Cyberattacks are no longer a distant threat confined to tech giants or multinational corporations. According to Microsoft's 2024 Digital Defense Report, the company detects over 600 million cyberattacks daily, targeting individuals, businesses, and governments alike.
While the event sector often flies under the radar in discussions about cybersecurity, it's one of the most vulnerable and attractive targets for hackers. And the truth is, the industry isn't ready.
Why the event sector is a prime target?
Hackers love the event industry for three key reasons:
- Massive amounts of personal data: Events collect a treasure trove of sensitive data, including names, addresses, emails, payment details, and even dietary preferences - all linked to individuals. A single breach can expose thousands of records.
- Low awareness and preparedness: Unlike finance or healthcare, the event industry often lacks cybersecurity maturity. Many event companies operate under the radar, thinking, "Why would hackers target us?" This mindset leads to minimal investment in secure systems or robust protection protocols.
- Attractive entry points to larger organizations: Large corporations frequently hire event companies to organise high-profile events. These collaborations often involve access to sensitive client data or integration with corporate systems, making the event company a weak link in the chain.
The Impact of NIS2 on event companies
The European Union's NIS2 directive is raising the bar for cybersecurity compliance across industries, and many event businesses mistakenly believe it doesn’t apply to them. While NIS2 primarily targets critical infrastructure and large organisations, there's a ripple effect.
When a large corporation organises an event, it expects every partner in their ecosystem to uphold the same level of cybersecurity. If you're an event planner handling sensitive client data, you'll likely face stricter requirements from these companies to ensure their data is handled securely. This means that even if NIS2 doesn’t directly apply to your business, it will indirectly shape the expectations of your clients.
Ignoring these trends could leave event businesses vulnerable as clients shift to providers who can demonstrate strong cybersecurity practices.
What can event companies do to protect themselves?
The good news? You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to start protecting your business and your clients' data. Here are some practical steps to get started:
- Invest in secure systems: Ensure your event management tools and data storage systems are designed with security in mind. Opt for platforms that adhere to recognized security standards, such as ISO27001 certification, to give yourself and your clients peace of mind.
- Conduct regular security audits: Identify vulnerabilities in your systems and processes. A security audit will help you understand where your data is at risk and how to address these gaps.
- Train your team: Human error is one of the leading causes of data breaches. Provide cybersecurity training to your staff to recognise phishing attempts, handle sensitive data responsibly, and follow best practices.
- Prepare for the worst: Have a robust incident response plan in place. Know what to do in case of a breach, from informing affected clients to mitigating the impact on your business.
How eventplanner.net can help
At eventplanner.net, we understand the importance of safeguarding your event data. Our event software is built with security at its core and adheres to ISO27001 standards, the global benchmark for information security. By using secure platforms like ours, you can ensure that sensitive attendee and client data is stored and managed in a way that meets the highest security requirements.
The time to act is now
The event industry can no longer afford to view cybersecurity as an afterthought. With increasing cyber threats, evolving client expectations, and stricter regulations like NIS2, it’s essential to prioritise security in every aspect of your business. By taking proactive steps now, you can protect your clients and your reputation and position yourself as a trusted partner in an increasingly security-conscious world.
Are you ready to secure your events? Let’s get started.
Source: Photo: iStockPhoto 1290686368
