to their existing video platforms.

The new capability is part of Irdeto Control, a cloud-based multi-DRM solution that secures premium video content across all major devices, delivering more than 15 billion DRM transactions per month, and serving more than 200 million users. It supports leading DRM technologies like Widevine, FairPlay and PlayReady, enabling broadcasters and OTT platforms to enforce licensing policies, protect live and on-demand content, and meet strict security requirements with minimal integration effort. In addition, Irdeto Control is a highly scalable DRM SaaS that leverages DRM protocols to provide advanced piracy and fraud mitigation mechanisms such as DRM-based concurrency management, vulnerable device and device model blocking, script and emulator blocking, and geo/VPN blocking.

Irdeto’s solution effectively reduces the exposure window for each content encryption key by enabling high-frequency key cycling at the DRM level. This makes common piracy methods such as key extraction and CDN leeching harder to achieve. The continuous renewal of keys forces repeated authentication, disrupting the stability of unauthorized streams and increasing their likelihood of failure. This consistent degradation of the pirate experience helps shift users back toward legitimate platforms, supporting improved monetization and stronger content protection for rights holders.

Irdeto’s high-frequency key cycling slashes time-to-market and eliminates integration headaches. By rotating content keys at high frequency, it hardens premium live-sports streams against theft. Unlike alternatives that require player/packager changes or tweaks to streaming standards, our server-side approach drops straight into existing multi-DRM workflows and players without adding operational overhead. The result: a scalable, standards-compliant upgrade that meets rights-holder mandates and dramatically raises the bar for key extraction and real-time pirate redistribution.

“Piracy in live sports continues to evolve rapidly, and rights holders are demanding tougher security standards that don't hinder operational efficiency,” said Andrew Bunten, Chief Operating Officer, Video Entertainment at Irdeto. “With this new capability in Irdeto Control, we’re empowering broadcasters and streaming platforms to stay ahead of pirates, without disrupting their video workflow or viewer experience. It’s a major step forward in protecting the value of live content.”

The announcement comes as Irdeto prepares to showcase its full suite of video entertainment security solutions at IBC 2025 in Amsterdam.

About Irdeto

Irdeto is a trusted partner for media and entertainment brands, guiding them through digital transformation with innovative solutions that deliver exceptional user experiences. As a global leader in digital platform security, we combine over 50 years of expertise with cutting-edge technology to protect valuable content and combat piracy. Our comprehensive portfolio includes strategic advisory, system integration and managed services, helping customers reduce costs, accelerate time to market and drive sustainable growth. Backed by a global ecosystem of partners, Irdeto empowers customers to build secure, seamless video platforms that foster monetization and operational excellence. With Irdeto, audiences connect with confidence in a secure, future-ready world.

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