Virtual and hybrid events are now a foundational part of how organizations connect, communicate, and build communities. The global virtual events market is currently on track to soar to over $537 billion by 2029, and the spotlight on the digital stage is only getting brighter. With that bright spotlight and an ever-growing stage also comes responsibility: strong virtual event security and airtight virtual event compliance. They are no longer optional—they're a necessity.
The online space presents a host of challenges that just don't exist in the physical world. From coordinated disruptions ('Zoombombing') and platform vulnerabilities to phishing attempts and data breaches, these risks are real and growing. Without the right protections in place, a single virtual event can result in exposed attendee data, financial losses, lasting damage to your brand reputation, and significant penalties under regulations like GDPR and CCPA compliance for events.
However, this isn't just about avoiding worst-case scenarios. Putting event data privacy and security front and center builds something critical: trust. Today's attendees, having possibly been burned in the past, are savvier than ever—they notice how their data is handled and actively assess the platforms they're asked to use. In fact, research shows that an attendee's perception of privacy and security directly impacts how they rate the experience of your event.
Here's where this primer comes in. Whether you're planning your next webinar, managing IT for enterprise-scale summits, or leading marketing and compliance initiatives, this is your go-to, expert-driven resource. We've created a comprehensive overview of the entire virtual event security landscape: from understanding evolving threats to selecting the right technology, applying regulatory standards, and implementing proactive measures before, during, and after your events.
You'll also find a link to our downloadable comprehensive virtual event security checklist PDF, jam-packed with actionable insights. It's everything you need to confidently manage a checklist for secure online events, boost compliance, and protect your attendees—because trust isn't earned just once. It's maintained through every click, every login, and every session.
Ready to raise the bar for your events?
Before you can build an effective defense for your virtual event, you have to know what you're up against. Today's virtual events face a growing range of virtual event cybersecurity threats, from nuisance-level interruptions to highly coordinated attacks. Knowing what's out there is the first step in mitigating security risks for online events and keeping both your attendees AND your data safe. Let's break down the most common virtual event attacks your organization should prepare for.
Common Cyberthreats to Know
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Zoombombing and Disruptions
One of the most famous (infamous!) and well-known disruptions, Zoombombing involves unauthorized users crashing your event with offensive content, loud noises, or spam. This typically happens when access credentials are shared too widely or security settings are too lax. Frequently, hackers disrupt virtual meetings by exploiting misconfigured access controls.
Phishing and Social Engineering
These attacks prey on human behavior. Hackers send fake emails, messages or even set up deceptive websites to trick attendees, speakers, and organizers into giving up credentials or clicking malware-laden links. With the rise of tools like AI-generated deepfakes, these scams are becoming more convincing and harder to spot. Staying vigilant is key to avoiding these webinar security risks.
Data Theft and Breaches
Hackers aren't only interested in being party crashers—they want your data. Events collect a mountain of data, from personal info (PII) to payment details and proprietary content. Whether it's due to phishing, event tech platform weaknesses, or poorly secured third-party tools, preventing data breaches in virtual events must be a top priority.
Malware and Ransomware
Bad actors often embed malicious code in file shares, chat links, or compromised accounts. A single click can install malware that compromises user systems, or, worse, ransomware that locks your out of your own event content unless a fee is paid. These types of cyber attacks on virtual events are rising and require proactive defenses.
Denial-of-Service (DoS/DDoS) Attacks
These attacks aim to make your event platform unusable by flooding it with traffic. It's like a digital stampede that prevents legitimate attendees from getting through. Modern attackers often use multi-factor approaches, increasing the complexity and intensity of the attack.
Platform and Integration Vulnerabilities
Even when you're cautious, your platform or its integrations might not be. Outdated software, insecure APIs, and third-party tools can all serve as entry points for attackers. These vulnerabilities are a major risk area—especially with our current interconnected tech ecosystem. Keeping your platform secure is a key part of protecting virtual events from hackers.
Insider Threats
Sometimes, the call is coming from inside the house. Employees or vendors can unintentionally open the door to security issues by mishandling data, misconfiguring settings, or fall for phishing attacks. Occasionally, that threat is deliberate. Either way, awareness and training are your best defences.
