Phantom
In the post-COVID era, online and virtual events have become increasingly popular. Whether it is a business conference, webinar, online class, or any other public event, the convenience of attending events from the comfort of your home has made online events increasingly popular. Online events have turned out to be very effective and convenient. However, organizing these events comes with a significant responsibility of taking care of and maintaining cybersecurity to protect sensitive information and personal data.
As the number of events being hosted online and virtually increases, so does the number of cyber attackers. Cyber attacks and cyber frauds existed long before virtual events became popular, but now, due to the rise of remote work, video conferencing, and other virtual events, the number is increasing significantly.
Understanding Cybersecurity Threats for Online Events
Before we proceed further, we need to understand the various kinds of cybersecurity threats. There are many types of cybersecurity threats and attacks that vary in quality and scale, including phishing, malware, and hacking. But one thing is certain about all of them: they are dangerous and can cause a lot of harm.
Even if you are not a huge company, business, or government organization, a cybersecurity breach can be lethal. It can lead to the theft of sensitive information, including personal data, financial information, confidential business information, reputational damage, and legal consequences. Therefore, it is important to maintain stellar and robust cybersecurity before organizing or hosting any kind of online event.
How to Maintain Stellar Cybersecurity During Online Events
Now that we understand the cybersecurity threats associated with hosting online events, let us discuss some of the ways in which you can maintain stellar cybersecurity during online events.
Plan Ahead
Before organizing or hosting an online event, cybersecurity should be considered from the very beginning. Just as you would plan other elements of the event, plan cybersecurity too. Potential risks and vulnerabilities associated with hosting an online event should be considered, and proactive steps should be taken to mitigate them.
This includes selecting secure platforms, protecting access to the event, enabling two-factor authentication, securing the network and connection, monitoring activity during the event, and communicating cybersecurity practices to attendees.
Use Secure Platforms
Instead of using any platform for hosting online events, use reputable and secure platforms that will prevent any data compromise from happening. Platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet are popular platforms that are known for their robust security features. These platforms provide features that often include encryption, password protection, and the ability to control attendee access.
Protect Access to the Event
Regardless of whether your online event is a business meeting, virtual concert, or a paid lecture, ensure that the event is password-protected, just as you ensure that your WiFi network is password-protected through 192.168.0.1. While password-protecting the online meeting, use strong passwords that are at least 10 characters long and include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using common passwords such as "12345678" or "password123" that are easy to guess.
After setting the password, only share it with attendees or people you know so that there is no interference from unknown individuals and unauthorized people cannot attend the meeting. Sometimes, these seemingly small measures can make a huge difference.
Protect the Network
It has been observed in various online meetings and events that cyberattacks are mostly aimed at the network and connection, and not at the event itself, since the security of the network or connection is usually overlooked. Cyber attackers can simply hack the network and gain access to your computer and internet session. This shouldn't be overlooked, and the network and connection should be protected by implementing the necessary measures through 192.168.1.1 to prevent sensitive and private data from being compromised and falling into the wrong hands.
Educate Attendees
While taking care of everything else, don't forget to educate attendees and communicate cybersecurity practices to them, including how to identify phishing emails, how to create strong passwords, and how to avoid malware. Explain the importance of having a secure connection and keeping sensitive data encrypted so that cyberattacks can be prevented.
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Now that we understand the cybersecurity threats associated with hosting online events, let us discuss some of the ways in which you can maintain stellar cybersecurity during online events.
