Why Your Next Event Needs a Cybersecurity Strategy—Now More Than Ever

In my last post, we explored why having a Cybersecurity Event Strategist is no longer optional — it’s essential.

Today, I’m taking it a step further and diving deeper into the urgent need for a robust cybersecurity strategy at your next event.

If you’re still on the fence about investing in cybersecurity for your upcoming conference, trade show, or virtual event, consider this your wake-up call.

The Reality: Events Are Prime Targets for Cybercriminals

From registration forms to payment platforms, events collect a massive amount of personal data — and that makes them irresistible to cybercriminals.

Hackers are no longer just interested in major corporations. They’re targeting virtual and hybrid events because of the wide-open opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities.

Recent data shows that 83% of event organizers have experienced some form of a cybersecurity breach.

Whether it’s phishing attacks, ransomware, or simply unsecure Wi-Fi, the risks are real — and they’re growing. Without a clear, actionable cybersecurity strategy, you’re leaving your attendees and your organization vulnerable to attacks that could:

Cost millions
Damage reputations
Destroy trust

The Cost of Ignoring Cybersecurity

Think of the last big event you attended or organized.

Now, imagine if during that event, a security breach compromised the personal data of every single attendee.

The fallout would be catastrophic, not just for your guests but for your company’s reputation and bottom line. The average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million, and that number is only rising.

It’s not just about money, either.

Once your attendees’ trust is broken, it’s nearly impossible to get it back. Cybersecurity failures at an event could lead to:

Long-term brand damage
Loss of future business opportunities
Legal consequences

What Does a Cybersecurity Strategy Look Like?

Now that we’ve established why cybersecurity is critical, let’s talk about what a proactive strategy should include.

Your cybersecurity strategy must cover every aspect of your event, from the initial registration process to the final post-event report.

Here’s what a solid strategy includes:

Pre-event risk assessments: Identifying vulnerabilities in your digital platforms and physical spaces. Secure registration and payment systems: Ensuring all data transfers and storage are encrypted. Training staff on security protocols: Your team needs to know how to spot potential threats and respond quickly. Incident response plans: In the event of a breach, you must have a clear plan in place for managing the situation and communicating with attendees.