Attending a sport event is a online process, you go to a website, create an account, link a credit or debit card, finding the tickets and then receiving and email with a QR code, that you will show in front of digital doors and security guards, the day of the event, until you reach your seat. And then the magic happens...
In an era where technology is deeply intertwined with professional sports, from player performance analysis to fan engagement, the technology of the sports industry has emerged as a undeniable couple. While we may think of the world of sports as primarily physical, the digital realm plays an increasingly significant role behind the scenes and now even as new kinda of sports.
Professional sports have undergone a remarkable digital transformation in recent years. Teams and organizations now rely heavily on data analytics to gain a competitive edge, track player performance, and enhance training strategies. Additionally, the rise of e-sports has given birth to an entirely new dimension of the sports world, further emphasizing the importance of digital technology.
Each organisation must protect their “crown jewels.” When it comes to sports, there are numerous assets to protect, but the crown jewels could be categorised as the following: fan data, proprietary assets such as athletes, mobile apps and websites, and, finally, employees.
The Winter Olympics 2018
In the year 2018, during the opening ceremony of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, a targeted cyberattack severely impacted various aspects of the event, including its Internet connectivity, broadcasting systems, and official website. This malicious digital assault resulted in the disruption of internet services, the interruption of television broadcasts, the grounding of broadcasters’ drones, the temporary shutdown of the Pyeongchang 2018 website, and the unfortunate consequence of leaving numerous seats unoccupied, as attendees were unable to print their reservations and participate in the ceremony.
Security experts, delving into the incident, uncovered compelling evidence that indicated the planning of this cyberattack had been underway since the previous year. The attack was specifically directed at the Pyeongchang Organizing Committee and featured a malicious code explicitly designed to disrupt the smooth conduct of the Games, and potentially, to convey a political message.
Sports organizations are increasingly becoming prime targets for cyberattacks. This trend can be attributed to a combination of factors, as highlighted by Infront Lab. Firstly, these organizations bear well-known names, boast substantial budgets, and enjoy extensive public attention. It’s not uncommon for hackers to focus on entities they are familiar with, such as FIFA or Manchester United, banking on their perceived financial resources and, subsequently, the potential for extortion. Additionally, the allure of notoriety drives attackers to set their sights on these high-profile organizations, as a successful breach ensures that their actions will be widely discussed.
While the tools and technologies required to safeguard sports organizations exist, a crucial element currently lacking is the essential “know-how.” There’s a growing recognition that digital security and digital privacy is paramount and can no longer be ignored, prompting organizations to allocate budgets. However, they often grapple with the intricacies of the cyber industry.
Visibility plays a pivotal role in fortifying these entities against threats. The proliferation of users accessing accounts from diverse devices and locations generates a deluge of information, making it challenging to gain a comprehensive understanding of an organization’s digital landscape. Consolidating this data into a unified system offers a clearer perspective of the ongoing situation and facilitates the analysis of potential threats.
Remarkably, a substantial proportion of sports organizations maintain websites, social media accounts, and digital repositories housing the personal data of their customers, employees, and volunteers. According to the National Cybersecurity Centre, over 80% of respondents maintain online business systems that enable clients to book, make payments, or complete purchases online, underscoring the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in this industry.
Professional sports organizations face increasing cybersecurity risks due to the digitization of sporting events and the valuable information they possess. Some of the technological key points to consider meanwhile planning an event are:
1.Connected video boards and digital signage can serve as entry points for cyberattacks, requiring frequent network scanning and encryption of data.
2.Wi-Fi hotspots, mobile apps, and QR codes pose unpredictable risks due to human error and attendee behavior.
3.Point-of-sale and commerce systems dealing with financial information are frequent targets. They should be frequently patched, connected to separate networks, and attendees should be advised to limit personal transactions to endorsed areas.
4.Critical infrastructure in stadiums is a major target for cybercriminals. Logical network segmentations between IT and operational technology systems can limit cross access and mitigate potential impacts.
What is your role on this?
Fan engagement has also taken a digital turn, with mobile apps, online streaming platforms, and social media playing a central role in connecting fans with their favorite teams and athletes. The vast amounts of data generated through these digital channels have become a goldmine for sports organizations, but they’ve also become a prime target for cybercriminals.
Sports fans who have apps and social media apps from their favorite teams on their phones can be exposed to several cybersecurity risks. In 2022, the company Gaming giant Electronic Arts (EA), that owns the video game FIFA, confirmed that about 50 high-profile player accounts were hacked for takeover.
Some of the risk you might face as a fan user include:
Cybercriminals may create fake apps or websites that mimic those of the favorite sports teams, and fans may unknowingly download these apps or visit these sites. These fake apps and sites can distribute malware, steal personal information, or trick users into revealing sensitive data through phishing attacks.
Sports apps and social media apps often collect user data for analytics and marketing purposes. Fans should be cautious about the information they share with these apps, as it can be used for targeted advertising or may be vulnerable to data breaches.
Weak passwords and security practices can make fans’ accounts on sports and social media apps vulnerable to hacking. Once cybercriminals gain access, they can misuse these accounts, post fraudulent content, or access personal information.
Cybercriminals may impersonate the favorite team’s official accounts or players on social media to trick fans into revealing personal information or clicking on malicious links. Fans should exercise caution and verify the authenticity of these accounts.
When attending games or events, fans often connect to public Wi-Fi networks. These networks can be less secure, making fans susceptible to eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. It’s essential to use a virtual private network (VPN) or avoid conducting sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi.
Apps can have security vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit. Ensure that you regularly update your sports apps and social media apps to receive security patches and fixes.
Users should read and understand the privacy policies of these apps. Some apps collect and share with third party companies personal data, including files and documents in your phone, contacts and chats.
The Future of Cybersecurity in Sports
The world of professional sports is rapidly becoming the next frontier of cybersecurity. As the industry continues to rely on digital technology for player development, fan engagement, and revenue generation, it becomes increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. Protecting player data, financial assets, and fan information is not only a matter of safeguarding financial interests but also preserving the integrity and trust that make sports such a cherished global pastime. Professional sports must embrace cybersecurity as a fundamental aspect of their game plan to ensure a secure and successful future.
Sport fans
To mitigate these cybersecurity risks, sports fans should follow best practices. By taking these precautions, sports fans can enjoy their favorite teams’ apps and social media without compromising their cybersecurity.
#PRVCYTips
- Download apps only from official app stores.
- Use strong, unique passwords for accounts and consider two-factor authentication.
- Avoid connecting your social media profiles with the app.
- Keep apps and device software up to date.
- Be cautious when clicking on links or providing personal information.
- Limit the amount of personal information shared on these apps.
- Monitor account activity for unusual behavior.
