HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) –  The Cybersecurity Association of Pennsylvania says large public events like the Pennsylvania Farm Show attract cyber criminals. There are ways attendees and exhibitors can protect themselves.

The Farm Show attracts over 500,000 people and more than 250 exhibitors. Anyone can simply post a QR code next to an attraction that links people to malicious websites. As an example, the chairman of the Cybersecurity Association of Pennsylvania, Scott Davis, made a fake Farm Show poster with a QR code using AI. He said people should ask where a link will take them before scanning a QR code.

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The Verbos Family Farm will have a QR code for their sheep snuggle session waiver, but owner Amanda Verbos said the link will only take users to a private folder on the farm’s website. Technology isn’t the only way they’re getting ready for the Farm Show. Verbos is practicing the motion of shearing with her sheep, who will partake in the Sheep to Shawl contest.

“We’re trimming calves, taking care of our coats,” Verbos said. “The kids are preparing their sheep with doing spot cleaning, trimming the rabbits’ nails.”

The association also recommends using contactless payment options and a trusted cellular network.

“I could take my phone, or I could take a small device and transpose it to show as it’s the public free Wi-Fi, and in reality, you’re connected to my phone,” Davis said. “You’re not connected to the Farm Show Wi-Fi.”

Credit card skimming and fraud are also risks at large events.

“What we recommend to a lot of senior citizens right now is get those prepaid cards and actually use those when you come out to a large event because if the prepaid card gets breached, it’s not impacting all of your finances,” Davis said.

Also, be careful where you plug in your device. Davis said malware can be injected into chargers. As for booth marketing technology, the association said digital displays, tablets and demo devices can be infected if not properly secured or updated.

Agriculture secretary shares what to expect from PA Farm Show

Davis isn’t telling people not to come. He just wants them to practice cybersecurity safety.

“I will probably be at the Farm Show almost every day, enjoying a milkshake, so you’ll probably find me in the food court,” he said. “My kids love coming, the family loves coming.”

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