Mobile devices are central to the way people experience concerts, events and festivals. From snapping photos, sharing via social networks, to interactive event apps that enhance the experience. Yet, as the role of smartphones expands, so do the security risks. If you're a connected fan, practice good online security habits with these tips:
Online Security at Events
- Practice Safe Sharing. Check the privacy settings on your social networks to make sure you know who has access to what information. Also, think twice before posting your real-time location or photos to social networks. While seemingly harmless, it can let others know that you’re preoccupied or away from home.
- Make Your Password the Price of Admission. Protect your device with a complex password. This makes it much more difficult for someone to access your personal information on a lost or stolen device. Consider installing security software like Norton Security ahead of time. That way, if a phone or tablet is stolen or lost, you can remotely locate on a map, lock, and even wipe sensitive data from the missing device.
- Between Sets, Share a Song – Not Your Banking Info. Think twice before checking your email or bank account balance on public Wi-Fi. Cybercriminals can “sniff” sensitive information from unsecured networks.
The Rise of Digital Ticket Scams: How to Spot Them
- One-Hit Wonder. Be cautious of ticket scams on social media, including posts that encourage you to hit “like” to get free tickets. Do not click on unknown links to claim a “deal” navigate directly to the brand’s website to verify the offer first.
- Originals Are Always Better Than Covers. Use caution before buying tickets from a site you’ve never heard of before. Before you enter your credit card information, look for trust marks, such as the Norton Secured Seal to verify that site can be trusted. Also, the letters “HTTPS” in the address bar show that the form or page has an added level of security.
- Scam Control. In music festival seasons past, Symantec spotted phishing scams targeting ticket buyers. If you’re a ticket buyer and you receive an email with a link asking you to log in to find out more information about your upcoming event, do not click on it blindly. Also, do not share your email address on event message boards.