Personal safety, cyber security fears dampen State of Origin, Splendour in the Grass excitement

As thousands prepare to pack out ANZ stadium for tonight’s Origin decider, it’s been revealed three in ten Aussies are hesitant to attend an event of that size. ARE YOU? HAVE YOUR SAY

As thousands prepare to pile into Sydney’s ANZ stadium for tonight’s State of Origin decider, it’s been revealed an increasing number of Australians are concerned about the possibility of a terror incident while they’re attending a major event.

The 2019 Unisys Security index, released this morning, shows the country’s public safety concerns have risen in the past three years.

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Aussie sports and music fans are seriously concerned about a criminal attack or their personal data being stolen at major events such as tonight’s Origin decider. Picture: AAP

The national survey shows almost half of Aussies are seriously concerned about a criminal attack such as terrorism.

Of the 1049 survey respondents, 43 per cent feared a criminal attack might harm attendees or they might be targeted on the way to an event.

Equally Australians feared their credit card details might be swiped from their smartphones if they use public wi-fi at an event.

Unisys says the fears have resulted in Aussies adopting a new attitude ahead of choosing what events to attend.

Three out of ten Aussies admitted they thought twice about attending major events such as the NRL/AFL grand finals and mega-concerts such as Elton John’s and Metallica’s later this year.

Nineteen per cent of Australians said they had either cancelled or changed their plans to attend a large event due to security fears.

When planning to attend a large event Aussies are equally fearful of their personal safety and cyber security. Almost half said it was on their mind when planning to attend major events. Picture: Unisys

Unisys Asia Pacific vice president Rick Mayhew said it was important to note that Australians were still attending events but they were taking greater precautions.

“At the time of purchase they take these considerations into concern. I don’t see it impacting ticket sales,” he said.

Mr Mayhew said media coverage of terrorism across the world has had a sweeping effect on Australia’s attitude to events here.

The country has been fortunate to have been spared a wide-scale terror event at a music event or concert, but global reports of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing during Ariana Grande’s concert, the 2015 Bataclan attacks in Paris during the Eagles of Death Metal show and the Las Vegas shooting during the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival appears to be fresh in punters’ minds when deciding what events to attend here.

Three out of ten Aussies thought twice about attending major events like Splendour due to safety fears. Picture: Getty

“This reflects ongoing reports of terror plots in Australia targeting places where crowds congregate such Melbourne’s CBD at Christmas and ANZAC DAY services in Australia and Gallipoli, as well attacks overseas — particularly in the UK,” the survey findings concluded.

Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin have all endured acts of terrorism in the past decade.

Interestingly Tasmanians were least concerned about national security, while Northern Territorians held the biggest fears about it with 59 per cent saying it was on their mind.

Mr Mayhew said this was likely because of the NT’s proximity to Asia which has endured multiple terror attacks in the past decade.

The survey also points to Australia’s increasing fears around cyber security.

While almost half of respondents said their security concerns did not impact their plans to attend a large event, 23 per cent took extra precaution to secure their mobile phones and wallets and 17 per cent kept on guard for suspicious or threatening behaviour.

Unisys Asia Pacific Vice President Rick Mayhew. Picture: Supplied

The top three security concerns for Aussies all related to data theft. More than half said they were seriously concerned about unauthorised access to their personal data (57 per cent), bank card fraud (56 per cent) and computer hacking or viruses (54 per cent).

“For many Australians, the high concern about data security is based on experience. Nearly a third (29 per cent) report they have suffered a data breach in the last year. The most common forms being email hacking, suspicious behaviour in their bank account and credit card details stolen,” the survey concluded.

Mr Mayhew said the fear of identity theft was heightened at large-scale events due to the availability of wi-fi hot spots. He stressed it was important to combat this by updating devices to the latest operating system and security patching ahead of the event and only using secured wi-fi which requires authentication.

Splendour organisers and ANZ stadium were asked for comment about the report but neither responded.

TIPS TO STAY SAFE AT EVENTS

The below tips will help to ease the anxiety and enjoy the party at major events if you’re concerned about personal safety or security. Picture: AAP

1. Only buy event tickets from official channels or websites you trust. Make sure the website you’re using to buy tickets shows the secure padlock icon in the browser and the address begins “https://”. If ticket prices look too good to be true, they probably are.

2. Sign up for any travel or news alerts provided or recommended by the event organisers to receive updates on traffic or news of any potential disturbances on event day.

3. If you’re going to a crowded event alone, let someone know. Make sure your friends or family know where you’re going, when you plan to arrive and when you’re expected to return.

4. Travel light. Leave the valuables at home. Take just the essentials — in your pockets if possible.

5. As soon as you get to the event, survey your surroundings. Make sure you know where the exits are and agree on a meeting place with your friends in case you should get separated from your group. Know where information points are so you can speak to someone if you need to.

6. Update your mobile device and avoid unsecured wi-fi networks. Make sure your phone is updated with the latest software, so it’s as secure as it can be. And only use password protected wi-fi. Unprotected wi-fi networks could give hackers access to personal or financial data on your phone.

There’s plenty you can to do stay safe at events like Splendour. Picture: Supplied

7. Don’t make electronic transactions with unofficial event vendors. Be careful with your contactless cards or making mobile transactions, particularly outside event venues.

Unscrupulous traders could be gathering your financial data to use or sell to other criminals.

8. Be vigilant for suspicious activity at an event. Don’t be afraid to report something you think is unusual, such as unattended baggage or people behaving in a suspicious or threatening way.

9. Keep your phone charged in case of emergencies. If possible, take a battery charger pack with you to ensure your phone is always available when you need it.

10. In an emergency, stay calm and move to the edges of crowds. Try to leave the area quickly and calmly. If you need to, get away from the incident quickly, hide yourself if need be, call triple-0 when you can, and then let your family know you are safe.

Advice from Salvatore Sinno, global chief security architect at Unisys.

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Originally published as Personal safety, cyber security fears dampen State of Origin, Splendour in the Grass excitement