The FIFA World Cup is one of the most popular sporting events in the world, and with it comes an influx of cyber attacks. In fact, a recent study found that there was a 600% increase in cyber attacks during the 2014 World Cup [1]. And with the 2022 World Cup set to take place in Qatar, we can expect more attacks this year than ever before, with more hackers out there looking to exploit the attention that the world’s biggest sporting event brings.
So what can you do to protect yourself from these threats? First, be aware of the risks. Keep an eye out for phishing emails and other scams that might try to take advantage of World Cup fever. Second, make sure your security software is up to date. And finally, don’t forget to back up your data.
Businesses are no exception, as large events such as the World Cup tend to attract more attention from hackers, seeking opportunities to make tremendous amounts of money; therefore, organisations must be extra vigilant.
Fortunately, there are steps businesses can take to protect themselves.
First, they should have a comprehensive security plan in place before the event. This should include awareness training for employees on spotting and reporting suspicious activity and measures to block or contain attacks. Also, if a security plan is in place, it must be revisited to ensure that risks are low and that the latest technologies and security checks are in place.
Second, businesses should ensure that their security software is up to date and that they have adequate backup systems.
Third, software updates and backups should not stop at security programs; instead, they should include all of the software used within the organisation. This practice (anyway) must be done more frequently, as most attackers look for any vulnerability.
And finally, they should monitor activity during the event and be prepared to respond quickly to any incidents.
With proper planning and execution, businesses can ensure that their World Cup experience is a positive one. And that’s something we can all root for.
What are your thoughts on cybersecurity during the World Cup? Let us know in the comments below.
The World Cup is a time when the whole world comes together in one place… and that includes unwanted guests such as hackers.
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