5 Tips for Keeping Virtual Events Private and Secure
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Gina Clingan
About 2 to 3 years ago, you would never have imagined that hosting virtual events would be so integral in our lives. Right now they seem like the safest option for organizations to host meetings, conferences, or even concerts because of social-distancing requirements. Hosting virtual events ultimately means that you have to embark on a steep learning curve for understanding their operation. No one knows when the pandemic will end and as days go by, hosting virtual events continue togain a foothold in our lives.
It's therefore important to gain the training and insight you'll need to host virtual events successfully. Trolls have noticed that virtual events have become popular and they want in on the fun too. They won't hesitate to breach your events if you give them the chance.
You can use these tips and guides to keep your virtual event private and secure from data breaches.
Two-factor Authentication
You've probably come across the two-factor authentication if you have a google or an apple account. The two-factor authentication system checks identity by using two forms of verification. The first form of identification is of course your user password. The second form of identification could be a text or an email that you'll receive from the system and use it to access the virtual event.
You are never sure of a password's integrity when you send it to the event's attendees. The password can leak easily to third parties who can use it to access the event and cause mayhem. A two-factor authentication system will prevent unauthorized access to the event even if someone has the password. Only the authentic user can access the second authentication key.
Regulate Access
Regulating who can access the virtual event is one rule of thumb for upholding the privacy of the meeting. It's very important to know the exact number of attendees you expect and their identities. You can achieve this by making it mandatory for attendees to register for the event. Once a participant completes the registration, you can share the event's link with them.
Never make the mistake of sharing the event's link on social media platforms. This can make the event a free-for-all show. Virtual events have a lock feature that enhances access regulation. You can use this feature to block unwarranted access once your attendees have logged in. The lock feature can only be successful if you schedule a deadline for accessing the event.
Monitor the Users
It's possible for the attendees to whom you've invited via a link to share the link with their friends or family members. This can spell doom especially for sensitive events like weddings or security conferences. That is why you need to monitor who is at your event when attendees log in.
Suppose you host an event expecting 20 participants, then 30 people join in, what does this tell you? It's a red flag for unwarranted users. If you had a pre-registration requirement in place, then you'll be able to tell who the intruders are. You are at liberty to kick them out of the event.
Have Cybersecurity Measures in Place
Cybercriminals are always on the prowl looking to infiltrate networks. You need to have information security measures in place when hosting virtual events to keep these criminals away from your network. If possible, ensure that you and your attendees use a private network to access the event. Private networks have an additional layer of security that makes it harder for hackers to infiltrate the event.
Firewalls and antivirus software are also crucial for securing virtual events. Firewalls can filter traffic in the network and block unauthorized users from gaining access. Antivirus software will help detect malicious software that hackers use to infiltrate networks. Make sure you communicate to all participants to install this software in their systems.
Always remember that executing a successful cybersecurity plan needs the cooperation of everyone in the network. You ought to make it a habit to remind the participants of the simple measures they should put in place to deter attacks on the virtual event.
Vet Your Supplier
A virtual event tech supplier should give you a comprehensive list of the privacy and cybersecurity measures that they have in place. If you find that the information is technical, seek the services of a cybersecurity expert. At the very least, find out about the custom registration links, encryptions, and the tech's ability to deny or authenticate registrations. A supplier you can rely on should at least be implementing some security measures in their system.
Keep Virtual Events Private and Secure
If you were to host a physical event, then you ought to have proper security measures in place to protect and uphold the privacy of the attendees. You should do the same for virtual events. The fact that an event takes place over the virtual space doesn't guarantee that the participants will be safe and enjoy their privacy. Intruders can still infiltrate the event and disrupt everything. Hackers might also breach the event and steal crucial data from you and the attendees of the virtual event.
Start hosting safely today by implementing the tips that we've shared.
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