Amid rising cybersecurity threats, the Football Association (FA) is ramping up its digital defenses ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
The proactive measures follow the recent Fancy Bears hack, raising fears over the protection of sensitive information.
The FA has increased its cybersecurity efforts due to concerns that confidential details, such as squad selections and strategic plans, may be vulnerable during the World Cup in Russia. These worries were exacerbated by last month’s high-profile Fancy Bears hack, which exposed details of 160 players failing drug tests, a number that rose to 200 the following year.
In response to the cyberattack threats, the FA has formally expressed its concerns to FIFA regarding potential IT security breaches. The FA is particularly wary of the possible dissemination of its own communications with the global football governing body. An email from FA’s head of integrity, Jenni Kennedy, detailing anti-doping cases was already leaked in a prior attack.
FIFA’s spokesperson stated, ‘FIFA is reliant on expert advice from third parties, hence we do not provide computer security guidance to other entities.’
He highlighted basic yet essential defences, such as providing secure internet and advising against using unsecured Wi-Fi in public places, as critical measures that must be universally adopted by organisations.
Additionally, players are reminded of existing social media guidelines, discouraging them from sharing location data or personal details online.
Implementing robust security frameworks and educating staff on threat intelligence are key.
As cyber threats evolve, continuous vigilance and collaborative efforts are vital to safeguarding sensitive information in the digital age.
In a rapidly changing digital landscape, the FA’s actions highlight the ongoing battle against cyber threats.
Implementing strong security measures not only protects sensitive information but also sets a benchmark for other organisations to follow.