Super Bowl cyber security is a high-stakes game.

The Super Bowl, scheduled for February 11th in Las Vegas, is generating a lot of enthusiasm. According to Peter O'Reilly, Executive Vice President of the National Football League (NFL), there is a lot of excitement and expectation for the event.

While many Americans focus on which side will do better, a few are focused on something else...

Super Bowl cyber threats
With 65,000 in-person attendance and about 115 million at-home watchers, a successful Super Bowl interruption might result in severe negative consequences on numerous levels. For cyber attackers, these types of events are the 'great white whales' among accessible targets.

What could happen
Imagine if a phony QR code was made by a cyber threat group and used to a Super Bowl commercial. There's a chance that the QR code will lead users to a fake website. The website has the potential to defraud users of all funds in their checking accounts if bank card information is input.

Staying ahead of the game
The NFL and CISA have conducted a cyber threat prevention exercise for the Super Bowl, involving over 100 groups including the NFL, stadium, and governmental agencies. The exercise aimed to consider hypothetical scenarios involving phishing, ransomware, data breaches, and insider threats. Experts worry that if critical systems are compromised, event organizers may feel pressured to accept ransom demands. The exercise aimed to identify gaps in plans and ensure a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities, ensuring they are ready for potential challenges on game day.

Securing smart stadiums
Stadiums' growing digital footprints increase the risk of breaches due to the interconnected nature of game-related digital touch-points, including ticket payment platforms, surveillance systems, vendor payment systems, and banking systems. Cyber security expert Micki Boland warns that people can't protect themselves from consuming fake media and disseminating it as legitimate. Disinformation related to the Super Bowl or Super Bowl-oriented content could potentially upset consumers and the general public.

Touchdown
Planning for potential cyber security scenarios during the Super Bowl helps prepare for a win, regardless of the outcome of the Kansas City Chiefs or San Francisco 49ers, ensuring a level of security that everyone in the community can be proud of.

Source: CyberTalk.org