What Is Data Scraping?
Data scraping involves extracting information from a website or application. It can be as simple as manually copying text or as complex as deploying automated tools that systematically collect large volumes of data. While some forms of scraping are legitimate, such as for research or content aggregation, unauthorized scraping can pose significant security and privacy risks.
Common Methods of Data Scraping
Web Crawlers
Automated programs that navigate links on web pages to systematically gather information.Scripting
Using scripts (e.g., Python, Node.js) to download and parse specific data from web pages or APIs.HTML Parsing
Analyzing the structure of a webpage’s HTML to locate and extract data fields.Professional Scraping Services
Specialized providers that frequently use proxies or rotating IP addresses to evade standard protections.Embedding or Mobile Applications
Incorporating web content into other platforms or apps to capture data as it loads.Manual Copying
Physically copying and pasting information from one interface to another.
Swapcard’s Stance on Data Scraping
At Swapcard, safeguarding user data is a top priority. We employ multiple strategies to prevent unauthorized data extraction and protect the integrity of our platform:
Secure Login and Authentication
We offer Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) solutions and enforce secure credential management, ensuring only authorized users can access event data.
We require verified emails or unique identifiers for account creation, reducing the likelihood of fraudulent sign-ups.
Data Encryption
Encryption in Transit: All data transfers occur via HTTPS (TLS), preventing interception and tampering.
Encryption at Rest: Sensitive information is stored using robust encryption algorithms (e.g., AES-256) in Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers in the European Union, which comply with stringent security standards (ISO 27001, SOC 2, etc.).
Ongoing Security Audits, Compliance, and Bug Bounty Program
Monthly Security Reviews: We routinely analyze logs, network traffic, and access controls to detect and respond to potential vulnerabilities.
Penetration Testing: Swapcard conducts regular penetration tests to identify and patch any security gaps.
ISO 27001 & SOC 2 Type II: We maintain ISO 27001 certification and provide annual SOC 2 Type II reports to ensure consistent compliance with industry-leading security standards.
Bug Bounty Program: We partner with a leading platform to reward ethical hackers who uncover potential vulnerabilities, reinforcing our commitment to continuous security improvements. Learn more on Swapcard Bug Bounty
GDPR Compliance: as a French-based company, Swapcard complies with EU GDPR to protect personal information and respect individuals rights.
Automated Monitoring, Bot Management, and Anti-Scraping Measures
We use rate-limiting and behavioral detection tools to flag suspicious patterns, such as rapid-fire requests characteristic of automated scraping.
A specialized bot management system with real-time threat intelligence helps distinguish legitimate traffic from malicious bots, blocking suspicious requests before they can compromise data.
Repeated unauthorized data requests and high-risk IP addresses are automatically flagged and may be blocked.
24/7 SOC/CERT: Our dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC) and Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) provide round-the-clock monitoring and rapid response to any evolving threats.
Access Control and Roles
Granular role-based permissions ensure that users can only view or modify data relevant to their responsibilities within an event. Learn more about Organization member roles management.
Strategies to Minimize Data Scraping at Your Event
Event organizers and platform users also play a crucial role in reducing the risk of data scraping. Here are some recommended best practices:
Restrict Attendee List Visibility and Anonymous Logins
Require all users to sign up or log in with verified credentials to access sensitive data such as Attendees list, decreasing opportunities for automated bots or malicious actors. Learn more about Guest Mode.
Limit Data Exposure
Review which fields are displayed publicly on profiles or listings. Contact details are never displayed until the user accepts a connection or meeting request, or has accepted to have their badges scanned using the Lead Capture feature.
Use Strong Lead Capture Protocols
Generate randomized, complex QR codes or barcodes (16+ characters) for each participant to prevent brute force attacks. Learn more about How to generate safe QR codes for attendees.
Monitor number of requests sent
Get access any time to your event Analytics reports available in Studio, to monitor number of connection requests sent by each attendee and detect anomalies.
Policies and Legal Actions Against Data Scraping
To further deter unauthorized data collection, it’s essential to define clear policies and procedures:
Legal Instruments
Swapcard protects event content against unauthorized data scraping through its Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Organizer Terms. These legal documents outline expectations, acceptable use, and privacy safeguards.
Terms and Conditions
Explicitly prohibit any form of unauthorized data scraping in your event’s own Terms and Conditions, detailing repercussions such as removal from the event or legal proceedings if violated. Learn more about Setting custom terms for your event.
Legal Consultation
Collaborate with legal experts to ensure your policies comply with relevant laws.
Conclusion
Data scraping poses a real threat to the security and privacy of event platforms. By combining robust authentication, data encryption, ongoing audits, bot management, and anti-scraping technologies, Swapcard is committed to keeping your event data safe.
Organizers can further enhance security by restricting data visibility, verifying registrant credibility, and clearly outlining the rules and repercussions around unauthorized data collection.
If you have questions or need guidance on implementing these measures, please reach out to your Swapcard account manager for personalized assistance.