07 August 2017

BTO returns to the Edinburgh Fringe to highlight growing cybercrime risk for performing arts community. Leading independent Scottish law firm BTO Solicitors LLP will once again take to the stage at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe for the ninth 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, highlight the cyber security risks which members of the performing arts community can be especially vulnerable when participating in the Fringe and other events.

With thousands of transactions taking place every day in temporary box offices and venues with limited IT security, as well as free unsecured Wi-Fi being accessed by hundreds of people, the Fringe can be viewed as a golden opportunity by cyber crooks. Using his wealth of knowledge and experience, Paul will offer expert guidance on risk management solutions to help both performers and attendees guard themselves from cybercrime.

Commenting on the importance of the subject, Paul Motion said: “Cybercrime continues to be an ever-increasing threat to workers and festival goers alike. An event which is hugely popular like the Fringe offers cyber crooks an abundance of opportunities to obtain data and money from both vendors and customers.

“Due to the nature of the festival, vendors are usually set up in temporary bars, stalls, box offices and venues with limited IT security, which can compromise the safety of transactions. The ramifications can be twofold for vendors – not only do they face financial loss themselves, but reputational damage if customers are targeted. The convenience of free but unsecured Wi-Fi is another factor, with many people accessing personal, financial and sensitive information which can be easily intercepted by experienced hackers.

“By sharing details of recent cybercrime cases and how those crimes could have been prevented, I will demonstrate how everyone at the Fringe Festival can minimise the risks of falling victim to cyber-attacks of this kind.”

The free show will take place in the Lecture Theatre at Fringe Central (Venue 2) located at Appleton Tower on the corner of Crichton Street and Chapel Street.  Dates:  Friday 11 (15:00 -16:00) and Sunday 20 August (16:00 – 17:00).  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. 

Paul Motion, Partner & Solicitor Advocate prm@bto.co.uk T: 0131 222 2939