Arts and Entertainment Venue Disrupted by Ransomware After Untested Digital Ticketing and Lighting Systems Exposed Critical Weaknesses
The Challenge
MapleStage Productions, a prominent Canadian arts and entertainment operator managing theatres and event spaces across Ontario and Quebec, suffered a major disruption after ransomware infiltrated its connected ticketing and lighting control systems. As part of a digital modernization effort, MapleStage had implemented an integrated platform combining online ticketing, digital signage, and automated stage lighting to improve audience experience and operational efficiency.
However, these systems were deployed without thorough penetration testing or ongoing security validation. Attackers exploited weak remote access controls between the venue’s administrative network and its lighting automation systems, gaining access to the control console and deploying ransomware that disabled both front-of-house ticketing and backstage lighting cues during a live performance.
The incident forced the immediate cancellation of three major shows and refunds for over 9,000 tickets, resulting in losses exceeding $1.2 million. Regulatory inquiries followed, as the compromised systems also processed limited patron data, triggering compliance obligations under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
The breach revealed an emerging risk across the arts and recreation sector: as entertainment venues adopt integrated digital and IoT-based systems, failure to test and secure these technologies can disrupt operations, compromise customer trust, and expose sensitive data.
Our Solution
Our Technical Security and Testing team was engaged to conduct a comprehensive Venue Systems Security Assessment and Hardening Program. The engagement began with a hybrid red team exercise and network architecture review spanning administrative IT systems, stage automation, and customer service platforms.
Key measures included:
– Conducting penetration testing on ticketing systems, lighting controllers, and IoT-enabled audiovisual devices.
– Implementing network segmentation separating performance control networks from administrative and payment systems.
– Deploying Zero-Trust Access Controls for remote vendors and contractors managing lighting and ticketing systems.
– Establishing a Venue Security Validation Framework defining testing cycles, change control, and vendor compliance verification.
– Providing targeted training for IT staff, technical directors, and venue managers on secure configuration, incident response, and system monitoring.
All actions were aligned with PIPEDA, ISO/IEC 27001, and NIST SP 800-82 (Industrial Control Systems Security) to ensure that cybersecurity validation extended across creative, technical, and administrative systems.
The Value
Within three months, MapleStage restored operations and strengthened its overall cyber resilience posture:
– 80% reduction in exploitable vulnerabilities across venue systems following segmentation and security hardening.
– Full restoration of live operations within 72 hours of the incident response implementation.
– Achieved PIPEDA and ISO/IEC 27001 compliance validation, enabling renewed cyber insurance coverage.
– Enhanced collaboration between technical, IT, and event management teams through integrated testing and risk reporting.
– Improved audience confidence following transparent communication of remedial actions and security assurance measures.
By embedding structured testing, monitoring, and vendor accountability into its technical operations, MapleStage transformed a disruptive event into a turning point for sustainable cyber resilience and operational excellence.
Implementation Roadmap
1. Assessment (Weeks 1–3): Conduct penetration testing, network mapping, and vulnerability identification across ticketing and control systems.
2. Framework Design (Weeks 4–6): Develop Venue Security Validation Framework and define access and testing standards.
3. Remediation (Weeks 7–12): Apply segmentation, update firmware, and implement continuous monitoring solutions.
4. Validation (Weeks 13–16): Re-test critical systems, simulate attack scenarios, and confirm control effectiveness.
5. Continuous Improvement (Ongoing): Maintain quarterly testing cycles, vendor compliance audits, and intelligence updates.
