Inaugurations and other major events don’t just attract public attention—they also draw the focus of cybercriminals. High-profile moments like these present an opportunity for threat actors to exploit vulnerabilities, often targeting individuals and organizations unprepared for the increased risk.
Why Major Events Are a Target
High-profile events generate a surge in digital activity, creating openings for phishing campaigns, ransomware attacks, and exploitation of vulnerabilities. Recent threats, such as the Oktapus APT phishing campaign and Cuba Ransomware, highlight the growing sophistication of these attacks.
Key Cybersecurity Recommendations
To mitigate risks during critical events:
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Upgrade Your Authentication
- Move away from SMS-based authentication, which is vulnerable to phishing and SIM-swapping.
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) apps or hardware tokens for added security.
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Maintain Your Defenses
- Regularly update firewalls, antivirus programs, and software patches to protect against known vulnerabilities.
- Encrypt sensitive communications and ensure they are sent through secure channels.
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Leverage Trusted Resources
- Follow cybersecurity guidance from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
- Educate your team on identifying phishing emails and other scams.
Emerging Threats
Recent sitreps highlight several actively exploited vulnerabilities:
- Aviatrix Controllers OS Command Injection (CVE-2024-50603)
- Fortinet FortiOS Authorization Bypass (CVE-2024-55591)
- Microsoft Hyper-V NT Kernel Integration VSP Vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-21335, CVE-2025-21334, CVE-2025-21333)
These serve as reminders of the importance of proactive monitoring and timely patching.
The Bottom Line
Organizations cannot afford to be reactive in the face of rising cyber threats. Proactively fortifying your cybersecurity strategy—especially during high-profile events—can save both your reputation and your bottom line.
