School’s out, but summer really begins when the music starts. This summer, that moment arrives when the Cure, the iconic 1980’s British gothic rock, post-punk, synth pop band performs its first-ever gig in Slovakia, headlining the renowned Pohoda Music Festival, one of Central Europe’s largest.
While the festival is sold out, there is a limited number of stand-alone tickets available for The Cure from the official organizer’s official website.
If you miss the chance at those tickets, you may not only be disappointed, but you might also be tempted to roll the dice and score tickets in other ways.
However, as an event sponsor this year, ESET, Europe’s largest cybersecurity vendor*, encourages you to think carefully about the risks of frantically seeking alternative means of attending this great festival, or any other hot-ticket event, for that matter.
Key points of the article:
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Festivals and sporting events attract not only fans, but also scammers looking to exploit excitement, urgency, and large financial transactions.
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Be careful when buying tickets, responding to unsolicited emails and messages, using public Wi-Fi, or downloading the event’s app.
- Regular updates, security software, cautious browsing, and awareness significantly reduce risk.
Be cyber-aware: Criminals follow money and attention
Concerts, festivals, and sports matches are big events, and, to maximize the visitors’ comfort, organizers and ticketing companies offer almost everything online. This streamlined digital approach can help promote great events through multiple channels for publicity and free access to music clips of the performers, while providing e-tickets, discounts, bonus features, and updates on artists and showtimes.
But there are downsides that come along with convenient digital access and services. Cybercriminals are equally attracted to the money, attention, and valuable personal data of excited fans.
Let’s focus on smartphone users here; after all, it’s your ticket, your map, your cash, your camera, and when your favorite band plays its encore, your lighter. And, because it is all those things, it can be a one-stop shop for criminals to spoil your fun.
Where you purchase your ticket matters
To save yourself from considerable hassle, it is always best to purchase tickets from primary sales sources—usually the official sales website of the concert or sporting event.
What to remember:
- Perform a web standard search for the event
- Avoid QR codes promoting “events,” which, in the worst cases, can take you to malicious URLs or phishing links
- Be cautious with classified ads for hard-to-find tickets, as they can lead to risks. The same is true for weblinks, unsolicited emails, or SMS messages
- If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Music and sports are big business, and the excitement of seeing your favorite artists or watching your favorite sports hero dominate a game can be strong enough to cloud your judgment.
These emotions open the door to successful social engineering and phishing, which are two of the biggest online threats.
Phishing and social engineering: Still considering those “still available” tickets
Unfortunately, event ticket sales are a hot topic for phishing emails. These allow scammers to impersonate ticket sellers. A fraudster may pretend to be a vendor, but the tickets may be invalid, or you may never receive them after payment. This is especially common for popular events that sell out quickly.
So, always carefully check the sender’s address, and make sure it matches that of the official ticket seller. Be cautious of suspicious payment links or attachments. If you have experience with a seller from previous years, watch for changes in communication tone. It’s always safer not to open attachments or click links in unsolicited messages. Instead, visit the official website of the organizer or ticket seller directly.
Scams can also occur when buying tickets on online forums. Stick to reliable options and purchase tickets only from reputable platforms.
TIP: TicketSwap
If you prefer alternative ways to buy tickets, platforms like TicketSwap, TickPic, or SeatGeek do exist. While these services work to ensure fair pricing and safer transactions, risks will always remain.
At this year’s World Cup, there were significant issues reported with StubHub, another online ticket reseller. In this case, while fans’ failed purchases could be refunded, they were notified only hours ahead of their matches that their tickets actually didn’t exist, after some fans had taken international flights and secured travel visas to attend.
While you should always verify that the service provider is trustworthy and guarantees payment security, consider the other implications of your purchase, including other expenses, like travel and accommodation costs or visa fees.
Speculative ticketing (ghost ticketing)
Speculative ticketing is a practice in which sellers advertise and sell tickets before they actually own or have secured them. These sellers speculate that they will be able to obtain the tickets later, often at a lower price, before the event takes place.
In simple terms, speculative ticketing shifts the risk from the seller to the buyer. The buyer believes they have secured a ticket, but the seller has not actually been guaranteed access to the event. If market prices move unfavorably, the seller can cancel the transaction, leaving the buyer disappointed and, potentially, responsible for related expenses.
For example, a reseller sells a concert ticket for $150 without owning it. They expect to buy it later for $100 and make a $50 profit. However, if the market price rises to $250, the reseller may cancel the sale, refund the buyer’s $150, and sell the ticket elsewhere for a much higher profit instead. The buyer gets their money back, but may lose money spent on flights, hotels, or other arrangements made for the event.
In the U.S., The National Independent Venue Association is currently trying to push federal lawmakers get so-called “speculative tickets” banned.
Fake festival apps: Spyware instead of useful information
Festivals often rely on apps for schedules, maps, accommodations, or photo editing.
Download apps only from official stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store. Third‑party platforms may offer free or “enhanced” versions, but they often include malicious codes or adware. These can display aggressive ads and redirect you to scam sites, subscribe you to paid services, or download further malware.
Be aware that attackers may also create copycats of official stores to gain users’ trust. Before downloading, verify the URL and ensure that you are using a legitimate source.
Public Wi-Fi at festivals: Evil twins roaming around
Public Wi-Fi can save your mobile data during multi-day events, but it also poses a risk in the form of the “evil twin scam.” Cybercriminals can set up a fraudulent wireless network and give it a perfectly normal name—mimicking the event’s legitimate Wi-Fi. Once you’re connected, attackers can monitor your activity or steal credentials.
