Guidance for Events and Conferences

Empty conference space which could be a potential target for cyber criminals

Large conferences can become tempting targets for cyber-criminals. These events are often held in public, with their dates and times being widely known. With this in mind, it’s important for organisers to be aware of the potential for disruption and cyber-attacks.

That being said, event organisers should consider the following cyber-security precautions:

Identify presenters. Because of the public nature of many conferences, it’s possible that someone may attempt to disrupt a presentation by resorting to impersonation. Make sure to verify someone’s identity before providing them with sensitive information, such as passwords to key networks or devices.
Consider denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. Protect networks and services from DoS attacks. Do not bundle important services—such as the conference’s website or livestream—on the same network bandwidth.
Look inward. Be sure that all personnel responsible for technological infrastructure and conference management are credible and trustworthy.
Collect minimal data. If people attending a conference are required to provide personal information, it may make the event an even more tempting target for cyber-criminals.