By: Prateek N. Kumar, Founder & CEO, NeoNiche Integrated Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Digital transformation is reconfiguring industries across the spectrum, and in this hyper-connected world, cybersecurity has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges. With the growing dependence on technology and the inclination to use automated methodologies to streamline operations, engage customers, and manage data, companies are increasingly exposing themselves to new cyber threats. From data breaches and phishing attacks to ransomware and malware intrusions, the risk landscape is continuously evolving. The need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical, especially for industries that collect, store, and process vast amounts of personal and client data.
For industries such as marketing, experiential, and immersive, the rate of tech transformation has been identified to be directly proportional to the vulnerability of systems. The scope and scale of data collected during events are staggering. Large conferences, trade shows, and virtual events often require participants to share sensitive information, including personal contact details, payment information, and professional credentials. In 2022, the global events industry was estimated to handle data from over a billion attendees annually, making it a lucrative target for cybercriminals. The rapid adoption of virtual and hybrid events during and post-pandemic has only expanded this attack surface. Virtual platforms that facilitate live-streaming, networking, and real-time data sharing have become breeding grounds for cyberattacks if proper security protocols are not in place.
One of the most notable cases in recent years was the cyberattack during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Hackers attempted to infiltrate various systems, including ticketing and broadcasting platforms, posing a significant risk to the integrity of the event. Though major disruptions were avoided, the incident served as a wake-up call to the events industry about the importance of cybersecurity. Similarly, in 2020, a large-scale virtual event platform experienced a data breach, exposing the personal information of thousands of attendees to unauthorised users. These high-profile incidents illustrate the growing sophistication of cyberattacks targeting events and the potentially devastating consequences.
Data breaches are not the only concern. Phishing attacks, where fraudulent communications trick attendees into providing sensitive information, have also surged. If we consider events requiring multiple email confirmations, logins, and digital interactions, there is a greater opportunity for hackers to impersonate official communications, and deceive participants. The risk of malware and ransomware attacks has also risen. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, global ransomware damage costs are expected to exceed $20 billion by 2024, with the events industry contributing its share of those losses if sufficient protections are not implemented.
Mitigating risks
What can organisations do to mitigate these risks? The first step is to recognise that cybersecurity must be integrated into every stage of service planning. Too often, cybersecurity is treated as an afterthought, leading to vulnerabilities that could have been prevented with proper foresight and investment. A comprehensive cybersecurity strategy should include several key components.
First and foremost, data encryption is non-negotiable. Encrypting sensitive information, both in transit and at rest, ensures that even if data is intercepted, it cannot be easily exploited by unauthorised parties. Leading high-tech platforms are now incorporating end-to-end encryption, which encrypts data from the moment it is sent until it reaches its destination. This is particularly critical when various parties are engaged, for data exchanges and transfers, especially those that require real-time communication between participants.
Another essential practice is multi-factor authentication (MFA). In the context of the Event Management industry, MFA beckons event participants, and organisers must provide two or more verification factors before gaining access to the event platform. This significantly reduces the chances of unauthorised access, as even if a hacker obtains login credentials, they would still need an additional form of identification to proceed. According to a study, MFA can prevent 99.9 percent of account compromise attacks. Event platforms that prioritise this level of security offer attendees peace of mind while protecting the event’s integrity.
The professional edge
Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments are critical. Professionals across the spectrum, be they organisers, creators, or developers of businesses, services, and technologies should partner with cybersecurity professionals to conduct thorough checks on all digital touchpoints before the event. This includes testing the strength of registration portals, payment gateways, and virtual meeting platforms. These audits help identify weak links in the system and ensure that necessary updates and patches are applied in time. A 2023 report by IBM Security revealed that 40 percent of data breaches could have been prevented if organisations had implemented regular security assessments.
Educating employees and staff is another key pillar of a robust cybersecurity strategy. Human error remains one of the most significant vulnerabilities in any system. Training staff on recognising phishing attempts, securely managing attendee data, and handling suspicious activity can significantly reduce the risk of a cyber incident. In tandem, educating employees and even audiences on best cybersecurity practices—such as using strong passwords, recognising legitimate event communications, and being cautious with the information they share—helps mitigate potential threats from external actors.
This notion has been expounded by several data privacy regulations which have introduced new legal requirements for handling attendee data, making compliance an essential aspect of cybersecurity in the events industry. Businesses need to ensure that they not only comply with these regulations but also clearly communicate their data-handling policies to attendees. This transparency fosters trust and signals to attendees that their privacy is being taken seriously.
According to a 2022 study by PwC, 85 percent of consumers will not do business with a company if they have concerns about its data security practices, underscoring the importance of maintaining a strong security posture. Finally, in the unfortunate event of a cyberattack, having an incident response plan in place is critical.
Keep the Plan B ready
Guardians of data should prepare for worst-case scenarios by developing a step-by-step plan for managing breaches, communicating with affected parties, and restoring security. A swift, transparent communication with attendees, sponsors, and partners can help limit reputational damage and demonstrate accountability.
Cybersecurity is not a challenge the industry can afford to ignore. As technology continues to shape the future of event planning, the risks will only grow in scale and sophistication. It is imperative to be proactive in adopting best cybersecurity practices, from data encryption and multi-factor authentication to regular audits and staff education. By prioritising cybersecurity at every stage of the event lifecycle, industries across the horizon can protect themselves against cyber threats and continue to deliver innovative, engaging, and innovative experiences for their audience. The future of events depends on it.