Whenever possible, use mobile data. If you must use public Wi-Fi, only browse non-sensitive websites where you don’t enter personal information, such as when you’re just checking schedules or nearby restaurants. For email, social media, and, especially, online banking, always use your mobile data service.
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
In this type of attack, hackers can “eavesdrop” on your communication. Poorly secured public Wi-Fi networks make these attacks easier.
How a VPN helps
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) hides your real IP address and creates an encrypted connection between your device and the internet. This way, it secures your data and hides your identity, providing an extra layer of protection when you’re browsing online.
Phone Theft
Festivals also include traditional risks like theft or loss of your smartphone, particularly late at night. And today’s phones store a significant amount of sensitive data, documents, and photos, which you probably wouldn’t like to share with cybercriminals.
Before you go:
- Back up your data
- Set up a secure lock screen (preferably with biometric security)
- Keep location and activity tracking enabled.
Many devices include built-in anti-theft protection and tracking, but you can also opt for professional third-party apps with advanced security features. These can provide not only device tracking, but also capabilities such as automatically locking the device when a SIM card is removed, collecting data after suspicious unlock attempts, remotely wiping data, and notifying the owner of potential theft.
Juice jacking: The myth, the legend of cybersecurity at public spaces
Smartphones are essential companions for many people, and if you spend several days camping, charging becomes an issue. That’s when public charging stations come in handy.
But wait a minute: Haven’t authorities, including the FBI, warned about scammers abusing charging cables that can transfer not only electricity, but also data?
The scam is called juice jacking, where attackers exploit publicly available charging stations to steal sensitive data or install malware through charging cables, even if you select “charge only.” However, while researchers have confirmed that it is technically possible, no real-world attack has been documented, so far.
How to protect your phone when charging in public:
- Always use an AC wall outlet or your own power bank
- Use your own cable when charging from public sources
- Ensure that your phone and apps are fully updated, as recent iOS and Android versions require authentication before allowing a new USB data connection
- Consider using a USB data blocker, which prevents data transfer while charging
Tips on how to protect your privacy and data at festivals
As always, the most effective cybersecurity combines users’ awareness and reliable technology for stopping threats that human eyes cannot see:
Regularly update software: Keep your OS and apps up to date to fix vulnerabilities
Install security software (antivirus): If scammers trick you into downloading a malicious app or visiting a phishing site, good cybersecurity solutions can detect these threats and block them
Download apps only from official sources: Avoid third-party sites and check their URLs if you want to sideload an app. Before downloading an app, see reviews and permissions
Use mobile data for sensitive tasks: Use Wi-Fi only for general browsing; when protecting internet traffic, a reliable VPN is your best friend
Verify festival Wi-Fi networks: Scammers may create fake networks with similar names
Use a screen lock: PIN, password, pattern, or biometrics
Ensure physical security: Don’t leave your phone unattended, and use tracking features
Turn off NFC when not in use: Prevent unintended contactless payments
Your festival checklist
Festivals and sporting events are all about unforgettable experiences, but, in today’s digital world, they also come with hidden risks. From phishing scams and fake apps to unsecured Wi‑Fi and device theft, cybercriminals target the same excitement that makes these events so appealing.
The good news is that staying safe doesn’t require advanced technical skills. By making informed choices, like buying tickets from trusted sources and protecting your device, you can significantly reduce your exposure to threats.
Think of cybersecurity as part of your festival checklist, just like packing your tent or planning your schedule. A few simple precautions can ensure that the only surprises you encounter are on stage, and not on your bank statement.
Stay aware, stay secure, and enjoy the show.
ESET has become the exclusive partner of the additional festival day at the jubilee’s 30th edition of the Pohoda Festival, bringing in an extraordinary concert by the legendary British band, The Cure. ESET is also one of the main partners of the entire festival, hosting the ESET Science Arena stage, which features insightful panel discussions, lectures, and meetups focused on the digital world and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the safest way to buy festival or event tickets?
Always purchase tickets from official event websites or authorized sellers. Avoid third-party links, unknown sellers, or deals shared via social media, email, or SMS.
How can I recognize a ticket scam?
Common warning signs include prices that seem too low, urgent or “limited-time” offers, unverified payment methods, and emails or messages with suspicious links or attachments.
Are ticket resale platforms safe?
Some platforms, like TicketSwap, offer safer resale options with protections in place. However, always check the platform’s reputation and payment security before buying.
Is it safe to use public Wi‑Fi at festivals?
Public Wi‑Fi can be risky. Avoid logging in to accounts or entering sensitive information. Use mobile data for important tasks, or a VPN for additional protection.
What is an “evil twin” Wi‑Fi network?
It’s a fake Wi‑Fi network set up by attackers to mimic a legitimate one. Once you’re connected, they can monitor your activity or steal login credentials.
Are festival apps safe to download?
Yes, if they come from official app stores like Google Play or the App Store. Avoid third-party downloads and always verify the app’s authenticity.
What is juice jacking, and should I worry about it?
Juice jacking refers to data theft via public charging ports. While no real-world cases are confirmed, it’s best to use your own cable, power bank, or a USB data blocker.
Do I need antivirus or security software on my phone?
Yes. Security apps can detect malicious apps, phishing attempts, and other threats that are not always visible to users.
What are the simplest ways to stay secure at events?
Here is your checklist:
- Buy tickets from trusted sources
- Avoid suspicious links and QR codes
- Use mobile data for sensitive actions
- Keep your phone updated and locked
- Stay alert to scams and unusual behavior
*According to Frost Radar™: Endpoint Security, 2025 (Frost & Sullivan), ESET is the largest global cybersecurity provider headquartered in Europe.
