When you think of cyber threats, a common misconception is that attackers usually focus on large financial or retail corporations. These large-scale breaches, like the data breach at Target, typically receive the media spotlight and often leave smaller businesses tuning out.
In reality, however, small and medium-sized businesses are at an increased risk of targeting. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 74% of small and medium businesses report being affected by cyber-attacks in the past 12 months. The average cost of these attacks for business per incident was $188,242. More alarming is that over 60 percent of those businesses close permanently within six months of discovering a breach.
Cyber risks for family entertainment centers
Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) face the threat of cyberattacks from several angles. FECs have embraced online reservation systems and have encouraged credit and debit card transactions in place of cash exchange. In addition, the increased adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technology is constantly capturing data about visitors and their behavior. Park apps track everything from park maps with GPS tracking to counting systems that gauge line wait times. While these tools offer a better experience, keep in mind that any data collected poses a liability in the instance of a data breach.
The moment data is compromised, your entire operation can experience a host of difficulties that can include:
- Inability for customers to purchase online tickets or securely make payments at POS systems
- Rides shutting down
- Breach of employees or customers data
- Extortion
- Damage to your reputation
With both your financial security and reputation on the line, FECs of any size must have security measures in place to mitigate such risks.
Read more: 4 Questions You Should Ask About Family Entertainment Center Risk Management
Six Tips for Cybersecurity at Amusement Parks
Take the time to evaluate your organization’s cyber risk profile and understand where your gaps lie. Implementing strong cybersecurity measures will help reduce your risk, as well as lower your insurance costs.
1. Invest in a solid cybersecurity solution
The best initial investment an FEC can make is to invest in people, whether that means hiring cybersecurity experts or offering additional training for existing IT staff. Smaller parks looking for a place to start might consider contracting with a managed cybersecurity service provider.
2. Educate employees
Employee negligence is a potential factor in any mishap. Consider executing a password policy that requires strong passwords. Establish a clear set of rules and instructions on cybersecurity practices and conduct awareness training across your entire workforce.
3. Control access
When hiring seasonal staff, it’s an all-too-common mistake to over grant temporary employee access rights and not manage access over each user’s life cycle. It’s wise to limit employee access to data deemed necessary by their job function and role. Implement role-based access to data, give administrative privileges only to trusted staff members, and restrict system access to authorized users.
4. Secure your network
Secure and continually monitor networks that allow remote access and internet connectivity, including rides and park infrastructure. Deploy a firewall, VPN, and antivirus technologies to ensure your network and endpoints are not vulnerable to attacks.
5. Protect your POS system
Use encryption on all POS data. Keep POS software up-to-date by installing software updates, which often contain necessary security patches. Monitor all POS activity and data for any abnormal activity and indications of threats.
6. Invest in cyber insurance coverage
Cyber insurance is the ultimate safety net.
If a cyberattack does occur, cyber insurance coverage ensures your park receives the utmost protection. This type of insurance mitigates losses from various cyber incidents, including data breaches, business interruption, and network damage.
Cyber insurance and risk awareness should be at the forefront of your risk management plan. To protect your FEC from the fallout of a cyber attack, you must protect yourself with sophisticated cyber insurance coverage. Our cyber insurance products offer policies backed by highly trained vendors and legal advisors for large and small company operations. To learn more, contact McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance today.
