12 August 2016

BTO returns to the Edinburgh Fringe to spotlight growing cybercrime risk. BTO will take to the stage again at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, for the eighth consecutive year.

Cyber Risk and the Entertainment Industry will see partner and solicitor advocate Paul Motion, head of BTO’s Technology and Data Protection teams, identify areas of cybercrime risk affecting performers, managers and visitors at the Fringe, and provide suggestions to effectively manage this risk.

Some of the issues he will be discussing include the online misappropriation of artists and performers’ intellectual property; whether shows carrying controversial or strong political messages might attract the attention of hackers; and the increasing prevalence of ransomware, a type of malicious software designed to block access to a device until a sum of money is paid.

Paul Motion said: “Cybercrime is increasing exponentially. With a huge number of transactions taking place alongside the procurement and storage of personal data, the media sector generally, and very large events such as the Fringe, can increasingly attract cyber crooks.

“Customers should be wary of point of sale fraud, card skimmers on ATMs and phishing emails purporting to come from ticketing websites, all of which can result in financial loss and considerable inconvenience. Performers and managers may worry about being unable to access their critical information just when they desperately need it. Worse, they will get no sympathy from the regulator if they are hacked: losing personal data including employee and audience details can lead to fines of up to £500,000.

“Sharing details of recent cybercrime cases, including attacks on Scottish small business, I’ll offer practical thoughts on minimising the risks of cyber-attack for performers, managers and audience members alike.”

The FREE shows will take place at Fringe Central (Venue 2) on Friday 12 August (14:00), Saturday 13 August (12:00) and Saturday 20 August (16:00).

Tickets for Cyber Risk and the Entertainment Industry are free and can be obtained at the door of Fringe Central or online at: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/cyber-risk-and-the-entertainment-industry.