Token-based security for links to media streams
Systems and methods of token-based protection for links to media streams are disclosed. For example, a computing device may receive a media request in response to selection of a link to a media stream. The link may include a first token that is generated based on a private key and an encryption algorithm, and the media request may include the first token. The computing device may grant or deny the media request based on a comparison of the first token and a second token that is generated based on the private key and the encryption algorithm.
1. A method comprising:
receiving, at a computing device, a media request in response to selection of a link to a media stream, wherein the link includes a first token that is generated based on a private key and an encryption algorithm, and wherein the media request includes the first token; and
granting or denying the media request based on a comparison of the first token and a second token that is generated based on the private key and the encryption algorithm.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second token is generated by the computing device.
3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising sending the second token from the computing device to a second computing device that is distinct from the computing device.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second token is generated by a second computing device that is distinct from the computing device.
5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising receiving the second token at the computing device from the second computing device.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the comparison of the first token and the second token is performed at the computing device.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the comparison of the first token and the second token is performed at a second computing device that is distinct from the computing device.
8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising receiving, at the computing device, a result of the comparison from the second computing device.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the link further includes a key/value pair.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the key value pair corresponds to a media streaming parameter, wherein the media streaming parameter includes a validity start date, a validity start time, a validity end date, a validity end time, a validity duration, or any combination thereof.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the key value pair corresponds to a syndication value.
12. The method of claim 9 , wherein the media request includes the key/value pair.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the media request is granted or denied based on whether the link to the media stream is valid.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the computing device determines whether the link to the media stream is valid.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein a second computing device distinct from the computing device determines whether the link to the media stream is valid.
16. An apparatus comprising:
a processor; and
a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to perform operations comprising:
generating a first token based on a private key and an encryption algorithm;
generating a link to a media stream, wherein the link includes the first token; and
sending the link to a client device,
wherein selection of the link causes a media request to be sent to a server associated with the media stream, wherein the media request includes the first token, and wherein the media request is granted or denied based on a comparison of the first token to a second token.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the operations further comprise generating the first token in response to receiving the media request from the client device.
18. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the operations further comprise sending the media request to the server.
19. A computer-readable storage device storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform operations comprising:
receiving, at a first computing device, a link to a media stream associated with a server, wherein the link includes a first token;
in response to a selection of the link, sending a media request to the server, wherein the media request includes the first token; and
receiving, from the server, data associated with the media stream or a denial of the media request based on a comparison of the first token to a second token.
20. The computer-readable storage device of claim 19 , wherein the data associated with the media stream includes an adaptive bitrate rendition of the media stream, an adaptive streaming manifest associated with the media stream, or any combination thereof.