Cyber Security and the Sports Sector: Protecting A Vast Digital Playing Field

In our latest cyber resilience article we will be looking at the sports sector and the unique cyber security challenges it faces.

The sports industry's digital footprint has expanded exponentially in recent years. From online ticketing systems and mobile apps to video streaming platforms and social media engagement, online platforms have become an essential channel for sports organisations to engage with fans and drive revenue. This increased connectivity, however, has opened a plethora of opportunities for hackers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in the system.

WHAT MAKES THE SPORTS SECTOR UNIQUE?

Cybersecurity threats to large events and venues are diverse and complex. They require constant vigilance and collaboration among multiple stakeholders to prevent and mitigate escalation. For example, event systems can include the team or venue’s web and social media presence, registration or ticketing platforms, game timing and scoring systems, logistics, medical management and tracking, incident tracking and digital signage.

Venue IT systems and arenas contain hundreds of known and unknown vulnerabilities that allow threat actors to target critical business services such as point of sale, IT infrastructures, and visitor devices. Teams, coaches, and athletes themselves are also vulnerable to data loss on athletic performance, competitive advantage, and personal information.

With the global sports market valued at more than £600 billion USD, sports teams, major league and global sporting associations, and attendees house a trove of valuable information desirable to cybercriminals.

Cyberattacks on the sports sector don't just affect the organisations themselves; they also impact the fans and the industry's revenue stream. When fans can't access ticketing systems, live streams, or official merchandise websites due to cyberattacks, it leads to frustration and loss of trust. Additionally, compromised personal information can result in identity theft, causing further harm to fans.

From a financial perspective, the sports sector relies heavily on broadcasting rights, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and ticket revenues. Any disruption or damage to the brand's reputation can have long-lasting financial consequences. As a result, investing in cybersecurity is not only a matter of safeguarding data but also preserving the industry's economic stability.

In November 2022 Manchester United was affected by a sophisticated cyber-attack which disrupted its systems, while in January 2023 the National Basketball Association revealed that fans personal information from a third party had been compromised by a data breach. This led the NBA to warn fans of potential targeted phishing attacks.

THE ROAD TO CYBER RESILENCE

To navigate the ever-evolving cyber landscape, the sports sector must prioritise cybersecurity. Here are some key steps organisations can take to bolster their defences:

Risk Assessment

Regularly assess and identify vulnerabilities in the system to proactively address potential threats using penetration services. Assessing their vulnerabilities can help sports organisations mitigate these and respond more efficiently in the event of a cyber-attack.

Employee Training

Training employees and staff within the sports industry to recognise and respond to cyber threats in what is a complex cyber security landscape is crucial to cyber resilience in the sports sector. Similarly, it is important to highlight the importance of everyday cybersecurity hygiene.

Cybersecurity Tools

Investing in cutting-edge cybersecurity tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption to protect data and networks helps sports organisations to strengthen their cyber security posture.

Incident Response Plan

Developing a comprehensive incident response plan can minimise damage in the event of a cyberattack, ensure a swifter recovery, and minimise damaging downtime after a ransomware attack.

Collaboration

Sharing threat intelligence and best practices with other sports organisations helps to strengthen the industry's collective cybersecurity posture.

Regulatory Compliance

This includes staying up to date with data protection regulations and ensure compliance to avoid legal repercussions.

The sports sector's reliance on technology and the vast digital surface makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. As the industry continues to innovate and grow, so does the need for robust cybersecurity measures. By investing in cybersecurity, sports organisations can protect their fans, preserve their reputation, and secure their financial stability in an increasingly digital world. It's time for the sports sector to shine a spotlight on cybersecurity and make it an integral part of their game plan.

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