How to Secure Your Event Data

Posted by Cat Virca in Planning, Tips, Trends

Internet data security has been a hot topic for a couple of years now. Large corporations like Target, Home Depot and ebay have been victims to massive security breaches that have affected millions of consumers. Cleaning up the mess after a security beach is expensive and extremely time consuming, not to mention is breaks the trust of your customers.

Events and trade shows are no strangers to data hacking. Thousands of people submit valuable personal information to registration websites and hackers want that information. It’s important to ensure your data is protected before your event. Trade Show News Network’s, Traci Brown, provides a list of helpful tips to protect your data, in her article, “Is Your Event Data Secure?”

1. Determine a need for all data collected and don’t collect unnecessary data. Assess the risk of stolen data and set up a contingency plan.
2. Ask for recommendations for apps and websites from colleagues who have had successful experiences. Check how your event registration app and/or website provider protects your data.
3. Keep your Wi-Fi password private. Change your password daily for additional security.
4. Hackers trying to steal data may attempt to intercept or jam wireless networks. Unauthentic networks can collect personal data unknowingly. Ask your venue contact if they monitor rogue wireless networks.
5. USB ports and flash drives on event kiosks and laptops should not be accessible to trade show attendees. If your files are susceptible to being stolen, ensure there is a staff member available to safeguard your equipment at all times. Double check with your vendors to confirm their equipment is secure as well.
6. Remember that no question is a dumb question. Ask as many questions you need to until you know your venue and the event are safe and secure. Questions should be asked immediately, not weeks out from the event. Keep a checklist so you cover all of your bases.
7. Train your event staff to be aware of everyone that visits your trade show booth. Report any suspicious activity.

Read the full article.