Each of these virtual event cybersecurity threats underscore why a layered, proactive approach to event security is necessary. A few simple settings aren't enough! You need comprehensive strategies that align with your goals and protect everyone involved in your event. At EventBuilder, we're here to help you build those layers of defense from the ground up.
Think of your virtual event platform as your castle, and your configuration choices as its gates, guards, and defenses. To host secure virtual events, you need both a strong foundation and smart strategy. Choosing a platform designed with enterprise virtual event security in mind and configuring it with intention is what separates an impenetrable fortress from a digital house of cards.
Essential Security Capabilities
When it comes to selecting a platform, not all are created equal. Use the following secure virtual event platform selection criteria to evaluate your options and lay the groundwork for high-integrity events.
- Robust Encryption - Look for platforms offering TLS for data in transit and AES-256 at rest. For especially sensitive meetings, end-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a must.
- Strong Authentication - Multi-factor authentication for virtual events (MFA) is a must. Look for platforms that support it.
- Granular Access Controls - Capabilities like lobbies/waiting rooms, meeting passcodes, authenticated user requirements, and host-only settings for screen sharing and muting are essential for high security virtual meetings.
- Compliance and Certifications - Platforms should demonstrate commitment to virtual event compliance standards such as ISO 27001, and readiness for GDPR compliance and CCPA compliance events. Don't forget to ask for a Data Processing Addendum (DPA)!
- Monitoring and Auditing - Built-in logging, real-time dashboards, and security alerts help you detect and respond to threats fast. Implementing an incident response plan will also give you a roadmap for what to do and in what order.
- Secure Data Handling - Ensure the platform has clear policies for retention, deletion, and even data residency—critical for event data privacy and event data protection.
Critical Configuration is Key
Remember, even the most secure platform can be vulnerable if misconfigured. Organizers must implement best practices for virtual event security:
- Use unique meeting IDs and strong passcodes for every event.
- Require registration and utilize waiting rooms/lobbies.
- Turn off "Join Before Host" to prevent early access.
- Restrict screensharing to "Host Only."
- Turn off unnecessary features like participant annotation, file transfers, and private chat.
- Mute participants upon entry and manage unmuting permissions.
- Know how to remove disruptive participants quickly.
- Never share access links or credentials public forums.
- Keep your platform and integrations updated.
For events demanding the highest level of protection, consider advanced virtual event security or security protocols for confidential virtual events, don't hesitate to implement extra layers of protection—things like IP restrictions, E2EE, and enhanced vetting for attendees. This is especially important when you're protecting intellectual property in virtual events or working with regulated industries.
Security First
By choosing a secure platform and configuring it intentionally, you're laying the groundwork for trust, reliability, and professionalism in every event. At EventBuilder, our Microsoft Teams integration gives you the power and flexibility to implement enterprise virtual event security without adding complexity. Get in touch with us today!
When you collect and process attendee data, you're not just organizing a virtual event; you're stepping into the world of data protection regulations for online events. Compliance with major frameworks like GDPR and CCPA/CPRA isn't optional if you want to stay in business. Regulatory compliance is both a legal requirement and a strategic move to build trust with your audience.
Understanding and following these regulations is key to managing attendee data privacy in virtual events responsibly—and to protecting your organization from costly missteps.
GDPR Essentials
Applies to: Any event collecting or processing the personal data of individuals in the EU/EEA, regardless of where your organization is based.
Here's a breakdown of what matters the most with GDPR:
- Key Principals - Lawfulness, fairness, transparency, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, and accountability.
- Lawful Basis - In virtual events, you'll often need explicit, informed consent—especially for marketing emails, session recordings, or sharing data with sponsors.
- Data Subject Rights - Attendees much be able to access, correct, or delete their data (including the "right to be forgotten").
- Transparency - Provide clear, concise privacy notices detailing what data you collect, why, ad for how long.
- Security Measures - GDPR requires appropriate technical and organizational security controls; a critical tie-in to your virtual event security and compliance strategy.
- Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) - Required when you use vendors (like your secure virtual event platform!) to process personal data on your behalf.
If you're wondering how to make virtual events GDPR compliant, you have to start with intentional design—including privacy policies, clear consent requests, and solid data management practices baked into your workflows.
CCPA/CPRA Essentials
Applies to: Eligible for-profit organizations handling personal data of California residents.
Key areas of focus:
- Consumer Rights - Individuals have the right to know, delete, correct, and opt out of the sale or sharing of personal data. They can also limit the use of Sensitive Personal Information (SPI).
- "Sharing" Includes Targeted Ads - If you're sharing attendee data with sponsors or partners for behavioral marketing, this likely qualifies under the CPRA. You'll need opt-out choices.
- Opt-out mechanisms - CCPA/CPRA requires "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" and "Limit the Use of My Sensitive Personal Information" links, as well as compliance with Global Privacy Control (GPC) browser signals.
- Notice at Collection - You must inform attendees at the time of collection about what data you're collecting, why, and how it's used.
- Minors - Special rules apply for attendees under 16, including strict opt-in requirements.
Your virtual events need to be just as strong in compliance as they are in content, especially when attendee trust is on the line!
Practical Compliance Steps
Managing attendee data privacy in virtual events is a strategic process: one that demands ongoing attention. Here's how to stay compliant without slowing down your event planning:
- Map Your Data - Understand what attendee data you're collecting, why, where it's stored, and who can access it.
- Update Privacy Policies - Make sure your privacy notices are easy to understand and clearly explain your data practices.
- Implement Consent and Opt-Out - Use GDPR-compliant consent forms and CCPA/CPRA-compliant opt-out links. With EventBuilder's customizable registration, you can tailor these elements to your specific needs.
- Vet Your Vendors - Only work with platforms that meet event data privacy standards. Sign DPAs where required and confirm platform compliance (such as ISO 27001/27701, EU Data Privacy Framework and GDRP-readiness.)
- DSAR Readiness - Set up efficient workflows for handling Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs) and consumer rights requests.
- Secure Data Handling - Follow event data protection best practices—encrypt data, control access, limit retention, and delete what you don't need.
- Sponsor Data Handling - Be transparent. Get GDPR-compliant consent before sharing with sponsors and provide CCPA/CPRA opt-out options.
Remember, consent management for virtual events isn't a checkbox; it's a core part of your compliance strategy.
Pro Tip: Embed compliance into your registration and communication workflows, not just your legal pages. Make it easy for attendees to understand and control their data.
Security Across the Lifecycle: An End-to-End Approach
Here's a common trap: thinking security only matters during the live session. In reality, advanced virtual event security depends on practices that span your entire event lifecycle, from the moment you start planning to well after the event ends.
Pre-Event
This is your foundation. Don't skip it!
- Conduct Risk Assessments
- Select a Secure Platform
- Configure Thoroughly
- Implement Secure Registration
- Vet Vendors
- Share Access Securely
During Event
This is where visibility and responsiveness matter the most.
- Monitor Activity
- Moderate Actively
- Prepare for Incidents
- Promote Secure Sharing
Post-Event
Your responsibilities don't end when the last slide closes.
- Secure Storage
- Retention Policies
- Respect Communication Preferences
- Analyze and Improve
Virtual event security is no longer simply a concern for your IT department. With ever-evolving compliance regulations like GDPR and CCPA, the real-world risks of cyberthreats, and your audience's growing demand for clear communication regarding how you're handling their personal data, a strong foundation is essential. Understanding and implementing a strong virtual event security, privacy, and compliance foundation is more than just avoiding risk—it's about building credibility, protecting your brand, and delivering a seamless experience your attendees can trust.
At EventBuilder, security and compliance isn't just an afterthought. It's baked into everything we design and support. From enterprise-grade features, ISO data privacy and security certifications, on-going employee training, and keeping up on the latest regulatory changes, our team brings deep expertise in navigating this complex landscape.
Need a partner who understands the stakes? Get in touch with us today and we'll help you plan and execute secure, compliance virtual events with confidence.
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