Coming together with friends and fans to cheer for your favorite sports team or sing along with your favorite band is a beloved pastime where lifelong memories are made. Traditionally, event security has focused on physical threats. Metal detectors, drones and dedicated staff are some ways that event organizers ensure a safe and fun experience. However, as venues integrate digital services, it’s important to account for online identities; cybersecurity now shares the stage at events.
Whenever you share personal information, especially financial details, cybercriminals see a new way to exploit potential victims. Fortunately, just as event planners have strengthened physical security protocols over the years, their focus has expanded to include digital safety of attendees. While these strong measures put in place by event organizers are often effective, no system is foolproof. We have listed below several actions you can take to enhance your cyber posture before, during and after you attend an event.
Before You Go
Beware of suspicious or fraudulent websites and offers related to the event.
- Scammers send phishing emails, text messages and social media direct messages claiming you’ve won free or deeply discounted tickets. Only order tickets from the official event website.
- Never click on links in suspicious emails. They can look official and may even mimic the exact event logo. Report and delete them instead.
- Any legitimate contests will be on the event’s official website. Manually type in the event’s website and enter contests there.
- Scammers can create fraudulent websites that look nearly identical to the real ones. Double-check the URL and make sure you’re on the secure, official event website.
Customize your smartphone’s lock screen with emergency contact information.
- In case you lose your device, having emergency contact information easily available on your lock screen can make it easy for an honest attendee to return it to you.
- Keep the information simple and avoid including personal information; a name and phone number is sufficient.
Enable location tracking for your device.
- These tools allow you to track your device in the event its lost or stolen. If you do lose your device or suspect its stolen, you can track it or remotely wipe your data.
- Don’t track the phone down yourself. Instead, alert authorities and let them track the device down.
- Location tracking can also allow family and friends to track your location as an added layer of security. Enable these features and test them before leaving for the event.
- These tools can be enabled on multiple types of smartphones, including Apple and Android devices.
Back up your data.
- Save photos, contacts and data to an external hard drive or the cloud so you don’t lose any important memories or information in the unfortunate event that your device is lost or damaged.
- Tell loved ones or trusted friends your plan in case of lost device.
Be cautious when placing bets.
- Scammers often replicate betting sites to lure fans in and steal their financial information.
- If you are of age and in an area that allows you to wager on sporting events, be sure you are using official, licensed betting sites and apps.
Do not trust sellers offering discounted merchandise.
- Big sales may be enticing, but the safest practice is to buy at the venue.
- If you must purchase online, be sure you type in the official URL of your preferred team or artist.
During the Event
Physically secure your device.
- Keep your phone locked with a long and robust password and pass code. If possible, consider enabling biometrics, locking your phone with your fingerprint or facial recognition.
- Carry your phone securely. Consider using a lanyard cord, an anti-theft bag, or a bag that keeps your device close to body, like a thigh or chest bag.
Understand the risk of using event apps.
- Official event apps can be a fun way to interact while attending an event, but verify what will be done with your information before you enter it into the app.
- Scammers can and will spoof the event app to trick you into giving them your information. If scammers are able to gain access to the official app, then they have access to any information you entered into the app.
Do not connect to public Wi-Fi.
- While event planners go to great lengths to offer fast, free Wi-Fi, they cannot guarantee its security.
- Teams of hackers work diligently to hack these networks and gain access to information being sent by their users.
- If you must use public Wi-Fi, never use it for financial transactions. Never send sensitive personal information over public Wi-Fi networks, such as social security numbers.
Be careful how you pay.
- Credit cards are often one of the safest payment methods as they offer strong fraud protection.
- Use mobile payment apps that are well-reviewed, updated and secured with a unique password (or consider using biometric authentication if it is available).
- Avoid apps that are not reputable or that have poor ratings.
- Trust your instincts; if you feel uneasy about a payment terminal or vendor, do not use them.
After the Event
Monitor all accounts.
- Even if you didn’t use your accounts at the event, thieves could use compromised data later to steal funds and information.
- Consult your bank or other accounts if you notice any suspicious activity. Quick action can prevent further loss. Consider enabling transaction alerts on your accounts.
- A compromised login can lead to broader identity theft in the future, long after the event has concluded. Consider changing passwords for any accounts you accessed at the event, especially if you used public Wi-Fi.
As events of all sizes continue to integrate digital services to enhance the fan experience, staying cybersafe and aware is more important than ever. From buying tickets to posting videos on social media, our devices have taken on a central role to the fan experience. While event organizers work hard to protect all attendees, your personal vigilance is your strongest defense. Following these precautions before, during and after an event can save you from having information and money stolen from your online accounts. By making cybersecurity part of the routine, you can focus on enjoying the moment.
Cyber Habit of the Month
Many large event venues are moving to cashless payment methods. Whether you are buying a band shirt or grabbing a snack at the concession stand, remain vigilant and use trusted payment platforms, or payment apps provided by your bank or credit card. Always keep these apps to the latest version. Enable biometric authentication wherever applicable.
