Solution Brief | Cybersecurity Consulting: Supporting Major Events

Overview

In addition to planning, running, and having a successful large event, planners desire a behind-the-scenes support team that ensures there are no distractions, extra costs, outages, or reputation-tarnishing events. This effort requires an experienced team, with the highest credibility, who know exactly what needs to be done throughout the entire event. A team that consists of the best security experts in the world to manage, operate, and coordinate a successful security program – a program that anticipates, responds quickly, and prevents every cyber challenge. We at Check Point are proud to be your Major Events Team at your next critical event.

Unique Cybersecurity Challenges of Major Events

We believe events pose a unique cybersecurity challenge. Some of the unique characteristics of major events that impact cyber risk include:

• Environment: Major events are, for the most part, short-lived, needing to function in a practical and resilient manner.
• Commercially viable: Most events have a commercial element, often leading to limited funds for cybersecurity.
• Vulnerability: Attackers only need to be right once; known attacks such as DDoS can have catastrophic impacts.
• Sensitivity to reputational impact: Anything affecting the user experience can damage the event's reputation.
• Supply chains: Major events often involve multiple suppliers, increasing risk exposure.
• Specialized experience: Having the right team in place is paramount for success.

A Contextual Cybersecurity Strategy

The standard cybersecurity model often does not work for major events. We must define core objectives that communicate the goal to deliver only what is needed while efficiently managing resources. Key pillars of our approach include:

Methodology

• Onsite Engagement: Observing activity on the ground allows our team to offer tailored advice and support.
• Pre-Event Planning & Post Event Review: Knowledge sharing before and after events helps improve future outcomes.
• Communication: Effective communication is key, especially when working in collaboration with diverse organizations.
• Hybrid-Mode: Leveraging technology and human expertise is essential for successful event security.
• Operations Coordination: Ensuring all vendors work together is critical to address all security vectors and risks.

Risk Management Foundations

Cybersecurity Risk Assessments

Recognizing the unique risk profile of major events, we pioneered an approach focused on hands-on evaluations of relevant controls. This results in targeted recommendations that reflect the event's specific needs.

Incident Response Testing

Reducing response time is crucial. Our incident response plan undergoes thorough testing at every stage to ensure clarity of roles during incidents.

Key Service Offerings

1. Trusted Partnerships: Our dedicated team possesses insights into the cybersecurity challenges of major events.
2. Turnkey Solutions: We offer comprehensive technology, personnel, and process solutions, minimizing the cost of ownership.
3. Threat Intelligence & Actor Profiling: Understanding potential attackers helps organizers stay ahead of cyber threats.
4. Network Security Architecture Review: A well-managed network security architecture is essential for secure event environments.

Documentation and Case Studies

Our experience in various event domains includes:

• Data Center and Cloud
• Banking and Financial Services
• Energy
• Telecommunications
• Transport

Summary

If you are organizing an event or wish to discuss cybersecurity strategies, the Check Point Major Events Team can be reached for consultation.