From the Desk of Mary
Event Manager - Entrepreneur - Adventurer
Think about how much data is collected at events.
Before the event, you want to know about who’s coming: names, ages, addresses, payment information. At an event, you’re probably tracking who is there, gathering sign-ups, or checking them into sessions. After it’s over, you use their emails and phone numbers to thank them for coming and to invite them to the next one.
All of this data is a hacker’s dream. Cyber attacks are increasing in frequency and complexity every year, and you don’t want to risk your reputation or your client’s data. Here are four easy things you can do to make sure your next event is protected:
1. Secure Passwords
From your email to your pin number to Eventbrite, passwords are the number one way hackers can break into your accounts to steal information. Don’t reuse passwords for different sites; if a hacker can guess it, they can then get into all your accounts. You can keep different passwords in a password manager (Dashlane, RoboForm, and NordPass are all highly reviewed and free) so you won’t forget them.
Avoid logging into password-protected sites when connected to public wifi, and don’t save it when logging into a shared computer. Finally, don’t have your password and login information written anywhere that event attendees can see (like on a sticky note by a laptop on the registration table).
2. Use Two-factor Authentication
This means using two ways to log into your accounts. This could mean both a password and fingerprint, a password and verification from a trusted device, or a password and security questions. This can sometimes feel like a hassle when you’re busy, but it’s a lot easier than dealing with a cyber attack at your event. Remember, the more convenient something is, the less secure it tends to be. Finding a balance will keep you secure and productive.
3. Train Your Staff
According to Verizon’s 2022 Data Breach Investigations Report, 82% of breaches were due to human error. Social engineering attacks are becoming the most common type of cyber attack. This is when a hacker gets personal information from someone and then uses it to influence, manipulate, or deceive them into giving access to their computer system. These attacks are getting sneakier and more complex every year, so it’s important that both you and your staff are trained on how to recognize different types of attacks, and how to keep your data safe. An easy way to find these trainings? Google ‘best security awareness training’ and find out which program fits your needs and finances. There are many inexpensive options that will save you countless hours and dollars if they keep you safe from cyber attacks.
4. Stay Updated
Cybersecurity is progressing every day to keep up with ever evolving cyber crime. It can be easy to set up a password manager and two figure authentication and think your work is done, but that can leave you with a false sense of security. Keep yourself updated on security trends, make sure you and your staff are keeping up with required training, and consider signing up for a free tech blog to keep yourself in the know. It might just save your event, and your businesses’ reputation.
In 2020, like many others, Occasions, Inc pivoted to the virtual space. We became a trusted leader in virtual event planning and understanding technology strengths and weaknesses. That means we take event cybersecurity for all our events seriously, whether they are online or in person. No matter the size, we’d love the opportunity to create a safe, fun event that everyone who attends will be talking about for years to come!
Contact us today to find out how we can make your event dreams into a reality: info@occasionsinc.com.