Major Sporting Events Are Open Targets

Uploaded on 2023-08-23 in NEWS-News Analysis, FREE TO VIEW

A new study of sporting has found that events, organisations and venues are increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks.

The Microsoft Threat Intelligence State of Play report highlights the growing opportunities for threat actors to target high-profile sporting events, “especially those in increasingly connected environments, introducing cyber risk for organisers, regional host facilities and attendees.”

Sporting events face unique cyber security challenges due to the vast digital surface that needs to be protected. This is because there are a range of connected devices and interconnected networks that can be exploited, alongside known and unknown vulnerabilities across different venues and arenas. This is further complicated by the numerous parties managing the various systems, such as corporate sponsors, municipal authorities and third-party contractors.

According to Microsoft, “Threat actors go where the targets are, capitalising on opportunities to launch targeted or widespread, opportunistic attacks. This extends into high-profile sporting events, especially those in increasingly connected environments, introducing cyber risk for organisers, regional host facilities, and attendees." Justin Turner, Principal Group Manager, Microsoft Security Research commented "Cyber security threats to large events and venues are diverse and complex. They require constant vigilance and collaboration among stakeholders to prevent and mitigate escalation."

Indeed, research has demonstrated rising attacks on high profile sports events and organisations in recent years with increasing cyber threats against stadium operations and sports teams prompting network scanning and the deactivation of unneeded device ports, as well as proper IT and OT system segmentation.

Goods vendors involved in live sports events have been urged to ensure the protection of their point-of-sale devices, while attendees have been encouraged to avoid public Wi-Fi usage for accessing sensitive information and scanning of untrusted QR codes.

Another report from the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, (NCSC) in 2020, found that 70% of sports organisations experience at least one attack per year. “Cyber attacks against sports organisations are very common, with 70% of those surveyed experiencing at least one attack per annum. This is significantly higher than the average across UK business." the NCSC says.

Microsoft was involved in supporting the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. During this event Microsoft observed attackers continually attempted to compromise connected systems through identity-based attacks.

With the global sports market valued at more than USD600 billion, sports teams, major league and global sporting associations, and attendees house a trove of valuable information desirable to cyber criminals. Professional sports organisations need to partner with reputable cyber security firms to continuously monitor network traffic, detect potential threats in real time, and respond swiftly to any security incidents.

By adopting these proactive measures, sports associations, teams, and venues can significantly enhance their resilience against cyber attacks and protect both their own infrastructure and the sensitive information of their patrons.

Microsoft: Microsoft: NCSC: Infosecurity Magazine: SC Magazine: News9: Image: Hmamar

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